The right choice of finishing materials for the kitchen plays a major role. They will help not only to transform the space, but also to simplify cleaning. And this nuance is especially important, since the formation of greasy deposits, soot and other contaminants associated with cooking is inevitable here. Particular attention should be paid to that part of the wall that is located between the countertop and the hanging cabinets. It is commonly called the "kitchen apron." It is this area that is most susceptible to pollution, as it is located in close proximity to the working surface. The material selected for its decoration must meet certain criteria and must have a beautiful view. A kitchen apron made of plastic is currently the most popular and very popular.
Material Selection Criteria
When choosing finishing materials for the kitchen, it is very important to adhere to certain criteria. This need arises in order to extend the time between repairs of the premises. This process is quite expensive, and not every person is able to do it every year, so all the finishing materials used must have certain properties that will fully correspond to the specific purpose of the kitchen space. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of panels for an apron. The practicality and reliability of the finish will depend on the correctness of the decision.
The main criteria:
- strength;
- heat resistance;
- ease in leaving;
- resistance to mechanical stress, chemical treatment, high humidity;
- aesthetic appearance.
The working area near the stove is constantly exposed to high temperatures, therefore it is extremely important to observe safety precautions in order to avoid the occurrence of fire sources. An apron for the kitchen (photo below) on this site must necessarily have fire-fighting properties. If a material such as chipboard or plastic is used in the decoration, it must be combined with stainless steel or other refractory material. It is installed in the form of a decorative edge about 20 cm high. This is enough to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Modern materials for the kitchen
Manufacturers have now invented many different finishing materials. They differ in price, quality, texture and color scheme. Some natural materials do not have a wide variety of colors in their assortment, which significantly limits their use. Use of such materials is possible only with the appropriate style of the entire room. But artificial materials created using modern technology will harmoniously fit into any interior. For their manufacture, a wide range of color palettes using various ornaments and patterns is used. For example, an apron with photo printing made of plastic, made in 3D format. The choice is huge, you can choose the most optimal option that will satisfy aesthetic needs, given the possible financial costs.
Plastic apron. Specifications
Plastic is an inexpensive material that is optimal for finishing the kitchen space. Its surface is perfectly smooth, which completely eliminates the accumulation of dirt. All soot and fat deposits are easily washed with simple detergents. However, a plastic kitchen apron cannot be cleaned with a metal brush, as there may be scratches. Also, this material does not tolerate abrasive treatment.
In comparison with other finishing materials, plastic is somewhat inferior in strength. However, its cost and ease of installation make this disadvantage quite acceptable.
Design options
Many people associate plastic with a white canvas. However, progress does not stand still. An apron for the kitchen (photo examples in the article) made of PVC panels is currently not inferior in design to other expensive materials, such as skins. They can be found in a variety of colors: shades range from calm tones to sharp, even sometimes very bold. Such a richness of the palette will make the area of the kitchen apron a central contrasting accent. Many panels are full of an abundance of various drawings with a wide selection of subjects, and there are also options using photo installations. A certain installation method allows you to install additional lighting in the form of LED strips, it produces a stunning effect and at the same time improves the ergonomics of the kitchen space.
Kitchen apron made of plastic, accessories for it
Finishing the work area alone is not enough for the full functionality of this room. Plastic can only become a decoration and complement to the interior, but the installation of special accessories will increase convenience and comfort. In order for the wall panel not to stand idle, but to perform as many functions as possible, it is necessary to install kitchen rails. They are a long tube, usually made of stainless steel, which is mounted on two or more brackets. At the end, plugs are inserted on each side, they give the design an aesthetic finished look. Roof rails are installed at a small distance from the wall cabinets, which allows you to significantly relieve the work surface. Additional accessories are attached to the main tube, for example, containers for spices, a bread box, drying for spoons and forks, and small mesh shelves.
Which design should I prefer?
Plastic aprons should not act as a separate element of the kitchen, but rather correspond to the overall style. The abundance of colors and images sometimes makes it difficult to choose. In order for harmony and a cozy atmosphere to reign in the room, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
- With a bright and contrasting kitchen set , the apron area is decorated in soothing colors and, accordingly, vice versa.
- The transition of shades from saturated to calm, for example: the walls are fiery orange, and the working area is sand.
- The kitchen apron is a contrasting emphasis on a neutral background.
Aprons made of plastic. Optimal sizes
In order not to make a mistake with the width of the kitchen apron, first of all, you will need to arrange all the furniture, hang hanging cabinets and install a hood. After that, the overall picture will be clearly visible. Measurement of each sheet must be carried out at three points, to remove the most accurate dimensions. A discrepancy in a few millimeters is permissible and completely covered by a special baseboard. The optimal height of the kitchen apron is 50-60 cm. This arrangement will be as convenient as possible, during cooking, the hostess will not bang her head on wall cabinets, and also reach for some dishes or spices.
Ways to install plastic panels
The main advantage of PVC sheets is simple and easy installation. A kitchen apron made of plastic is glued to the surface using liquid nails. This option may require some additional work related to leveling the wall. However, this method has one drawback: during dismantling, removing the panel without damaging it will not work. Therefore, experts recommend using a mount using self-tapping screws. To do this, it is necessary to drill PVC holes in all corners with a diameter of no more than 3-5 mm. Then, taking these dimensions into account, attach a profile or a wooden beam to the wall on which a plastic apron will be directly installed. For aesthetics, the screws are covered with decorative caps or special caps.
Plastic for the kitchen. Benefits
Plastic panels are an indicator of value for money. At a fairly low cost, they have the following properties:
- ease of installation;
- wide range of designs;
- strength;
- unpretentious in operation;
- heat and sound insulation;
- resistant to mechanical damage.
Of course, these are not all the advantages that a plastic kitchen apron can characterize. The reviews of people who installed such panels allow us to draw certain conclusions. First you need to check the quality of the purchased material in order to avoid fakes. After that, specify the melting index, it should not be lower than 100 0 .
Disadvantages of plastic
Unfortunately, any material used in the decoration of rooms has drawbacks, PVC panels are no exception.
- If the windows face the south side in the kitchen, premature burnout of the surface may occur, which will lead to the loss of the original appearance and presentability.
- During care, do not use hard brushes, wire sponges, as this can leave scratches.
- A kitchen apron made of plastic has low fire resistance.
The use of PVC panels will not only prevent pollution of the working area in the kitchen, but will also become an original decoration of the entire room, giving it originality and individuality. The possibility of partial replacement will allow, without carrying out a full repair, to change a boring design or a failed element, for this it will be enough to remove the old sheet and install a new one in its place. It is not difficult to dismantle a kitchen apron made of plastic with your own hands, so this process will take a little time.
In order to create a truly beautiful, reliable and practical kitchen interior, you can safely use the finish of PVC panels.