DIY cheap kitchen apron. How to choose and install a kitchen apron with your own hands

The apron for the kitchen is not only a beautiful design element, but also a functional part. In the process of cooking, stains inevitably appear on the walls, drops from sauces, pieces of food, etc. To protect the wall surface and facilitate cleaning, it is recommended to install the backsplash made of easily washable materials such as tiles, stone or glass. In this article we will tell you how to make an apron in the kitchen with your own hands.

An apron in the kitchen improves performance, and with the right color and design, it decorates and completes the interior of the room. With its help, you can visually increase the space, emphasize the advantages kitchen set, hide the flaws in the layout. Manifold finishing materials makes it possible to implement the most original ideas. But the construction of anything should start with the planning.

Apron design

The first step is to decide on the design of the apron - to choose the shape and color scheme. The coating should be combined not only with the kitchen set, but also with other elements - accessories, fittings, flooring, walls, ceiling. During repairs in the kitchen, many focus on the selection of wallpaper or flooring, completely forgetting about the apron, and it is he who gives the interior integrity.

How to choose the color of the apron:

In most cases, aprons are made from tile, since this is the most affordable and suitable finishing material on the market, but if you are not constrained in funds, you can make the interior more stylish and original by building a stone or glass apron for the kitchen.

Apron materials

Let's take a closer look at each of the materials used to create kitchen aprons. The choice is determined not only by the color category, but also by the complexity of installation and operational characteristics. So, if with the laying of tiles or artificial stone even an inexperienced person can cope, then with glass panels the situation is much more complicated.

What to make an apron for the kitchen with your own hands:

Styling tools

Since in this article we will tell you how to lay out an apron in the kitchen with tiles, we will select the tools and materials in accordance with the installation technique. Before going to the store, make measurements and calculations the required amount tiles. Buy with a margin to save some tiles in case of renovation.

Required materials and equipment:

• tile;
• tile adhesive (Ceresit CM11 recommended;
• deep penetration primer;
• grout for joints (to match the tile);
• building level, plumb line;
• tile cutter;
• rubber spatula;
• notched trowel;
• foam sponge;
• plastic crosses for tiles.

You will need tile cutter skills. For wall thin tiles, you can use the most common manual mechanism.

Laying the apron from tiles

Before starting work, give a rational assessment of your capabilities - if you are not sure that you can handle it, it is better to hire a specialist and not risk spoiling the materials. For those who want to get a new interesting and useful experience, we have prepared detailed instructions on installing an apron in the kitchen.

Apron markings

The first stage is wall marking. This is an extremely important point on which the final result and aesthetics of your masonry will depend. To make correct and clear markings, you must be able to use the building level. Ideally, it is better to get laser guides - they will significantly speed up and facilitate the process.

Another important point is that the walls should be as even as possible before marking. If this is a problem, you will have to apply a leveling plaster. Otherwise, it will be necessary to compensate for the discrepancies due to the thickness of the adhesive when installing the tiles.

There are different standards for laying the height of aprons in the kitchen, and this parameter should be selected in accordance with the dimensions of the kitchen set. On average, 80 cm are laid from the floor with an apron height of 75 cm.Thus, it will turn out to lay 7 tiles standard size 10x10 cm in height and 5 cm for the seams.

Draw a horizontal line where the first row of tiles will be laid. It will be supported by a special rail. To do this, you can use a regular wooden plank or metal profile. Screw the support to the wall with dowels and check with a building level.

Draw some vertical lines perpendicular to the plank to create additional guidelines.

Styling adhesive

One more important moment before starting work. It is recommended to plant tiles for the kitchen on the apron on the most popular Ceresit CM11 glue among professional builders. Low consumption will allow you to save money, if, of course, the walls in the kitchen are flat and they do not need to be leveled with glue. So, for 5 sq. m is consumed about 12 kg of the composition. When laying tiles on rough walls, the consumption may increase.

