What is the best apron for the kitchen. Kitchen apron: material selection, manufacturing and installation yourself

Renovating a kitchen doesn't necessarily mean replacing old tiles. We will advise you on how to renovate walls cheaply and quickly. You can do this work yourself or hire specialists in this field.

There are many options from which you can choose an inexpensive solution for yourself. From the article you will learn how to make an apron in the kitchen cheaply.

Often people choose to finish the backsplash with MDF board, which is highly resistant to moisture, which is easy to keep clean, and is also available in a rich palette of colors. Cheap aprons for the kitchen made of plastic are convenient in that you can finish large enough sections of the wall with such MDF, connecting them with metal strips. You can also fix them with rods for hanging dishes or spices. Installing an apron made of mdf is very simple. Inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons can be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws.

Such an MDF board can be decorated with photo printing, which, of course, will increase its cost, but will allow you to create a very original interior. Plastic aprons are perhaps the easiest solution.

Inexpensive painting

To reduce the cost of getting the wall above your worktop up to par, you can cover it with paint. You should not, however, use the usual paints that are used in other rooms. In this case, wall paint in the kitchen and bathroom works best. This is a special product with increased resistance to moisture and grease. This coating is also resistant to abrasion, which allows you to repeatedly wash the walls covered with paint. For an aesthetic effect, the surface of the wall to be painted must be perfectly smooth.

Paint is good decision for people who like to change often appearance premises. Such walls you can at any time be repainted in any color.
washable vinyl wallpapers

The cheapest kitchen backsplash is washable vinyl wallpaper. However, this solution is not very durable.

How to cheaply update an apron?

Are you planning a renovation, or do you not like the interior of your kitchen, its appearance? Do you want to update the walls or old tiles and are looking for how to make an apron in the kitchen cheaply? We offer you some ideas on how to make repairs and how to change the wall above the countertop, what are the ways to update the backsplash.

How to update old tiles in the kitchen

An old kitchen apron can be presented in a new light. If the wall is tiled, it must be thoroughly cleaned. If the tile is glazed, a detergent is sufficient. If stains are difficult to remove, using soap and water, vinegar, or baking soda may help.
It is more difficult to restore a tile that is not protected by a layer of glaze. If the stains have penetrated deeper, you can use special products for unglazed tiles, which are offered by chemical manufacturers.

Contaminated tile grout can be cleaned with ammonia or acid-based products available as liquid concentrates that can be dissolved in water. If these funds do not help, then you will have to update the seams.

The old grout can be removed with a stylus, then the joints must be primed and new grout applied.

This is an idea for those who do not want to knock down old tiles. You can update the wall above the work surface, or paint the tiles. There are special paints that can be used to paint it, but the procedure is laborious and the effect is short-lived.

This method can be used if in the near future we are planning a large reconstruction, but for the current year we want to carry out a minor renovation of the wall.

Before painting, the surface must be cleaned and degreased, otherwise the paint will peel and crumble. Each plate should be sanded with a fine sandpaper (for example, 420).

If you want to avoid removing the old tile, you can stick a new one directly on it. A new cheap kitchen tile backsplash will make it completely different and you will not need the dirty work of knocking down the old coating. To do this, you need a special glue, which must be applied to the old tile with a very thin layer so as not to thicken the walls. You should also look for thin tile options - options are available with a thickness of 7 mm or even 3-5 mm. The old surface must be cleaned and any defects repaired with mortar.

The places where the seams were aligned should be treated with a primer solution. If we want to tile a larger area of ​​the wall than the old one, the new area must be filled with leveling mortar with a layer of the same thickness as the old tile.

Glass or drywall over old tiles

Old tiles can also be covered with other material. A fashionable solution is a sheet of glass that is screwed to the wall. In this case better fit frosted glass, it darkens the tile, or patterned options. Due to the high temperature around hob It is recommended to choose tempered glass. You can also install clear glass walls through which you can see the old flooring. The effect is interesting if the old tile is clean.

Other solutions that are used during wall repair:

• drywall that can be painted with moisture-resistant paint,
• veneer board finish,
• covering with thin sheet steel,
• wallpaper or photo wallpaper under glass.

Thus, there are many simple and cheap ways to update the wall above the work surface. Of course, we cannot achieve ideal results with them, but some solutions are quite acceptable. Laminated MDF panels perform especially well, which are inexpensive, but have good durability, are easy to clean, quite decorative, and wall defects, if any, can be hidden behind their surface.

And the gas stove must be covered with a practical screen that is resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The appearance of this area is also not in last place, it is the wall above the working area that is often used to place the accents of the kitchen interior. If you plan to install the apron yourself, then the complexity and duration of installation play a big role. To do right choice, you need to choose an option with the optimal ratio of all these qualities.

The surface of the wall above the countertop is the most loaded area of ​​the kitchen. Here are household appliances, a work area and a gas stove. Not every type of finish is able to adequately withstand all types of impacts associated with the operation of the kitchen for its intended purpose. Therefore, a number of requirements are imposed on the kitchen apron:

• Resistant to high temperatures. Since the heating of the screen surface is uneven, the material should not expand significantly. combustibility and low melting point best qualities for an apron;
• Moisture resistance. The impact of liquids on the surface can manifest itself in different ways: direct contact, splashes, steam. Therefore, the apron must be chosen from materials that do not absorb water;
• Ease of cleaning. The surface of the screen in the kitchen is exposed to various types of pollution: dust, grease, particles food products. It is important that the material does not change its appearance, even after prolonged contact with dirt;
• Mechanical strength. Since the surface of the apron will have to be cleaned frequently, and sometimes intensively, the coating must be resistant to abrasive substances and hard brushes. Micro-scratches and areas of worn paint will definitely not decorate the kitchen;
• Safety. Ecological cleanliness and the absence of harmful fumes is one of the most important qualities of a kitchen apron, because it can come into contact with food.

