Wall panels for the kitchen are gradually replacing the fashion for aprons from tiles. The usual ceramics are being replaced by other, more economical, practical and beautiful materials: low-cost MDF, high-tech plastic, noble solid wood, stylish and durable glass. Such panels have many advantages over traditional tiles, although each type of material has its own drawbacks. Which option to prefer? It depends on the individual needs, the architectural features of the kitchen and the financial capabilities of homeowners.
Why in the kitchen wall panels
The surface of the wall between the countertop and hanging cabinets or shelves is called a kitchen apron. This area is exposed to hot air from the stove, spray from the sink, various contaminants from the work surface. The apron must withstand high temperatures, high humidity, cleaning with aggressive detergents.
Until recently, the most popular and almost the only material capable of reliably protecting the wall was ceramic tile. Such a coating is characterized by durability, reasonable price and a diverse design, but it is not without drawbacks: a complicated installation process, unaesthetic seams, difficulties in replacing the coating.
Wall panels for the kitchen protect the working wall and have many advantages over ceramic tiles. Before installing the panels, the walls can not be leveled, cement and other construction compounds are not needed, and the cost of material and installation work is much lower than for ceramics. Wall panels for an apron in the kitchen are made of particleboard and MDF, plastic, glass and natural materials. Each type has its undeniable advantages and disadvantages, so before buying it is worth exploring all the possible options.
MDF panels
First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the wall panel for the kitchen from MDF should only be laminated, ordinary furniture plates are not suitable here. Unlike a regular sheet, the laminated surface repels grease and dirt, so it stays clean longer and is easier to clean. According to reviews, the panels are characterized by high strength, resistant to scratches and mechanical damage, improve the level of sound insulation, can be made in different colors. Wall panels for the kitchen from MDF can be installed with your own hands without the help of specialists.
The disadvantages include a rather high fire hazard compared to some other materials: the proximity of an open flame can cause a fire. Careless handling and constant exposure to moisture can lead to sheet deformation. To prevent this, the panel must be washed with a soft sponge and wiped dry.
Plastic panels
This is the second most popular material for wall lining in the kitchen, the next after ceramic tiles. Its main advantages are low cost and versatility. Just a few years ago, plastic was produced in several standard colors and had an unpleasant odor, so it was not used in the kitchen. According to customer reviews, modern high-tech material significantly exceeds the previous options: almost unlimited color gamut, a variety of textures and excellent consumer properties made it the closest competitor to ceramics. The price of wall panels for the kitchen starts at 400 rubles per square meter, and you can do it yourself. Such panels are resistant to moisture and do not deform, improve sound insulation. The wall panel for the kitchen made of PVC, polyvinyl chloride, as modern plastic is called, can imitate the texture of any surface: stone, wood, mosaic or traditional tile.
Laminated chipboard
This is the cheapest option for decorating the kitchen wall. Unlike ordinary furniture chipboard, the laminated version can be washed without worrying about the safety of the surface: it is not subject to deformation and retains its original gloss for a long time. The laminated facade of wall panels for the kitchen performs two functions at the same time - protective and aesthetic, and the main advantage of chipboard is its low price. Positive reviews about this finish option confirm: it combines practicality and affordability, and after a few years it is easily replaced with a new one.
The disadvantages of chipboard include poor tolerance of high temperatures, the close proximity of a gas stove can contribute to deformation and darkening. Also, the material is not durable, the average period of operation is about five years. It is not recommended to clean the panels with aggressive detergents, as the surface will quickly lose its original attractiveness.
Wooden panels
MDF, PVC and particleboard are excellent materials for a kitchen apron, but they only imitate expensive textures. Natural wood will make the interior respectable, stylish and solid, although it will be very expensive. To protect the surface from the effects of heat, moisture, fat, detergents, the surface of the wood is treated with special wax, which significantly increases the period of operation. According to reviews, this decor should be handled carefully, washed extremely carefully, and wiped dry if moisture gets into it.
The tree creates a unique cosiness and warm atmosphere, which cannot be achieved with other materials. The design of the wall panel under the kitchen creates the effect of a continuous surface and looks especially attractive.
Plywood panels
Water-resistant plywood is a cheaper alternative to wood planks. It is characterized by a beautiful texture with an expressive pattern, a variety of colors and good consumer properties. This is a simple, unpretentious and fairly durable material that can be used to decorate a kitchen wall.