Stir the dry mixture with water according to the instructions, using a construction mixer or a drill with a nozzle.

To lay the first row of tiles, which will rest on the bar, you should coat the wall with glue for a length of 3-4 tiles and quickly apply them until the composition has dried. To spread the adhesive, use a notched trowel to leave shallow grooves on the surface to improve adhesion and reduce mortar consumption. Also, for better adhesion of the glue to the wall, it is recommended to make small scratches with a jamb knife or the edge of a sharp screwdriver.

Laying tiles

Before laying, prepare the materials that you may need in the process and place them at arm's length: spatula, crosses, container with mortar, stack of tiles.

Working process:

Helpful hints:

1. To create an original design, order a kitchen apron with a photo print from MDF. These can be ornaments, images of fruits, vegetables, landscapes, etc. You can also put photographs under the glass cover, make a collage, or even paint the surface by hand.
2. Use LED lighting to add originality and extra lighting.
3. The dimensions of the apron for the kitchen should correspond to the work area, capturing the sink, cutting table, stove space.
4. When choosing tiles, keep in mind that it is much easier to care for a smooth glazed surface than for a relief one.
5. A plastic kitchen apron can be a great alternative to tiles or MDF. Today on the market you can find high-strength plastic finishing materials that will last more than one year without losing their original appearance.
6. To create aprons, any materials suitable for performance can be used - they must be strong, moisture-proof and durable. River pebbles are ideal for these parameters - just imagine what kind of surface can be laid out from simple pebbles brought from vacation! You can also use old coins or broken tiles for this.
7. Mirror and glass tiles look original as a cover for an apron. Use transparent silicone to grout such veneers.

Video about laying an apron in a kitchen from large tiles:

Apron for kitchen, photo

We hope this article helped you figure out how to put an apron in the kitchen. Finally, some stylish design solutions.

A kitchen apron is an integral functional and at the same time decorative interior detail. In the modern market of building and finishing materials, there is a growing demand for kitchen plastic 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 characteristics, this is acceptable moisture resistance. Experienced finishers recommend materials made from tempered glass that are superior to tiles for optimal protection of kitchen walls. It should be noted that tempered glass is characterized by unpretentiousness and the ability to implement attractive design ideas. Below are the experts' reasoning about which kitchen apron is better to choose: plastic or glass. It will be useful for you to familiarize yourself 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 minimalistic interior

Sealing seams

The kitchen apron should have a flat, smooth surface, exclude noticeable seams. The fact is that, as a rule, particles of dirt and moisture 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 made of mirror tiles in two rows

Adding skirting boards

The place of contact between the apron and the table top needs proper protection. For this purpose, a plinth is taken, and in addition to it the aforementioned silicone sealant. If we neglect this point, then water will inevitably enter the area where the floor cabinets are installed. In such furniture, the rear walls are usually represented by a fibrous sheet, in a humid environment it tends to grow abundantly with mold, deform and swell.

apron made 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 borne in mind that fat and moisture are firmly fixed in the pores, care for the surface is difficult, it is a favorable environment for the life of bacteria and dangerous mold.

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

Glass kitchen apron

Expensive tempered glass is a practical and aesthetically pleasing material. This coating has a number of properties similar to the time-tested tiles. The glass apron is extremely easy to clean from dirt, moisture adhesion and constant temperature drops 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 an apron, the fate of an expensive installation using special fasteners, a specific process of creating holes for roof rails and sockets follows.

The apron is ideally fastened with fasteners specially designed for this purpose, while leveling the wall and even removing the old tile is not required. In the case of using glue to attach the material to the wall, the wall will need to be leveled, dry and clean.

Attaching glass material to the wall does not provide for dirty work, it is carried out quickly. You can start installing the apron only after the kitchen set has been installed. The craftsmen carry out the work accurately, it usually takes 2 hours.

from glass with large flowers on a dark background glass with a forest landscape

A glass apron for the kitchen has the following positive qualities:

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

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

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

Plastic kitchen apron

Description, surface preparation and material installation

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

Bars of wood act as the base of the apron, the panels do not adhere to the wall. From this it follows that surface leveling is not required.