There are many materials on the market that fully or partially meet these requirements. Nevertheless, this is a difficult choice that requires taking into account all the features of the installation, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of aprons.

Types of materials for an apron

It is better to decide on the choice of material for the protective screen in the kitchen before installing the headset, as some types of finishes are mounted on a free wall.

Aprons made of solid or large fragments can also be fixed after placing the furniture, if they do not require "wet" types of work.

Before installing any apron, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the wall, check its integrity and reliability. It will not be superfluous to treat with primers with an antiseptic to protect against moisture and its inevitable companions - fungus and mold. It is important to pre-wire the wiring and make outlets for sockets.

When the wall plane is prepared, you can measure the area for the apron and proceed with the selection of the most suitable materials. To do this, you can compare their advantages and disadvantages, and also evaluate the possible difficulties during installation.

Tile

The classic version of the apron lining is tiles of various shapes, sizes and designs. She is practical and accessible. Combinations of different shades and designs of tiles allow you to create unique and beautiful protective screens for kitchen.

Material Features

Tiled tiles are a win-win option for decorating an apron. It will always be in fashion and will ensure comfortable and safe operation of the kitchen. The popularity of tiles is due to a number of advantages that distinguish them from other types of materials:

• Resistant to mechanical stress. Minor blows will not harm her, and the glaze with which the front surface is covered endures intensive cleaning;
• Does not absorb moisture. No wonder it is used for laying in the wettest places at home in the bathroom and toilet. In the kitchen, it will perform the function of protecting the wall from splashes and steam flawlessly;
• Easily tolerates uneven heating. The expansion is compensated by the presence of a small distance between the individual trim elements. But it is important to choose a good adhesive base and grout;
• Durable. Apron service life tiles subject to high-quality laying and glue - at least 15 - 20 years;
• Safe. The material is environmentally friendly and non-flammable.

Among the shortcomings of the tile, the most significant is the seams, which are difficult to clean from dirt, and prolonged exposure to moisture can provoke the appearance of mold and fungus. But if you do not be stingy and choose a quality grout, these inconveniences can be avoided.

Installation of a tile apron

In order for the tile to adhere well to the wall surface, it is necessary to provide all conditions for high-quality adhesion. Check the plaster for voids and weaknesses. Prime and notch if the base is covered with a layer of paint that cannot be removed.

For laying tiles with your own hands, you will need special tools and materials:

• Glue;
• notched spatula;
• Crosses for seams;
• Grout;
• Tile cutter.

Installation can be done different ways. The simplest - horizontal or vertical, it is best to choose for self-laying, if there are no professional skills. More complex types will require the hands of a specialist: herringbone, offset, diagonally.

Laying must be done before the installation of the kitchen set. And since the first row of tiles will not start from the floor, but from the middle of the wall, it is necessary to temporarily install a guide rail.

Ideally, if the size of the tile is matched exactly to the size of the apron, then it does not have to be cut. But if there are outlets on the plane of the wall, you will need to work with a tile cutter. A guide to using this tool is provided in the video.

By changing the thickness of the adhesive composition, small irregularities of the wall can be corrected, but not more than 10 mm. A layer exceeding this value is not allowed for wall cladding. The tile may "float" or fall off due to uneven drying of the adhesive.

It is imperative to insert crosses into the space between the individual fragments, and do not remove them until the composition seizes. Grouting is done only after complete drying.

Mosaic

A mosaic apron will become a bright accent of the entire kitchen. The variety of laying options and element materials can ensure harmony with the design and individuality. But working with this type of finish requires patience, skills and the selection of high-quality glue and grouting compound.

Material Features

Mosaic has all the advantages of tile, it is not afraid of moisture and pollution, resistant to temperature and mechanical damage, while it has a number of features:

• It is easier to lay around ledges and rosettes;
• To work with the mosaic, white glue is required;
• Differs in a wider choice of materials for the production of elements: ceramics, glass, stone, metal, mirror.

The disadvantage of a mosaic, the same as that of a tile, is the seams, which in this case are much larger. Only epoxy grout is suitable for sealing them.

Mosaic installation

Elements can be placed in a variety of ways. Designers use the game with color and shades, creating real works of art that will definitely be unique.

Types of mosaic laying:

For installation, you will need the same set of tools as for tiles. Glue is applied to the wall and to the mosaic panel. The fragment is installed on the apron and pressed a little. If the tile has a protective paper layer, it must be moistened a few minutes after fixing the fragments to the wall and carefully removed.

After 48 hours after installing all the elements, you can start grouting. Raster is applied with a rubber spatula and evenly distributed over the surface. After 20 minutes, you can remove excess grout with a soft cloth.

Glass

Aprons for the kitchen are made from tempered glass. It is stronger than usual and can withstand high temperatures. On such a screen, you can place any image, drawing or imitating texture.

Material Features

A glass apron is a practical and safe option. Contaminants are easily removed from its surface. Tempered glass or triplex (two glasses glued with a film) are resistant to mechanical stress. If, nevertheless, the screen breaks, then in the first case it breaks up into small fragments with non-sharp edges, in the second - the fragments are held on the film.

For mounting the apron, a glass panel is made according to the exact dimensions of the site, so it remains only to fix it. Seams are most often absent.

The image can be applied in different ways, they differ in cost, complexity and practicality.

