In the kitchen, it is very important to choose the right finishing material for the work area. It is that part of the wall that is located between the countertop and the wall cabinets that is most often polluted. Drops of water, fat, soot fall on it constantly during cooking, therefore, it is very often mounted a kitchen apron from PVC panels. This material meets all the requirements, has an aesthetic appearance and a relatively low cost. However, in order to make the right choice, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the technical characteristics of the plastic.
Criteria for choosing a material for a kitchen apron
Before starting the repair, the question before everyone sharply arises: “What materials should I prefer for finishing the space?” Here, the appearance alone will not be enough. It is necessary to calculate all the financial costs that may be needed to purchase materials. As well as the whole range of work: some of them can be done independently, and for some, hire professionals. However, these are not all the criteria that affect the choice of facing coating. The kitchen is a specific space, so it is extremely important for him to take into account such properties as unpretentiousness, durability, safety, practicality and reliability. And the most suitable solution will be PVC panels that fully meet these requirements.
Choosing plastic panels for the kitchen apron
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a modern material used for the manufacture of cladding panels. Thanks to high technologies, it became possible to give them different colors, apply original ornaments and drawings, as well as different sizes. According to the last parameter, they can be divided into three main types:
- Sheets. Their surface is even and smooth, can be either matte or glossy. Standard sizes: length - 1.5–4 m, width - 0.8–2 m. Sheets have proven themselves on the good side, rightfully considered a reliable and practical type of finish.
- Panels. The most popular and sought-after facing. Their range and variety make it easy to choose the right option for any interior. A kitchen apron made of PVC panels differs from others in a seamless installation. Most often, standard sizes of 50 x 60 cm are used, however, you can also find those where the length reaches 3 m.
- Lining is an original type of finish, which differs from others with a narrow width of 10 cm. The color scheme is mostly monophonic.
The characteristic features of plastic panels
Those who want to save a little on finishing a kitchen apron can and should even opt for PVC panels. Features of this material can not only reduce financial costs, but also cope with their installation yourself. Installation itself will not take much time and will be done without excess dust and dirt.
The advantages of a plastic kitchen apron
By installing an apron in the kitchen made of plastic (PVC panels), you can solve several problems at the same time, since the advantages of this type of finish are numerous. We list the main ones:
- Prevents the formation of dust and moisture accumulation directly under the panels. And this, in turn, protects against the growth of bacteria and fungus.
- Seamless installation makes cleaning easy and keeps the surface clean.
- A huge number of design solutions, various drawings, colors and textures.
- A panel for a kitchen apron is inexpensive, its price is so attractive that it is suitable even for families with a small budget. If you purchase material with photo printing, then it will cost 1000-1500 p. per unit, and plain colors are much cheaper.
- Certified panels are completely safe, even when exposed to high temperatures. They do not contain harmful substances, so they do not emit during melting.
- The possibility of partial replacement of one or more panels, if the installation was made on special fasteners (bolts).
- Ease of care. Using a damp cloth, wipe the surface with a small amount of detergent.
- The material does not absorb odors at all, which is very important for the kitchen.
Let's move on to the shortcomings
A kitchen apron made of PVC panels, like any other material, can have disadvantages. However, this does not mean that it is not suitable for facing. You just need to know certain points in order for the panels to please the eye for a sufficiently long time and there is no need for frequent repairs.
Cons of PVC panels:
- Do not clean with coarse brushes, especially metal ones, as they leave scratches.
- Subject to mechanical stress, with a strong impact, the surface can be deformed.
- Features of the melting point. A kitchen apron made of PVC panels cannot be placed close to an open fire, as this can provoke a fire. Therefore, in this zone it is necessary to additionally wall the wall with refractory material.
- Cheap models can emit harmful substances.
Mounting Features
A kitchen apron made of PVC panels can be mounted in several ways.
1 option - on profiles
First you need to attach the wooden beams to the wall. The distance between them should correspond to the width of the panel. Self-tapping screws are used for fastening, and their hats are decorated with special devices (plugs) after installation. This method is often used for unprepared walls, on which unevenness and differences are pronounced.
Option 2 - on glue
Before choosing this installation method, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. They consist in leveling the walls, puttying and priming. After that, around the perimeter of the panel and in the center, coat with glue and firmly press it against the wall. It is better to give preference to polymer adhesive compositions, for example liquid nails. They quickly set and subsequently create a strong connection. However, it should be noted that dismantling if necessary will be quite difficult, and, as a rule, it will not be possible to remove the entire panel.
Option 3 - direct wall mount
This installation method, as well as gluing, will require careful leveling of the wall surface. After that, holes are made in them and dowels are installed, their location must exactly match the four corners of the panels. And the last step is direct mounting with screws.
A kitchen apron made of PVC panels is a great finish. Its diversity allows you to give the space an unusual and extravagant look. And if you decorate it with LED backlighting, then such a move will significantly enhance the effect produced, and such a kitchen will not leave anyone indifferent.