Glass panels
Wall panels for a kitchen made of glass are a great alternative to ceramic tiles, not inferior to it in durability and significantly superior in beauty. The most preferred material is tempered glass. Such an apron can be mounted next to the stove and not be afraid for its safety. This type of panels is resistant to moisture, greasy splashes and mechanical shock. The thickness of the panel is an average of 7 mm. Customer reviews are mostly positive: the glass looks aesthetically pleasing and does not require complicated maintenance.
On the tempered glass, you can depict the whole picture: a mountain or sea landscape, city streets running into the distance, a calm and peaceful forest. The wall panel for the kitchen with a picture looks unusually aesthetically pleasing. Any contamination is easily cleaned from the surface; aggressive chemicals and abrasive substances can be used to remove grease. The only drawback of glass is its high cost.
Another suitable option is optivite, a completely transparent white glass, free from impurities. It is from optivite that they produce wall panels for the kitchen with photo printing. It is also possible to produce a one-color apron with a matte or glossy surface, a mirror substrate, stained glass and sandblasting. Placing the LED backlight behind the panel creates an interesting and unusual effect: the wall seems to shine from the inside.
In some cases, a cheaper analogue of optivite is used - ordinary glass glued in three layers. However, this material is fragile and has a slightly greenish tint.
Postforming
Postforming is a modern material, which is a chipboard, covered with a thin layer of high-quality plastic. As a result, a strong and resistant sheet is formed, combining the advantages of both components: low-cost chipboard and durability of plastic. Wall panels for the kitchen, made from postforming, can be mounted even near the stove and sink: neither high temperature nor high humidity can violate the integrity of the coating. The material can be washed with any detergents, including abrasive and aggressive ones, the surface will not lose its luster and pristine beauty. According to reviews, in comparison with laminated particleboard, postforming has a more interesting appearance, beautiful colors and greater durability. However, the price of this type of decor is slightly higher.
Stone panels
Artificial granite is one of the most durable, reliable and durable materials. Just like glass, stone wall panels are resistant to moisture, heat and mechanical damage. To protect the walls, stone coating is the most reliable, but design decisions are limited: the color palette of the stone is very scarce, there are few variations of the pattern, besides, the stone surface is beautifully combined only with natural wood or the same stone. This material looks great in an interior designed in the style of classicism, but is likely to be inappropriate in a more democratic design. Installation and cutting of plates is very difficult due to the high strength of the plate.
Metal panels
A metal apron is still a rare and even exotic option. The main reason is the high cost of sheets and poor representation in stores: it is not difficult to buy wall panels for a kitchen in St. Petersburg or Moscow, but you can hardly find them in cities farther from the capital. Also, the metal profile is distinguished by the complexity of laying, but in terms of practicality, reliability and stylish appearance, it has practically no competitors. The surface can be made of matte, glossy, shimmering, covered with patina or decorative relief, and stainless steel or copper can act as a raw material.
Mirror Panels
To make the interior stylish, bright, warm and cozy, it is not necessary to use expensive, pathos materials. Mirror wall panel for the kitchen will help to add special shine and gloss to the setting. This option is suitable for minimalism, hi-tech, art deco, glamor, Scandinavian style and even classicism. Thanks to the high reflectivity of the mirror, the kitchen instantly transforms, becomes lighter and more spacious. The most banal interior looks unusual and aesthetically pleasing, and the financial costs of such a panel are relatively low.
3D panels
3D panels are a fairly new trend in the world of interior design, but gradually it is gaining more and more popularity. Volumetric walls look expensive, luxurious and solid, and the interior takes on an unprecedented high style. The material for the manufacture of panels are MDF and gypsum.
Volumetric panels made of MDF are produced by applying several layers, and gypsum sheets are cast in special forms, dried and opened with protective agents that prevent the absorption of moisture. Gypsum panels can have a completely different texture, for example, simulate waves, so they are suitable for a variety of interior styles. They are mounted on the wall with liquid nails or tile glue, while the surface of the wall should be perfectly smooth. The disadvantages of 3D-panels include a rather high cost and some inconvenience when cleaning: dirt accumulates in the recesses and protrusions.
Wall panels for the kitchen have a diverse design, a rich color palette and an abundance of various textures. This design option for the working area looks more stylish and interesting than traditional ceramic tiles. There are no joints between the panels, so maintaining cleanliness is much easier. The price range also pleases with variety, so the choice seems obvious: panels are more attractive than boring ceramics.