• Pasting transparent glass with photo wallpapers is inexpensive and fast, but if moisture gets under the glass, the image will be damaged;
• Printing on vinyl film is a more reliable option, the film is not afraid of moisture, but over time it may peel off the glass;
• UV printing on glass is a durable and high-quality image that is resistant to any kind of external influence;
• UV printing inside the triplex is the most reliable and expensive option, the image is protected on both sides.

There are practically no drawbacks to this type of apron. This is a beautiful and functional solution. In production, the necessary holes can be made in the glass for kitchen utensils and sockets. Stop in the choice of this material can only be its high cost. The life of the product depends on the quality of the printed image. Clear frosted glass or printing inside the triplex can serve for an unlimited time.

Installation of a glass apron

Installation of an apron made of glass is carried out after the installation of a kitchen set. Therefore, when measuring the length and width of the section, greater accuracy is required. Fixing can be done in different ways:

• Through holes (the most reliable mounting option, it is used by professionals, but when fixing with bolts, it is important to be extremely careful not to break the panel; decorative caps can be purchased to mask the fasteners);
• Canopies (do not require drilling of the glass surface, suitable for small aprons);
• Liquid nails (the easiest do-it-yourself installation method, but the wall surface must be perfectly flat).

It is better to seal the joint of the apron with the wall with sealantso that moisture does not get into it. All openings in the panel must be made at the manufacturing stage. You cannot drill the screen yourself.

MDF (medium density fibreboard)

A compromise design option for a kitchen apron is MDF. Plates are affordable and attractive in appearance. But their use is limited, therefore, before choosing this material, it is worth comparing its advantages and disadvantages.

Material Features

MDF is widely used in home decoration and furniture assembly. It is also suitable for the kitchen. It does not require perfect alignment of the wall surface for its installation.

The possibilities of the material are unlimited: it can have any shade and texture, imitate other types of finishes, such as stone and tile, any image can be applied to the surface using photo printing technique.

Installation is simple and fast. The service life of the material is only a few years, but given the low cost, such an apron can be changed frequently, which will not only get rid of the damaged screen, but also update the familiar kitchen.

Aprons made of MDF are not suitable for a kitchen that is heavily exploited. This option is appropriate for busy people who rarely cook and keep the room perfectly clean..

The material has some disadvantages:

• Can't stand high temperatures;
• Frequent direct contact with water leads to deformation and peeling of the protective coating;
• Abrasives and solvents are not suitable for cleaning MDF;
• The screen surface is less durable than glass and tiles.

Despite the presence of all these disadvantages, the material is often used for kitchen aprons. It looks beautiful and expensive, while the cost of MDF is much lower than other types of finishes.

MDF installation

Perhaps there is nothing easier than installing an MDF apron. Its dimensions can be adjusted on the spot, but the cuts will need to be trimmed. It is easy to cut holes for sockets with a jigsaw and drill a plate to accommodate hooks.

Installation consists in fixing the panel with self-tapping screws or liquid nails to the wall plane. If the main surface is uneven, you can pre-place the slats on it and create an ideal plane with them.

PVC panels

Most a budget option design of a kitchen apron - pvc paneling. They are offered on the market in large quantities, have a wide selection of colors and designs.

Material Features

Panels have many benefits. If we compare them with a material from the same price category - MDF, then the plastic has excellent moisture resistance, but also, like a particle board, it does not tolerate high temperatures and cleaning with abrasives.

In addition to deformation when heated, plastic ignites easily, releases toxic substances when melted, so it has no place above a gas stove. It is good for a work area where people often cook, as contact with water and dirt does not affect its appearance. The service life is also short - a maximum of 5 - 7 years with proper care.

Panel mounting

For installation you will need: guide elements (crate), self-tapping screws, a screwdriver, a clerical knife. The panels are fastened together according to the tenon-groove system, while forming absolutely tight joints.

The panels can be mounted on any wall with irregularities and defects, the main thing is that there is where to screw the screws for the guides.

The crate is set according to the level. Above and below - guide elements, then vertical crossbars with a step of no more than 60 cm.

The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws to the crate, each subsequent one closes the place of fixation of the previous one and the caps of the fasteners. Therefore, outwardly, the apron looks quite presentable. You can cut plastic with a clerical knife or a hacksaw with a fine tooth. All holes must be prepared before installation. The edges of the finished apron in height and width, if they are visible, must be decorated with decorative elements, they are sold in the same department as the panels themselves.

Stone

natural and fake diamond- one of the best materials for a kitchen apron in terms of practicality. He has all the necessary qualities. Durable and looks expensive and prestigious.

Material Features

Such an apron requires the appropriate design of the kitchen. An expensive countertop and exquisite facades will make him a worthy company. Used to make screens different types stone. Most often - granite, less often - marble, basalt, slate, quartz. It is best if the surface is polished, it is easier to remove dirt from it.

Artificial stone is much cheaper than natural, while it has the same properties. But it is devoid of pores, therefore it does not absorb moisture and is better cleaned of dirt. It is lighter and can be made thinner. The durability of these materials is unmatched by any other.

Installation of a stone apron

Stone products are most often made to order according to individual sizes. Installation must be done after the installation of furniture.

If the stone looks like a tile, then it can be laid with your own hands, in the same way as the ceramic one. It is better to entrust the installation of a solid panel to professionals, since the material is expensive, and when self installation, without having the skills to work, you can damage the product.

The installation of an apron made of solid panels - stone, MDF, PVC and glass is carried out after the installation of a kitchen set, so there will be no problems with taking measurements and the height of the screen. It is more difficult to determine the location of the apron, which is installed before the headset is installed, it is important to take into account the height of the lower cabinets, the flooring and the layout of the furniture. How to do it right is shown in the video.