It is easy to work with MDF panels, installation is available for beginners. It is not difficult to create holes for roof rails and sockets.

plastic apron with fruit plastic apron with bright colors

Main material characteristics

Apron for kitchen from plastic panels has the following advantages:

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

It is noticed that high-quality material made of MDF and plastic can serve for several years without problems. True, the service life is shorter than that of glass and tiles. A plastic apron based on MDF is more resistant to a humid environment than chipboard panels, but loses in this sense to a stone, mosaic, tile and glass apron. To avoid damage, it is necessary to thoroughly process the edge, to hide the joints with the table top with a skirting board. Housewives note the simple care of the surface: a smooth and even apron has no joints, it is well washed with a sponge or soft microfiber.

plastic apron with large white flowers apron made of plastic with coffee beans

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

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 the last place, it is the wall above the working area that is often used to place accents of the kitchen interior. If you plan to install the apron yourself, then the complexity and duration of installation plays an important role. To make the right choice, you need to choose an option with an optimal balance of all these qualities.

The wall surface above the countertop is the most stressed area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen. There are household appliances, a work area and a gas stove here. Not every type of finish is capable of adequately withstanding all types of influences associated with the operation of the kitchen for its intended purpose. Therefore, a number of requirements are imposed on a kitchen apron:

• Resistant to high temperatures. Since the heating of the screen surface is uneven, the material should not expand significantly. Flammability and low melting point are also not the best qualities for an apron;
• Moisture resistance. The impact of liquids on a surface can manifest itself in different ways: direct contact, splashing, 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 different types of contamination: dust, grease, food particles. 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 often, and sometimes intensively, the coating must be resistant to abrasive substances and hard brushes. Micro-scratches and patches of rubbed paint will definitely not decorate the kitchen;
• Safety. Environmental cleanliness and the absence of harmful fumes are 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 the apron

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

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

Before installing any apron, it is necessary to prepare the wall surface, 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 separate the wiring in advance and make outlets for the sockets.

When the wall plane is prepared, you can measure the area for the apron and start choosing 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 backsplash is tiles of different shapes, sizes and designs. It is practical and affordable. Combinations of different shades and tile designs allow you to create unique and beautiful kitchen screens.

Material features

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

• Resistant to mechanical stress. Minor blows will not harm it, and the glaze, which covers the front surface, tolerates 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 for by the small distance between the individual trim elements. But it is important to choose a good adhesive base and grout;
• Long lasting. The service life of an apron made of tiles, subject to high-quality installation and glue, is at least 15 - 20 years;
• Safe. The material is environmentally friendly and non-flammable.

Among the disadvantages of tiles, 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 mildew. But if you are not stingy and choose a high-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 weak spots. Prime and make notches if the base is covered with a layer of paint that cannot be removed.

To lay tiles with your own hands, you will need special tools and materials:

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

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

Laying must be done before installing the kitchen unit. 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 the guide rail.

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

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

Into the space between separate fragments it is imperative to insert the crosses, and do not remove them until the composition grabs. Grouting is carried out only after complete drying.

Mosaic

A mosaic apron will become a bright accent throughout the kitchen. A variety of styling options and element materials are able to ensure harmony with design and individuality. But working with this type of finish requires patience, skills and the selection of high-quality glue and grout compound.

Material features

The mosaic has all the advantages of tiles, it is not afraid of moisture and dirt, it is resistant to temperatures and mechanical damage, while it has a number of features:

• It is easier to fit around protrusions and outlets;
• To work with mosaics, 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 is the same as that of a tile - the seams, which in this case are much larger. Only epoxy grout is suitable for sealing them.

