Kitchen apron options
Kitchen space is a special place in each apartment. The hostesses strive to make the place of cooking and eating as comfortable, practical and functional as possible. In addition, the care of the kitchen should be carried out without any problems. The apron over the work surface is not only an excellent decorative element, but also makes it easy to keep the kitchen area clean and tidy.
Features and benefits
Kitchen space - the most polluted part of the apartment. This is not surprising, because here is cooking, every day and several times. That is why designers have long tried to come up with such elements that help protect the kitchen from heavy pollution.
Apron for the kitchen got its name for a reason. The hostess puts on her apron so as not to get her clothes dirty. A kitchen apron above the worktop performs the same function.He takes care of all the strongest pollution, keeping the wall and wallpaper safe and clean.
As a rule, a kitchen apron is made of such materials that do not absorb moisture, are not afraid of steam and are easily cleaned from stubborn dirt in the form of fat. All modern kitchens should have an apron, if only because it gives the kitchen set a special attractive look. You can at any time change your boring apron to a new one, thereby betraying your kitchen with an updated look. Now you have the opportunity to make an apron to order or choose it from those that are presented on store shelves. The material of the protective canvas can also be completely different, it all depends on your financial capabilities and personal preferences.
Kinds
From tile
The apron from a tile already entered history of design of kitchens. Indeed, ceramic tiles have been used for a long time and continue to be used as protection of the kitchen area from dirt and moisture. Despite the fact that there is a lot of new materials for kitchen aprons, this option continues to occupy a leading position. Ceramics is a special material that does not absorb moisture and repels various types of dirt well.
But the further progress is, the more deficiencies found in the apron from the tile. First, ceramic tile is not a cheap building material. Secondly, laying it out is a long and laborious exercise. In addition to the tile itself, you will need many more tools.
Stone
Artificial or natural stone can be used to finish the stone apron. And in the first and in the second case, the options for kitchen aprons are completely different. Very popular models in the form of bricks. Brickwork is considered one of the most reliable due to the absence of even the slightest bit shaded between the stones.
Many homeowners prefer this type of apron because of its durability, aesthetics and environmental friendliness. Despite the variety of stone, homeowners often prefer smooth species that can be easily cleaned and polished. These include granite, basalt and marble. Of course, the cost of such aprons will be much higher than all the others, and they will look extraordinarily luxurious.
The artificial stone looks not less esthetically,has a large variety of shapes and sizes. Its main advantage is lower cost compared to natural stone.
From chipboard
Chipboard - natural material, which is a laminated pressed sawdust. The chipboard apron is significantly inferior in its characteristics to ceramic tiles, but it looks quite attractive. But if you use this material as a kitchen apron, then note that it will not last long. This is due to the fact that the laminated panel is afraid of moisture and fire. With constant exposure to water, the material will swell and lose its shape.
In order to prolong the life of such an apron, you will need to treat it with water-repellent impregnation or stick a special film. Despite its short service life, a chipboard protection panel is in demand due to its ease of installation and low cost.
From MDF
MDF is also a wooden fibrous web, but, in comparison with chipboard, it is more durable and practical. The protective surface of MDF panels will serve you a good service and for a long time will retain its impeccable appearance.There are many types of MDF apron. The most common are laminated panels, MDF, coated with acrylic film or acrylic panels. The last two options are most often used for mounting the protective surface of the kitchen.
Acrylic panels allow you to put on them absolutely any pattern. For example, you can create a masterpiece in the form of an aquarium, making your kitchen unique and lively.
Making an apron from MDF takes a little time and does not cause problems even with self-assembly.
Wood
The apron from the massif of a tree belongs to one of the most unusual versions of protection of a kitchen wall. Everyone knows about the amazing properties of natural wood, which is distinguished by its environmental friendliness and safety for health. But using it as an apron is not the easiest and most practical option.
Wood reacts poorly to an open fire, so for the kitchen with a gas stove such an apron will definitely not be the best option. In addition, the tree is able to lose its properties and impeccable appearance when exposed to water.Of course, your apron will be treated with impregnation and varnish, but you should still minimize its contact with water. If you finally decided on an apron and you want it to be made of wood, then you can combine it. In the problem area, install a protective panel of a more practical option, and leave the rest of the area under the wooden sheet.
From traffic jams
If you are a creative person and are accustomed to prefer original ideas in everything, then a kitchen apron from wine corks is perfect for your headset. To play such a protective panel, you will need a large number of wine stoppers, and in the end you will get an unusual and stunningly beautiful apron. Installing it can take a lot of time, it’s rather painstaking work, as the plugs are small.
After the main stage of work is completed, it is necessary to cover the cork surface with tempered glass so that your apron becomes truly functional. Do not doubt, your hard work will surprise the household and everyone who will come to your home.
From laminate
Laminate is widely used in the arrangement of floors. But this material also found its use when installing a kitchen apron. Laminated boards can imitate wood, stone or ceramics. For the kitchen, it is worth taking a waterproof and heat-resistant laminate that will withstand an aggressive attack of water and fat. For mounting, liquid nails are used, which will firmly fix the boards on a vertical surface.
Among the variety of shapes and colors, you can easily choose the material that will be perfectly combined with the overall interior of the kitchen. For the best tightness of the joints between the protective panel and the table top, metal edging and sealant treatment are used.
PVC panels
Plastic panels or canvas are considered a budget option, made in haste. Judging by the reviews of many users of such a protective canvas, it has more disadvantages than advantages. At the slightest impact of high temperatures, the plastic begins to melt and deform. Thus, your kitchen from a masterpiece will turn into a twisted room.
Plastic does not allow bacteria to multiply. What is the advantage of this version of the apron. You can choose absolutely any drawing that will be printed on your future apron. This fact also increases the popularity of PVC panels. In addition to all this, you can easily and quickly create an apron due to the lightness of the material and its simple installation.
Metallic
Kitchen apron made of metal materials is best suited for professional premises. But it is most often mounted in ordinary home kitchens. For example, galvanized steel has a lot of advantages, so it is readily used for the installation of a protective surface. The metal apron is not afraid of either moisture, or fire, or bacteria; it is easily cleaned and processed with disinfectants.
Of course, you will not have such a wide choice of shapes and colors, but your kitchen will be well protected from various harmful effects. In addition, you can at any time be able to complement the annoying plot with decorative elements, in which ceramic tile or mosaic will help you well.
Glass
The apron from the tempered glass possesses a large number of positive qualities. The glass surface is completely indifferent to the effects of water and fire, so your favorite gas stove will not interfere with its installation. The glass version of the protective surface is hygienic, resistant to bacteria, easily cleaned with even the most aggressive detergents.
A variety of glass paintings allows you to choose the option that best fits into your kitchen space. By its strength, tempered glass is only slightly inferior to ceramic tiles, it is absolutely safe when accidentally cracked. A solid glass sheet is much easier to assemble than each tile individually.