When choosing an apron for the kitchen, it is still more important not its appearance, but the price category and practicality. And the problem of aesthetics has long been solved by manufacturers - all types of materials are presented in various color solutions and design options.

kitchen apron- an integral functional and at the same time decorative detail of the interior. In the modern market of building and finishing materials, there is a growing demand for plastic kitchen panels. It should be noted that materials with plastic, including laminated MDF, are in an affordable price category, while there is a significant plus in performance, this is acceptable moisture resistance. Experienced finishers for optimal protection of kitchen walls recommend materials made from tempered glass and are in many ways superior to tiles. It should be noted that tempered glass is characterized by unpretentiousness and the possibility of implementing attractive design ideas. Below we give the arguments of experts about which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. It will be useful for you to get acquainted with interesting facts.

How to make an apron in the kitchen professionally?

Correct calculation of the size of the apron

When marking the dimensions of the apron, it is necessary to add a couple of centimeters in the right places. This approach is needed so that the protective wall finish goes not only under the countertop, but also under the floor and hanging kitchen cabinets.

lilac design mirror apron in a minimalist interior

Seam sealing

The kitchen apron should have a flat, smooth surface, excluding noticeable seams. The fact is that particles of dirt and moisture, as a rule, penetrate into the joints, and the cleaning process is quite laborious. To prevent such problems, it is worth using a silicone-based sealant.

mirror apron made of small elements apron of mirror tiles in two rows

Adding a plinth

The place of contact between the apron and the countertop needs proper protection. For this purpose, a plinth is taken, and in addition to it, the aforementioned silicone sealant. If this point is neglected, then water will inevitably enter the area where the floor cabinets are installed. In such furniture, the back walls are usually represented by a wood-fiber sheet; in a humid environment, it has the property of being abundantly overgrown with mold, deformed and swelled.

apron of mirror tiles in one row gray beige glossy apron

practical apron

The kitchen needs the right materials. Traditionally, when developing an apron, unglazed ceramic tiles and other porous finishing materials are immediately excluded. When choosing a material, it should be taken into account that fat and moisture are firmly fixed in the pores, surface care is complex, it has a favorable environment for the vital activity of bacteria and dangerous mold.

apron from ceramic tiles with decor apron made of small ceramic tiles with patterns

Glass kitchen apron

Expensive tempered glass is a practical and aesthetically attractive material. Such a coating has a number of properties similar to time-tested tiles. The glass apron is extremely easy to clean from dirt, moisture sticking and constant temperature changes do not spoil the coating. The purchase of glass material will cost more than tiles, mosaic wall material, chipboard with plastic and MDF. When calculating the cost of the apron, one should also take into account expensive installation using special fasteners, a specific process for creating holes for railings and sockets.

The skinali apron is ideally fastened with fasteners specially designed for this purpose, without the need to level the wall and even remove the old tile. If glue is used to attach the material to the wall, the wall will need to be leveled, the surface dry and clean.

Attaching glass material to the wall does not involve dirty work, it is carried out quickly. The installation of the apron can only be started after it has been installed kitchen set. Masters carry out the work carefully, it usually takes 2 hours.

glass with large flowers on a dark background glass with forest scenery

Apron for kitchen made of glass has the following positive qualities:

• long-term operation without damage;
• excellent moisture resistance;
• easy care.

Quality material with UV printed image with good ink has a 5-year warranty. The complete opposite is the budgetary glass imitation coating, made of plexiglass with a pattern on the film. It is necessary to emphasize that grease and water stains and stains are hardly noticeable on the glass backsplash, in this respect the material wins against the background of mosaic or ordinary tiles. A smooth surface without joints is easy to clean, which cannot be said about an apron with an abundance of seams.

glass with white swans on a blue background glass with green apples and leaves

Plastic kitchen apron

Description, surface preparation and installation of material

We continue to talk about which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. Next, we describe the properties of the plastic finish. This option can be called economical. There are several types of material, the most popular are practical boards made of MDF, fiberboard or chipboard, covered with a layer of plastic. The surface imitates wood, mosaic tiles, stone surface. As an alternative, you can choose another type of plastic apron - polycarbonate. Resistant to mechanical and wet factors, MDF boards are inferior to artificial or natural stone covering, mosaic finishing, ceramic tiles, but are sold at an affordable price.

Wooden bars act as the base of the apron, the panels do not adhere to the wall. It follows from this that surface leveling is not required.

MDF panels are easy to work with, installation is accessible to beginners. It is not difficult to create holes for railings and sockets.

fruit plastic apron plastic apron with bright colors

Main characteristics of the material

Apron for kitchen from plastic panels has the following advantages:

• material durability;
• moisture resistance;
• easy care.

It is noticed that high-quality material from MDF and plastic can serve without problems for several years. True, the service life is less than that of glass and tiles. MDF-based plastic apron is more resistant to damp environments than chipboard panels, but loses in this sense to stone, mosaic, tile and glass apron. To avoid damage, it is worth thoroughly processing the edge, hiding the joints with the countertop with a high-quality skirting board. Housewives note simple surface care: a smooth and even apron has no joints, it is well washed with a sponge or soft microfiber.

plastic apron with large white flowers plastic apron with coffee beans

In addition to the considered options for finishing the kitchen apron, today they are common: ceramic tiles, a natural stone, natural wood, metal, artificial stone or marble, laminate panels, postformed chipboard and plastic sheets, mosaic tiles, mirror material, plexiglass and panels with built-in lighting.