Mosaic installation

Elements can be laid in different ways. Designers play with colors 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. The adhesive is applied to the wall and the mosaic panel. The fragment is placed on an apron and pressed slightly. If there is a protective paper layer on the tile, it must be moistened a few minutes after fixing the fragments on the wall and carefully removed.

Grouting can be started 48 hours after installing all elements. The rasters are applied with a rubber spatula and evenly distributed over the surface. After 20 minutes the excess grout can be removed with a soft cloth.

Glass

Kitchen aprons are made of tempered glass. It is more durable than usual and can withstand high temperatures. Any image, drawing or imitation texture can be placed on such a screen.

Material features

A glass apron is a practical and safe option. Impurities 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 kept on the film.

To mount the apron, a glass panel is made according to the exact dimensions of the site, so it only remains to fix it. Sutures are often absent.

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

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

There are practically no disadvantages of this type of apron. This is a beautiful and functional solution. In production, the necessary holes for kitchen utensils and sockets can be made in glass. Only its high cost can stop choosing this material. Product life depends on quality printed image... Clear frosted glass or printing inside laminated glass can serve indefinitely.

Glass apron installation

The installation of the glass apron is carried out after the installation of the kitchen unit. Therefore, when measuring the length and width of a section, greater accuracy is required. Fixation can be done in different ways:

• Through holes (the most reliable option for fastening, 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 fasteners);
• Canopies (do not require drilling the glass surface, suitable for small aprons);
• Liquid nails (the easiest way to do it yourself, but the wall surface should be perfectly flat).

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

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

A compromise option for the design of a kitchen apron is MDF. Plates are affordable and attractive in appearance. But their use is limited, so before choosing this material it is worthwhile to compare 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 leveling 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 tiles, any image can be applied to the surface using the photo printing technique.

Installation is quick and easy. 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 allow getting rid of the damaged screen, but also update the familiar kitchen.

MDF aprons 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:

• Does not withstand high temperatures;
• Frequent direct contact with water leads to deformation and flaking 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.

Installation of MDF

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

PVC panels

The most budgetary option for decorating a kitchen apron is PVC paneling. They are offered on the market in large quantities and come in a wide range of colors and designs.

Material features

The panels have few advantages. If we compare them with a material from the same price category - MDF, then plastic has excellent moisture resistance, but also, like a chipboard, does not tolerate high temperatures and abrasive cleaning.

In addition to deformation when heated, plastic is highly flammable, emits toxic substances when melted, therefore, over gas stove he doesn't belong. He's good for working area, where they often cook, since 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 stationery knife. The panels are fastened to each other using the tongue-and-groove system, thus forming absolutely sealed joints.

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

The lathing is set according to the level. Above and below - guiding elements, then vertical beams 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 fixing point of the previous one and the head 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 prior to installation. The edges of the finished apron in height and width, if visible, must be decorated with decorative elements, they are sold in the same department as the panels themselves.

A rock

Natural and artificial stone is one of the best materials for a kitchen apron in terms of practicality. He has all the necessary qualities. It is durable and looks expensive and prestigious.

Material features

Such an apron requires the appropriate design of the kitchen. Expensive countertops and exquisite facades will keep him a worthy company. Different types of stone are used for the production of screens. 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 stone, while it has the same properties. But it is devoid of pores, therefore it does not absorb moisture and is better cleaned of impurities. It is lighter and can be made thinner. The durability of these materials cannot be compared to any others.

Installation of a stone apron

Stone products are most often made to order according to individual sizes. Installation must be done after the furniture has been installed.

If the stone looks like a tile, then it can be laid with your own hands, according to the same scheme as the ceramic one. It is better to entrust the installation of a one-piece panel to professionals, since the material is expensive, and if you install it yourself, without working skills, you can damage the product.

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

When choosing an apron for the kitchen, it is still not its appearance that is more important, 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 colors and design options.

