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

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the apartment. Every housewife wants to make this room not only functional, but also aesthetically attractive and cozy. Innovative technologies and modern equipment allowed manufacturers to produce a huge assortment of materials for a kitchen apron, but before you go to the store, you need to carefully study the properties and technical characteristics of the goods you like, so that the repair 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 contamination and mechanical damage. A kitchen apron is one of the most important elements of the working area in the kitchen, which is located above the countertop on the wall. This zone will experience a large number of the following negative effects that must be considered:

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

Given the negative effects, the material for the apron must meet the requirements of:

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

For many decades, people were limited in their choice of building and decoration materials and used paint, wallpaper or ceramic tiles to finish their kitchen surfaces.In the past few years, the situation has changed radically. In modern building stores you can see a huge range of products, which differs not only in appearance, but also in properties and characteristics.

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

Its advantages:

• resistance to moisture;
• simplicity in leaving;
• light weight;
• durability;
• immunity to high temperatures;
• environmental Safety;
• wide color range;
• the presence of various geometric shapes;
• compatibility with various stylistic directions.

Disadvantages:

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

Durable and beautiful material, which happens to be natural and artificial and is not so often used in modern rooms. This product category also includes ceramic granite, polished natural rocks, gypsum and concrete slabs. Experts recommend treating this group of materials with particular care in connection with the complex structure of some of them.

Thanks to special processing and applying a protective layer, the products acquire positive characteristics:

• resistance to temperature changes and prolonged exposure to high temperatures;
• immunity to steam and water;
• ease of care;
• environmental Safety;
• long period of operation;
• high esthetic indicators.

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 increasingly popular every year. It has many other advantages:

• maximum moisture resistance;
• lack of harmful impurities;
• immunity to temperature fluctuations;
• high esthetic indicators;
• wide color gamut;
• 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;
• installation complexity;
• involvement of specialists for installation;
• custom production taking into account the necessary sizes;
• the need for information on the type of wall to which the apron will be attached.

An inexpensive product that is made from polyvinyl chloride. This product has a wide range of shades, and some models can be decorated with a graphic pattern. 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 crevices near the wall;
• toxic substances release.

There are qualities:

• wide color range;
• availability;
• low price;
• the ability to use a single piece of cloth;
• ease of installation;
• quick replacement of deformed sections;
• light weight;
• lack of need of preliminary alignment of a wall;
• the ability to combine with other types of finishing materials.

An expensive type of finishing material, which is very rarely used in budget repairs due to the high price range.In addition, it is not possible to use abrasive cleaners. 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 resembles a tree and harmoniously combines with all styles. Positive sides:

• reliability;
• ease of installation;
• durability.

Adverse factors:

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

In order for the kitchen to correspond to the chosen stylistic direction, before the repair it is necessary to carefully study all the latest fashion trends and choose the most suitable for yourself. Gathering new ideas and finding out which ones are relevant right now will help specialized magazines and consultations of professional designerswho will surely pick up the necessary solution. Each type of finishing material can be used for different stylistic decisions. There are many trends in fashion.

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

• One-color design - A simple and neat option that does not require material selection and is performed as quickly as possible. The one-color 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 to simply change the wallpaper, which should be combined with the color of the apron. However, such an apron is easily soiled, regular cleaning is necessary.

• Using multiple colors at the same time - 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 the kitchen furniture and wallpaper. The disadvantage is visual reduction in space.

• Mosaic application - A modern direction, which is becoming increasingly popular annually. In this coating, you 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 must be harmoniously combined with each other and create a common composition. Such decor is notable for its high price and complexity of work.

When using artificial or natural stone, designers recommend paying attention on a completely new material: coarse pebbleswhich has no sharp corners. Pebbles not only have high aesthetic indicators, but also helps to remove all the bumps in the kitchen surface.

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

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

• Matte finish - satin. It is mounted at the time of surface coating. To make the basic pattern look clear and beautiful, you need to choose patterns with bright contours and outlines.Sometimes designers leave a gap between the base of the wall and the glass cladding to place decor elements in the voids and spectacular lighting. It has a high cost, difficult to clean.

• Solid color coating - An original solution that allows you to visually expand the space. This type of surface can be either matte or glossy, and can also have any color.

• Illuminated glass apron - An unusual and practical design, which is an independent art object. Special lighting devices are mounted in the upper and lower profiles. Visually increases the space, creates comfortable conditions for cooking. However, it has a high cost, difficult to install.

• Glass coating with photo printing - the most popular option, which is able to decorate any room. The use of modern equipment allows you to produce and paste on the back 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 will require daily cleaning, will constantly reflect moving objects.

To make the right decision when choosing the right type of apron for the kitchen, The following parameters must be considered:

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

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

Making your kitchen has long ceased to be boring. Modern designers offer a huge number of interesting options and creative ideas that will help make the food preparation 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 implemented idea.

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

• Bright and rich colors on the background of the white kitchen are always in demand and relevant. Especially if the green tone is selected (photo 2).

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

Look at the video below for what materials are available for an apron in the kitchen.