Apron for the kitchen in this case is not a piece of clothing. We will talk about kitchen aprons, which also protect against splashes of water and grease, dirt and soot. But not an outfit (or a greasy dressing gown - whatever) of the hostess, but a wall behind the kitchen table and stove. And we will figure out why, from what and how to make an apron on the wall with your own hands.

What for?

The wall behind the stove has been lined with durable, dense and easily washable materials for a long time. The reason is clear: this is the most contaminated place in the kitchen. It is not worth relying on sheathing, plastering and painting: everyone knows that grease and soot eat into the usual finish tightly, and it is unprofitable to clad all the walls with expensive resistant materials. A kitchen apron occupies a small area and is relatively inexpensive. If necessary, it can be replaced without starting a general repair. But at the same time, some features appear in its implementation in comparison with a continuous finish, because. the apron actually hangs on the wall. But more on that later.

The second reason has appeared in our days along with new materials. For aprons, in particular - tempered carbonate glass. A wide variety of drawings can be applied to it for the overall design of the room, see fig. Besides, glass apron It is a solid very hard plane, which absolutely does not lend itself to fat, is easy to clean and lasts for decades.

In a kitchen with a glass backsplash, lighting from the underside of a hanging cabinet is especially effective in terms of aesthetics. Carbonate glass has a high index of refraction, which gives a beautiful play of light. But, of course, any other apron is not forbidden to highlight.

Of what?

So, we already know something necessary in order to make an apron in the kitchen ourselves: it must be light enough to hang on the wall by weight, not absorb splashes and fumes of dirty water, grease, detergents. The last ones especially. Modern detergents are able to seep almost between the molecules. AT last years in different countries studies of kitchen pollution have been carried out. For walls, the conclusion is clear: they lose their appearance more from stubborn residues of detergents than from traditional kitchen dirt.

Tile

A tile apron is literally as old as the world. Kitchens were lined with ceramics in ancient times. According to hygienic indicators, glazed ceramics for the kitchen seems to be suitable, but! It is not produced in sheets or slabs of large size and cannot be made: during firing it leads and warps.

A tile is a tile: tile cladding is always with seams. Which, in terms of hygiene, immediately reduce all the advantages of tiles to nothing: dirt is very free in them, and in it - fungi with microbes. Nevertheless, the ceramic kitchen apron remains in use: modern grout mixtures make it possible to achieve proper hygiene of the seams for 10 years, the technology has been worked out for centuries, and the materials are inexpensive. Labor intensity, however, is tiled.

Varieties of ceramic aprons are shown in fig. The first on the left is a classic tiled apron, but the tile is already of modern production. The difference between this and the "good old Soviet" is visible without explanation.

In the center - the original apron from. Generally speaking, such a decision is an amateur with funds: the cost of the material is high, and the laboriousness is generally exorbitant, given the features of the apron, see below.

On the right is a mosaic apron. - an extremely complex and time-consuming type of decorative art, but for individual small patterned panels, modern manufacturers offer interesting solution: sets of finished fragments, sized 200x200 mm or more, with elements of a mosaic seamless pattern. The drawing is developed on a computer. Having only 10-20 standard pieces at your disposal, you can get hundreds and thousands of various patterns, i.e. each of them will be almost unique, and the cost of a custom-made mosaic apron is comparable to a tiled one.

Glass

An apron made of glass, or skinali, is a relatively recent innovation. It appeared due to computer-controlled glass cutting on special machines and a sharp reduction in the cost of artificial diamond production technology in the last 10-15 years. The fact is that it is almost impossible to cut hardened carbonate: it is not only prickly, but breaks up into small rounded fragments.

Ordinary glass, albeit thick, is not very suitable for an apron: from accidentally splashing boiling water, it can crack, throwing out traumatic fragments. From fluctuations in temperature and humidity, thick glass on weight begins to melt in 5-7 years (remember, glass is not solid, but an exceptionally viscous liquid), a gap forms between it and the wall, in which dirt accumulates, forming nauseating stains.

Tempered glass is free from these shortcomings, but expensive, and together with custom-made computer cutting, it is even more expensive. Therefore, ready-made factory-made aprons are more in use. Their sizes, as a rule, are coordinated with those of certain types of kitchen sets.

About drawings on glass

Take another look at fig. at the beginning. Glass allows you to get a variety of decorative effects: stone imitation (top left), a visible increase in the depth of space (top center), which is especially important for a cramped kitchen, the images are flat and 3D, from abstract to "delicious". How is this achieved?

The first way is photo printing. Layers of a special high-strength photographic emulsion are applied to the base, giving additional basic colors, as in a slide film. Then they are exposed to ultraviolet light through mask negatives, developed and covered with a protective film of acrylic or melamine.

The photo method allows you to get images that are stunningly realistic and fit exactly into the design. In addition, such panels can be permanently glued to the wall with silicone. There are two drawbacks: expensive, and the durability of the image, although it exceeds 5 years, is still incomparable with that of the glass base.

The second way is to stick a plastic poster with a picture on the wall, and put glass on top. The edge is sealed with silicone so that fumes do not penetrate the pattern. Such a beautiful apron costs several times less, but 3D has to be abandoned: even if the poster is three-dimensional, the volume of the image disappears under glass. Another disadvantage is that the glass has to be fixed to the wall with shaped screws. Fasteners are visible, and drilling carbonate glass costs money: 4 holes give an increase in price the same as cutting into a rectangle.

About plexiglass and acrylic

Will plexiglass or acrylic go to the apron? They are easy to process with conventional tools, water-resistant, lighter than ordinary glass. Temperature resistance - above 100 degrees.