Renovating a kitchen doesn't necessarily mean replacing old tiles. We will advise you on how to renovate your 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 cheap.

Often people choose to finish the apron with MDF board with high resistance 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 because you can trim quite large sections of the wall with such MDF, connecting them with metal strips. You can also secure them with rods for hanging dishes or spices. Installation of an MDF apron is very simple. Inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons can be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws.

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

Inexpensive painting

To reduce the cost associated with bringing the wall above the work surface to its normal state, you can paint it over. However, you should not use ordinary paints that are used in other rooms. In this case, wall paint works best in the kitchen and bathroom. It 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 aesthetic effect, the surface of the wall to be painted must be perfectly smooth.

Paint is a good solution for people who like to frequently change the appearance of a room. You can repaint such walls at any time in any color.
Washable vinyl wallpapers

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

How to upgrade your apron cheaply?

Are you planning a renovation or do you dislike the interior of your kitchen, its appearance? Do you want to renovate walls or old tiles and are looking for how to make an apron in the kitchen cheap? 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 apron.

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 tiles are glazed, detergent is sufficient. If stains are difficult to remove, using water and soap, vinegar, or baking soda may help.
It is more difficult to restore tiles that are not protected by a layer of glaze. If the stains have penetrated deeper, you can use special unglazed tile products from 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 the seams will have to be updated.

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

This is an idea for those who don't 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 major 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 off and sprinkle. Each plate should be sanded with a fine sandpaper (eg 420).

If you want to avoid removing the old tile, you can stick the new tile directly onto it. The new cheap tile for the kitchen will make the apron completely different and you will not need to do the dirty work of knocking down the old covering. To do this, you need special glue, which must be applied to the old tile in 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 removed with a solution.

Places where the seams have been leveled must be treated with a primer solution. If we want to tile a larger section of the wall than the old one, the new place must be filled with a 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 a different material. A fashionable solution is a sheet of glass that is screwed to the wall. In this case, frosted glass is better suited, it darkens the tiles, or options with a pattern. because of high temperature tempered glass is recommended around the hob. You can also install transparent glass walls through which the old covering can be seen. The effect can be interesting if the old tiles are clean.

Other solutions that are used during wall renovation:

• drywall, which can be painted with moisture-resistant paint,
• veneer board finishing,
• coating with thin sheet steel,
• wallpaper or photo wallpaper for glass.

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

The term " kitchen apron"Relatively recently entered the lexicon of interior designers, but has already firmly established itself in it, and its popularity only increases over time. This term is usually used to designate the surface of kitchen walls near the sink and stove, covered with some kind of finishing material from those used to decorate kitchens. The apron differs from the usual tile covering in a wide variety of materials, as well as wider design possibilities. In addition, those who want to make an apron for the kitchen with their own hands when the right choice material can safely count on success

When choosing this detail of the kitchen interior, several factors must be taken into account, each of which is important in its own way. Utilitarian factors include strength and practicality, which any housewife must pay attention to before or after the decorative and aesthetic factor.

For the general style of this kitchen, the choice of stone as a finishing material is the best option, it is in harmony with furniture and other interior elements

Protecting the wall behind the sink and stove

The strength of a surface is determined not so much by its ability to withstand mechanical damage, but rather by its resistance to abrasive or chemical cleaning agents, which are quite aggressive and can damage a poor-quality surface. The desire to save money on such an important interior detail usually does not lead to anything good, therefore, the thought that inexpensive chipboard can be quite suitable as a kitchen apron should be discarded immediately so that later you do not contemplate its scratched surface with barely noticeable paint residues. It is better to additionally protect the wall behind the oven with metal bumpers, the recommended height of which should be at least 15-20 cm, however, as practice shows, there are cases in which this option is not advisable, since low bumpers do not protect the entire surface of the wall, but high ones can look somewhat rude and inappropriate, not fitting into the overall style of the kitchen.

Practicality or aesthetics?

