What are the materials for an apron in the kitchen and which one is better?

The kitchen is one of the most important areas in the apartment. Each hostess wants to make this room not only functional, but also aesthetically attractive and comfortable. Innovative technologies and modern equipment have allowed manufacturers to produce a huge range of materials for a kitchen apron, but before going to the store, you need to carefully study the properties and technical characteristics of the product you like so that the repairs made will last for more than a dozen years.

When carrying out repair work, special attention must be paid to the working area, which is often prone to dirt and mechanical damage. The backsplash is one of the most important elements of the work area in the kitchen, which is located above the countertop on the wall. This area will experience a large number of the following negative impacts that must be considered:

• high temperature conditions;
• mechanical damage;
• water vapor;
• water drops;
• splashes of fat;
• juice of sour fruits and vegetables.

Taking into account the negative effects, the material for the apron must meet the requirements:

• resistance to high temperatures;
• high decorative performance;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of care;
• excellent hygienic and sanitary characteristics.

For many decades, people were limited in the choice of building and finishing materials and used paint, wallpaper or ceramic tiles to decorate the kitchen surface.The situation has changed dramatically over the past few years. In modern hardware stores you can see a huge range of products that differ not only in appearance, but also in properties and characteristics.

The classic option for wall decoration, which is still relevant today. Every year, the assortment of this group of tile products is replenished with new products, and designers are constantly working on new collections. Despite the long-term use of tiles, the demand for it not only does not fall, but is constantly growing. This indicator is due to full compliance of the material with all the necessary requirements.

Its advantages:

• resistance to moisture;
• ease of care;
• light weight;
• durability;
• immunity to high temperatures;
• environmental Safety;
• wide range of colors;
• the presence of various geometric shapes;
• compatibility with various stylistic directions.

Disadvantages:

• availability of professional skills to carry out work is required;
• possible deformation due to careless handling of products.

A durable and beautiful material that can be natural or artificial and is not often used in modern rooms. This product category also includes porcelain stoneware, polished natural rocks, gypsum and concrete slabs. Experts recommend to treat this group of materials especially carefully due to the complex structure of some of them.

Due to special processing and application of a protective layer, the products acquire positive characteristics:

• resistance to temperature extremes and prolonged exposure to high temperatures;
• immunity to steam and water;
• ease of care;
• environmental Safety;
• long period of operation;
• high aesthetic performance.

Negative properties:

• high price range;
• the complexity of installation and repair.

A modern product that has a high level of heat resistance and impact resistance. Thanks to these properties, glass is becoming more and more popular every year. It has many other advantages:

• maximum moisture resistance;
• lack of harmful impurities;
• immunity to temperature fluctuations;
• high aesthetic performance;
• wide range of colors;
• the ability to apply a graphic image;
• immunity to dirt, grease and smell;
• the ability to use in any stylistic direction;
• long period of operation.

Minuses:

• heavy weight;
• complexity of installation;
• attraction of specialists for installation;
• custom-made production, taking into account the required dimensions;
• the need for information about the type of wall to which the apron will be attached.

Inexpensive product made from polyvinyl chloride. This product has a wide range of shades, and some models can be decorated with graphic designs. Unfortunately, they are distinguished by:

• fragility;
• low resistance to steam, heat, mechanical damage, moisture and grease;
• inability to use abrasive cleaners and hard brushes;
• the frequent appearance of fungi and mold in the crevices near the wall;
• the release of toxic substances.

There are also qualities:

• wide range of colors;
• availability;
• low price;
• the ability to use a solid canvas;
• ease of installation;
• quick replacement of deformed areas;
• light weight;
• no need for preliminary leveling of the wall;
• the ability to combine with other types of finishing materials.

An expensive type of finishing material, which is very rarely used in budget renovations due to its high price range.In addition, it is not possible to use abrasive cleaning agents. However, steel is characterized by:

• resistance to high temperatures, mechanical damage and burnout;
• immunity to pollution and odor accumulation;
• ease of care;
• inertness to moisture;
• durability and strength;
• resistant to mold and mildew.

A beautiful material, the texture of which is reminiscent of wood and is harmoniously combined with all styles. Positive sides:

• reliability;
• ease of installation;
• durability.