Unfortunately, it won't work. Since it is easily processed with tools, it is easily scratched - once. Waterproof - yes, but splashes of grease and surfactants from detergents eat into it instantly and deeply. Heat resistance of 105-130 degrees - for softening and loss of strength, but already at a temperature "swing" of 20-45 degrees (and the plate may have 60) within six months for plexiglass and 3-4 years for acrylic, clouding, yellowing begins and warping. So, alas, if acrylic still goes to the windows, then it won’t go into the kitchen. And plexiglass - neither there nor there.

organic

However, there are easily processed organic materials suitable for laying out an apron. These are resistant facing plastics and MDF.

The best material for a plastic backsplash is a special tile. Most often, it is produced in sets for panels of a certain size with a pattern, see fig. left. In almost all respects, such an apron is not inferior to a glass one with a 3D pattern, but it costs one and a half to two times cheaper. True, durability is 7-10 years, but by that time in modern apartments there will be a need for repair.

MDF provides the same durability. This is a good option for retro and country kitchens, in the center in fig. It is easy to assemble an MDF apron, just remove the paint from the wall (as below) and walk on the plaster with an abrasive mesh on a bar, controlling the evenness with a rule or level, like a rail. MDF weighs a little, and on liquid nails it keeps tightly on the wall without additional fasteners.

If you need to quickly and inexpensively make an apron for 5 years, then plastic wall panels will do, on the right in fig. It is only necessary to take panels not for living rooms, but for the bathroom; There are also special ones for the kitchen. The difference is primarily in the filler, which gives a white background. In ordinary panels, this is chalk, and in moisture-resistant and not prone to warping, it is marble powder.

For the price, this is not always noticeable, a “marble” board may be cheaper than a coated one. It is useless to ask sellers - at best they will repeat what is written in the specification, and there it is far from always true. But, having wandered, looking closely, you can learn to recognize it yourself by eye.

On marble-filled PVC, firstly, the pattern appears to hang over a slightly iridescent white surface, see picture on the right. However, this effect is weakly expressed, it is better to select it first, and then consider the cut. It will be, firstly, smoother, almost smooth. Secondly, in the direct rays of the Sun, when light falls at a certain angle, the smallest sparkling sparks will be noticeable on the saw cut.

Video: choosing a kitchen apron from channel 1

How to do?

Laying the apron begins with the preparation of the wall. For heavy - glass and ceramic - and light, plastic and MDF, it is produced in different ways. But first of all, you need to know how far, to what level from the floor you need to deal with the wall, because this is not an easy and clean job.

We consider the lower border of the apron simply: the height of the table surface (usually 850 mm) minus the thickness of the tabletop (40-60 mm) minus another 50 mm. It is not necessary to drive it deeper under the table; hanging cabinets may be too low. If a washing machine of greater height is built into the table, it makes no sense to provide a recess in the apron for it: the work or selection of the finished product becomes much more complicated. It is easier to push the machine as far forward as possible so that a strip of tabletop remains behind it.

Further, the standard height of the finished one-piece apron is 600-750 mm. Here there are difficulties. The fact is that splashes of fat from pans fly 800-900 mm, and the recommended height of furniture suspension above the stove is also 900 mm. Therefore, you need to either move the hanging cabinets away from the stove, and install a splash-catching hood, on the left in Fig.

But such solutions are suitable if the apron is tiled. Already with wall panels, if they are with a large pattern, difficulties arise. Finished glass aprons are produced in the form of a flat strip. Buying a very wide one is in vain to hide a lot of money under furniture, and the cropped pattern will lose its expressiveness. Ordering curly cutting will be even more expensive. A more or less acceptable solution is furniture from leading manufacturers with a melamine coating, but it will also have to be cleaned regularly and often until the fat and fumes are eaten after the next cooking.

The size of the apron in length is up to you. There are three selection conditions:

1. From the plate - at least 900 mm in each direction.
2. From the sink - the same, at least 600 mm.
3. If the stove or sink is less than 900 mm from the adjacent wall, the overlap on it is 600 mm or more.

Wall preparation

Under tile or glass, you need to knock down the plaster to the base, and treat it to evenness with a strong cement primer for concrete or stone: Plitonit Grunt, Prospector. They give a rougher surface than Knauf, Ceresit and others “from there”, but in our “oak” way, and this is exactly what is needed.

Under light organic materials, it is enough to wash off the paint and level the plaster, as described above. It is best to wash off with non-volatile washes based on surface-active substances (surfactants). They do not stink and do not give off toxic fumes. There are two types of surfactant washes: liquid, for horizontal surfaces and gel-like for vertical ones. We need a second one on the wall, of course.

Further, for any, except, perhaps, MDF, an apron, the installation of a permanent support under the bottom will be required. Under glass, a support is needed that is strong and at the same time not very rigid, i.e. wooden beam from 40x40 to 60x60, looking at the exit of the rear edge of the tabletop. It is attached to the wall with 6 mm self-tapping screws in dowels. The length of the self-tapping screws is chosen so that they go into the wall by at least 70 mm. Fastening step - 150-250 mm.

To stop under the tile, you can put a thin-walled perforated galvanized corner, it is cheaper than a bar. And it’s easier to fix: with flea screws to the thickness of the plaster, if the tile is plastic, and 20-25 mm into the wall under ceramics.

Laying

Tile

The most difficult thing is laying a slab apron. The fact is that the sizes of tiles of the usual price category differ by 1-1.5 mm. With conventional cladding, this is hidden by the use of crosses. standard size- 3-4 mm. By the way, who does not know, crosses are inserted at the corners of adjacent tiles to withstand the width of the seams; removed before grouting.