From the point of view of practicality, it should be borne in mind that most of all greasy spots, dirt, scale and burning accumulate just near the stove or sink, so it will be better if this surface is cleaned without any problems. Typically, special problems are associated with textured porous materials such as natural or artificial stone, natural wood, or embossed ceramic tiles.

This apron is replete with joints between tiles, and cleaning the embossed border can be a real challenge, but the work wall, decorated in this way, looks luxurious and stylish.

No matter how attractive these materials look and no matter how harmoniously they fit into the interior of the kitchen, experts do not recommend stopping their choice on them. The best option for the surface of a kitchen apron is solid, smooth, homogeneous, preferably without connecting seams or at least without large gaps between the coating details.

From the point of view of operation, such an apron is remarkable in that dirt is practically invisible on its surface, which is not uniform in color. The joints between the elements of the apron are not striking, and the original urban landscape is another "plus"

If the decorative component of the material is a more influential factor in comparison with the strength and practicality, and frequent and thorough cleaning of the kitchen does not frighten the hostess, then these recommendations can be completely neglected, because beauty is above all!

We kill two birds with one stone: on this working wall, finished with natural black pebbles, all the beauty of the stone appears and the kitchen dirt is practically invisible

Do-it-yourself apron or "I want sunflowers!"

Traditionally, the kitchen is considered a female territory, and in order for the hostess to be comfortable, her desires must be taken into account when choosing the design of this room. And it is from this moment that the most interesting begins, since the views on interior design for men and women can be radically different. Men prefer solid and soft pastel colors, while women love everything bright, unusual and something that would make their kitchen stand out from many others. Therefore, on the eve of the start of repairs, the husband can hear the categorical: "I want sunflowers in the kitchen!" Confused and confused argumentation may follow, or maybe not, but the fact remains, and the desire is voiced. Moreover, it does not have to be sunflowers, as an option is considered the seabed, and the spring forest, and the city landscape and even the battle of gladiators. But at this moment the man realizes that his life is turning into a nightmare: either he will contemplate sunflowers for a very long time in a large area of \u200b\u200bhis apartment, or he will not see forgiveness.

Sunflowers, as one of the subjects for decorating a kitchen, are very popular: such bright and contrasting colors will not let you get bored, but in large quantities they can be annoying. A compromise is achieved by allocating a small area for sunflowers

And then a kitchen apron appears on the horizon, which will help to reach a compromise: modern technologies allow you to apply any drawing on it, and its functional feature is that, taking up relatively little space, it is constantly in front of the eyes of the hostess working in the kitchen. Thus, she always sees what she wanted, and the kitchen does not turn into an annoying accumulation of bright colors. Designers believe the kitchen is the best place to take advantage of zoning opportunities and maximize aesthetic impact. And the desire of women to diversify the interior interspersed with bright details is fully justified and justified - a boring monotonous environment makes a depressing impression, no matter how expensive and high-quality it is.

Tulips are traditionally associated with spring, and their bright saturated colors will add vivacity even on a rainy autumn morning.

Advantages and disadvantages of materials for the apron

The most popular and suitable materials for kitchen aprons, in terms of a combination of aesthetic and practicality, ceramic tiles, glass, mosaics, natural stone, MDF, metal and brick are considered. Many people wonder if it is possible to make a kitchen apron with your own hands? A positive answer will largely depend on the choice of material, because working with MDF will not present any particular difficulties even for a beginner, and it is better to entrust the work on the mosaic panel to a professional master.

Making a mosaic panel with such a variety of shades is a job for a professional

Both experts and amateur craftsmen, who decided to make an apron for the kitchen with their own hands, unanimously declare that the easiest way to do this is by choosing glass as the basis. In addition to ease of use, this material has other valuable advantages: ease of use, relative affordability, an almost unlimited number of pattern options, the ability to quickly replace a boring pattern or damaged element without installing the entire apron.