Adverse factors:

• the presence of formaldehyde resins;
• high level of flammability;
• the appearance of mold and mildew in wet conditions;
• the use of the material is allowed only with a protective coating.

In order for the kitchen to correspond to the chosen stylistic direction, before renovation, you must carefully study all the latest fashion trends and choose the most suitable one for yourself. To draw new ideas and find out which of them are relevant now, they will help specialized magazines and consultations of professional designers, who will definitely find the necessary solution. Each type of finishing material can be used for different stylistic solutions. There are many trends in fashion.

For design solutions, for example, the popular classic ceramic tiles are great.

• Single color design - a simple and neat option that does not require the selection of material and is performed as quickly as possible. A single-colored apron is harmoniously combined with all styles and types of kitchen furniture. Subsequently, for a general cosmetic repair of the kitchen, it will be enough just to change the wallpaper, which should be combined with the color of the apron. However, such an apron is easily soiled, it is necessary to carry out regular cleaning.

• Simultaneous use of multiple colors - a new trend, for the implementation of which you need to carefully approach the selection of shades. All colors used should be in harmony with kitchen furniture and wallpaper. The disadvantage is a visual decrease in space.

• Mosaic application - a modern trend that is gaining more and more popularity every year. This coating can combine one, two or more colors. Advantages - ease of maintenance, the use of a minimum number of tools, the ability to combine with other finishing materials. The weak point is the presence of a large number of tile joints.

• Combination of tiles and thematic panels - an unusual design solution, the use of which requires practical and theoretical knowledge. All materials should be harmoniously combined with each other and create a common composition. Such decor is distinguished by a high price and complexity of work.

When using artificial or natural stone, designers recommend paying attention on a completely new material: large pebbleswhich has no sharp corners. Pebbles not only have high aesthetic properties, but also help remove all the unevenness of the kitchen surface.

Glass aprons - the latest trend in the construction industry. Designers have developed a large number of fashionable ideas for the use of this material.

• Transparent surface - a protective layer under which the decorative surface is located. This coating can protect all types of materials that cannot be used in the kitchen. Surfaces of any size can be used; it is possible to change the internal pattern if necessary.

• Matte finish - satin. It is installed at the time of surface cladding. To make the base pattern look clear and beautiful, you need to choose patterns with bright outlines and outlines.Sometimes designers leave a gap between the base wall and the glass cladding for placement of decorative elements in the voids and spectacular lighting. High cost and difficult to clean.

• Colored monochromatic coating - an original solution that allows you to visually expand the space. This type of surface can be both matte and glossy, and can also have any colors.

• Backlit glass apron - an unusual and practical design, which is an independent art object. Special lighting fixtures are mounted in the top and bottom profiles. Visually enlarges the space, creates a comfortable environment for cooking. However, it is expensive and difficult to install.

• Glass cover with photo printing - the most popular option that can decorate any room. The use of modern equipment makes it possible to produce and stick on the back side of the panel various images that can visually expand even the smallest kitchen space.

• One of the latest trends in the world of kitchen decoration is mirror mosaic. It will visually increase the volume of the room, but it will require daily cleaning and will constantly reflect moving objects.

To make the right decision when choosing the required type of apron for the kitchen, the following parameters must be taken into account:

• size range of materials used;
• type of stove;
• type of furniture;
• general style of the kitchen.

Professional builders recommend when calculating the size of this kitchen element take into account the spacing for the lower and upper cabinets, the distance between the stove and the hood. If the kitchen design does not provide for the installation of hanging furniture, then the apron should reach the ceiling itself.

Kitchen decorating has long ceased to be boring. Modern designers offer a huge number of interesting options and creative ideas that will help make the cooking area not only practical, but also beautiful. Before starting the transformation of the kitchen space, it is necessary to objectively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of the idea being implemented.

• The creation of a single color composition for a kitchen apron and furniture is a new trend in the world of decor. The selected graphic is applied to the entire work area, all elements of which become a single whole. An indispensable material for this solution is glass panels (photo 1).

• Bright and juicy colors against the background of a white kitchen are always in demand and relevant. Especially if a green tone is chosen (photo 2).

• Modern people who are not afraid of experiments can pay attention to the metal mosaic (photo 3).

For information on what materials are available for an apron in the kitchen, see the video below.