But wide seams on the apron cannot be done. To maintain hygiene, the apron grout is made with grout mixtures with polymer additives, and for them the maximum joint width is 1.5 mm, otherwise the polymer film stretches, cracks and lets dirt into the seam when dried. Therefore, 1.5 mm crosses are also needed for the apron.

But if you lay tiles on them, then it will be seen that the seams “walk” both horizontally and vertically. Therefore, you will have to immediately sacrifice a dozen or two crosses, biting off their hangers. What for? The shoulders of the crosses are wedge-shaped, and we need small wedges when laying:

• We lay the tiles on tile adhesive with a hardening time of 10-20 minutes.
• With a notched trowel, we apply a strip along the length of the apron and the width of the tile height onto the wall from below above the stop.
• As soon as it came off (this is after 2-5 minutes), we lay the first row with support on the stop.
• We divide the tiles of the first row along the vertical seams with wedges cut from crosses, two per seam.
• We level the upper edge of the tiles, driving under the lower wedges.
• We wait for the complete setting of the glue and lay the second row in the same way as the first, only the upper edge of the first row will now be the emphasis.
• Each subsequent row is laid in the same way on the completely dried previous one.

With this method of laying, only the upper edges of the horizontal seams will “walk”, which is not so noticeable. And the “buzz” of the seam will not grow as the apron is laid out in height.

Video: laying a tile kitchen apron

Mosaic

If the apron is a full-fledged mosaic panel, then they make it like a mosaic without any features. If the mosaic apron is assembled from ready-made fragments, on a tile or on a fiberglass mesh, then they are laid in the same way as a slab one. The sequence of working operations is illustrated in the figure, and some features are also visible in comparison with tiles, porcelain stoneware or plastic.

Firstly, they are placed not on glue, but on a solution. In the process of work, you may have to slightly move the fragments to fit the borders of the pattern. Plate parts are moved with wedges or knocked out with a rubber mallet; on the grid - just pulling with your fingers. But, if laid on glue, then it will quickly seize, and even plastic from mechanical stress will lose strength.

Secondly, the solution is needed not cement-sand (it is too viscous, you can’t move anything on it) and not gypsum or alabaster (it is fluid, but fragile and sets too quickly), but gypsum-cement with a setting time of 2-6 hours. For the sake of greater fluidity, sand is added to it at least according to the instructions.

Glass

One-piece, without metal fasteners, a glass apron is installed by three people at least. First of all, upwards from the upper edge of the glass by 20-25 mm, holes are drilled into the wall for dowels of self-tapping screws 4-5 mm to a depth of 40-60 mm. Step - 300-600 mm. Dowels are driven into the holes, and paws or washers are prepared for the screws, grabbing the edge of the glass.

Further, holes are drilled in the support beam for the same self-tapping screws. Diameter - the body of the self-tapping screw without thread, depth - 2/3 of the length of the self-tapping screw. Step and indent from the edge - as above. Paws or washers are also prepared in advance for the lower self-tapping screws.

Then they prepare (clean, degrease) the wall and glass for gluing on silicone. A silicone sausage is applied to the wall with a zigzag gun, not an envelope. Zigzag loops - vertical, horizontal ones will be bad to hold, see fig. Loop pitch - 30-40 mm.

Now two people carefully (no need to hurry, the silicone hardens rather slowly) take the glass, and the third (and the fourth, if the apron is more than 1.5 m long) with two hands, crouching, puts two flat screwdrivers on the support bar. The “feeders” carefully place the glass on them and slowly lift the outer edge so that the apron slides into place over the screwdrivers.

When he got up, they press him against the wall and hold him. Meanwhile, the “screwdriver” takes out, without pulling, screwdrivers and manually wraps, until it stops, self-tapping screws with paws / washers, first at the top. After that, the “feeders” can relax a little and move to the sides, so that it would be more convenient for a friend below to work. But you can release the glass only after all the self-tapping screws-holders are wrapped. Remove them only after a double period of complete drying of the glue.

Plastic and MDF

The device of an apron made of plastic plates or MDF is no different from wall cladding without a crate. The apron on the crate not only sticks out their walls too much. In the kitchen, under the crate, children will inevitably settle and harmful microflora with microfauna will multiply.

After installation

When the heavy apron is already in place, the wall is plastered flush with its surface and the furniture is put in place. Light and mosaic aprons are usually made along the opening, without moving the furniture away. When the glue / solution is completely dry, seal the top and sides with silicone along the contour. How to be above the countertop - more on that below.

Finishing touch

Sometime the table will have to be moved away, and it is impossible to stick it to the apron. But then silk will remain, along which the children and dirt will settle down. How to cover it up? Here are possible different variants, but the simplest is a side made of countertop material. He is glued to the apron. And the gap between it and the table is plugged with a PVC edging just tight, without any additional fastening. The edging is driven into the slot with a blunt wide flat screwdriver. The second option is a tabletop in one with a side, and an edging between it and an apron, see fig. So nothing needs to be glued to the apron and push the edging. But, if the table moves a little, the dirt will climb down.

About sockets

Sockets hanging in an apron are a common disease of "apron" kitchens. In order for the sockets on the apron to sit firmly, the wiring must be carried out with some features.

What's better?

So, what is the best apron for decorating the kitchen? If there is money for glass - of course, he is. In addition to perfect hygiene, we get a wonderful aesthetics.

If you need to make an apron quickly and cheaply - from wall panels. In most cases, the wall does not need to be prepared for this: the panels are rigid enough to lie flat. At worst, it will take half an hour of work with a grater with an abrasive mesh.

For kitchens of a "wooden" design, MDF plastic panels are even better. As for traditional slab and mosaic aprons, now they are an amateur. Modern materials they are superior at least in terms of labor intensity, and most often in terms of cheapness.