Important! If the surface of the working wall is supposed to be decorated with a glass apron, it must be perfectly flat, otherwise the glass may burst when pressed against the wall.

How to install a glass apron

It is the possibility of choosing any pattern that can explain the increasing popularity of glass, because the manufacturers of tiles, despite the variety of colors, patterns and designs, are still somewhat limited in this regard. You can, of course, make an individual order, but this will cost significantly more than the same option using glass.

You can get such desired sunflowers or any other pattern on an apron in several ways, of which the most democratic is to simply choose a suitable photo wallpaper in the store, on which transparent elements of the apron will then be attached. A more expensive way is to order the printing of photo wallpaper in a printing house according to an individual project. The most expensive way is to print the selected design on a transparent self-adhesive film. In this case, it is also necessary to additionally glue the opaque base film so that the wall does not show through the drawing.

The possibilities of glass aprons in the field of decor are endless - any pattern that meets the tastes and preferences of the owners can appear on the kitchen wall

Important! Glass usually has a slight greenish tint, especially if its width corresponds to that adopted for a kitchen apron and is at least 6 mm, so this must be borne in mind when choosing a pattern.

After that, profiles are attached to the wall (experts recommend choosing U-shaped and L-shaped aluminum profiles), into which the glass elements of the apron are inserted.

There is another way of attaching individual elements - using special glass fasteners with wide heads. For this, holes for this fastener must first be drilled in the glass elements. It is not recommended to perform such an operation on your own; it is better to ask the specialists of the workshop where the apron was made. By the way, it is imperative to make sure that the ends of the parts are polished with high quality - so the joints between them will be less noticeable.

Kitchen aprons from MDF

Our desire in nothing, even in small things, not to yield to our more successful friends and acquaintances sometimes pushes us to make hasty unreasonable decisions. Of course, glass aprons in the kitchen look bright, stylish and fashionable, but this cannot be considered a reason to immediately reject, without considering, other options. For example, a coating for a working wall made of MDF has certain advantages that should be taken into account at the time of making the final decision:

• practicality;
• ease of care;
• in the overwhelming case, the possibility of installing an apron without joints and connecting seams;
• durability and strength when used correctly;
• environmental friendliness of the material;
• affordability.

MDF board with a surface natural wood"Looks stylish and noble in this kitchen

The possibility of applying any pattern to the MDF board, as well as lamination of its surface, makes this material even more attractive. In addition, it is advisable not to forget that one plate may be enough to make an apron, and then the general appearance of the wall will not spoil the joints, washing and cleaning of which annoys many housewives.

In any case, when choosing a material for an apron, you need to proceed from the general style of kitchen design and the aesthetic compatibility of the finishing materials used, it is advisable to fully use the capabilities of the zoning method in order to achieve the most original result and not be afraid of bold experiments with textures, colors, especially bright and unusual , and in different shades.

Video guide for installing an apron from a tile

There are no particular difficulties when using ceramic tiles as a material for an apron; all the necessary operations can be done with minimal experience in construction industry.

Photo examples of the design of an apron in the kitchen

Not everyone can choose non-standard mosaic fragments so that the pattern fits harmoniously into the interior

The main decorative element this kitchen apron is a symmetrical pattern in a color scheme that is in harmony with the general background

There are no bright colors, unusual paintings and expensive materials in the interior of this kitchen. The desired effect is achieved through the noble color combination of brown and blue

This kitchen apron cannot boast of special sophistication, nevertheless, it looks attractive, and scattered interspersed interspersed with light tiles add a touch of spontaneity to the interior

This ceramic tile light color with an embossed surface, it looks just great and perfectly matches all the details of the decor. With constant care, it will be a real decoration of the room.

A somewhat unusual choice of plot for decorating the kitchen makes it unique, and the successful illumination of the working wall makes a pleasant impression.

Ceramic tile, selected in contrasting but harmonious colors, as well as a small panel in the center, make this kitchen attractive and original