Making a kitchen apron with your own hands is not difficult. Such a simple device will not only serve as a decoration for any kitchen, but also protect its walls from greasy traces, burning and dirty spots near the sink.

It has become relatively recent to call such a coating a kitchen apron. Nevertheless, it not only gained considerable popularity, but also acquired significant development. Over time, a huge mass design solutions and a large number of materials began to be used: tiles, decorative rock, carbonate glass, plastic.

It has long been customary to make walls near the stove and sinks from easily washable, hard and dense materials. This is due to the fact that these zones are most confirmed to be contaminated during the cooking process. Grease and soot tend to eat into the paint, and they cannot be removed.

In such cases, a kitchen apron is used, which is not fixed tightly to the wall, but simply hangs on it. If necessary, it can be removed without major repairs, and this solution will be much more economical. It will cost more if you start to decide how to sew an apron using expensive materials.

The advantages of this approach include the variety and number of design solutions. The most striking in this case is a kitchen apron made of carbonate glass, on which any pattern or pattern can be applied.

In addition, a glass kitchen apron is a very hard and strong surface that is absolutely not afraid of grease stains and other dirt and is also easy to clean.

You can make an apron with your own hands from ceramic tiles, MDF panels, glass, plastic. Each option has its pros and cons.

Consider them:

1. A tile kitchen apron is probably the most popular option.
   The tile is characterized by good strength and resistance to various chemicals, temperature extremes. Has a huge selection of different textures and colors. The disadvantages include heavy installation, which is quite problematic to perform without certain skills.
2. MDF panels make it easy, quick and at a reasonable price to make a good apron, combined with wood trim the kitchen itself.
   The advantages are low cost, ease of installation, the ability to select the tone of the panel for the countertop and other finishes, and the likelihood of quick dismantling. But such panels are not able to withstand various chemical components that are present in detergents for a long time.
3. Carbonate glass has already been mentioned above.
   Of the minuses, it has only the price and the difficulty in choosing a design.
4. Plastic has a rather long service life, while it has a beautiful appearance, low price and ease of installation.
   But it is not resistant to fire, and in the process of use, scratches may appear on it.

Which material to use is up to you. And how to sew, or build, an apron, we will consider below.

Do-it-yourself installation of an apron

The most time-consuming is the installation of ceramic tiles. If we sew an apron of this type, then this process cannot do without measurements and miscalculations of the required amount of material. If a person has no idea at least about the basics of this matter at all, then it is better to abandon the idea or use the services of a master. He knows exactly how to sew an apron for the kitchen.

But if it was decided to lay the tiles with your own hands, then you need to purchase the tile itself, special tile adhesive, grout with polymer additives, 1.5 mm inter-row crosses, and a notched trowel.

Crosses are needed for even seams between tiles, and they are removed immediately before grouting, and some will have to be cut into wedges.

The procedure for self-assembly is as follows:

1. Apply glue with a notched trowel. This is done at the bottom with a width equal to the future apron, and a height of one tile.
2. We lay out the first row and divide the tiles among ourselves with wedges cut from crosses.
3. Align the top of the tile by placing parts of the crosses under the bottom.
4. After the glue is completely dry, we begin to lay out the second row in the same way.
5. After complete installation, we remove the crosses and overwrite the seams.

This is the easiest way that a person without special skills can adopt.

To install glass with your own hands, you will need: the glass itself, dowels, self-tapping screws with washers, support beam, silicone.

First, holes are made 20 mm from the upper edge of the glass, and dowels 4-5 mm in diameter are driven into them to a depth of 50 mm in increments of 30 cm. The same holes are drilled at the bottom in the previously installed support bar. After the wall, on which the glass will be attached, and the apron itself are washed, degreased.

Silicone is applied in a zigzag manner to a sheet of glass with a “sausage”, with a step between the loops of 30 cm. The zigzag loops must be vertical.

For further actions, at least 3 people will be needed. Two people lift the glass and carefully install it on the support beam, the third puts 2 flat screwdrivers on the beam, and how the glass will stand on them. The latter should carefully remove the screwdrivers, guiding the sheet into place. Then, by hand, it is required to tighten the self-tapping screws, first at the top, putting washers on them, and then at the bottom. After a double drying time of the silicone, the self-tapping screws can be removed.

For MDF and plastic boards, the installation method is the same as for wall cladding without making a crate.

At the end, the walls are covered with finishing plaster and all the furniture is put in place, the gap between the wall and the tabletop is closed with a side made of the material of the same tabletop, a piping is driven between the table and the side with a flat screwdriver.

Apron from improvised materials

If there is no knowledge in construction matters and you do not want to carry out some unfamiliar work, then you can make a kitchen apron from the most accessible materials, such as oilcloth. In this case, you should choose any pattern you like, which will be in harmony with the design of the kitchen itself.

The film is easy to clean and can last quite a long time, plus its installation is nowhere easier. True, this option is suitable only if wallpaper was used to finish the entire wall.

First of all, you need to get an oilcloth, prepare a construction stapler, scissors, tape measure.

The dimensions are determined with a tape measure with a launch under the countertop, then a piece of oilcloth is cut out according to these indicators. We attach the pieces to the wall, fasten them with a stapler. After these manipulations, you can put the furniture in place.

From improvised items, you can use unnecessary or damaged CDs. This will require a lot of disks that need to be cut into several pieces. These parts are folded in mosaic and glued to a clean wall.

When using methods for making an apron using scrap materials, you need to understand that such products do not have such good performance, as previously described.

In this case, it will not matter how to sew an apron. It may still be short-lived.