Kitchen apron made of PVC panels. DIY apron for the kitchen made of plastic

At first glance, the prospect is rosy. But is this really so? AND won't I have to pay twice later?, like the stingy one from the famous proverb?

Let's figure it out together and discuss all the pros and cons of this material.

What types of plastic aprons are there?

They come in the following materials:

• Polycarbonate (acrylic glass)

We are here Let's not discuss plastic lining, which has long since outlived its usefulness morally and is not worth a single good word if used to decorate a work wall.

Not only is it simply unfashionable, but also in terms of flimsiness it simply has no equal. You can pierce it with your finger, if you really want! And at high temperatures it melts ungodly. Moreover, it’s enough to heat the wall to 45 degrees and goodbye neat appearance...

And before you make a purchase, giving in to an impulse and falling for a pretty color, it makes sense to ask the seller what their aprons are made of. Because it depends on how long they will serve you and how easy it will be to care for them.

So let's start the analysis.

Review of advantages and disadvantages

The cheapest material for making panels. At the same time, he looks no worse than others, which is the reason for his popularity.

The fact is that plastic panels, in principle, appeared on the market relatively recently and have not yet managed to become “persona non grata” in the kitchen, like the same plastic lining with which everyone has long been familiar.

And so far these panels are selling well, without going into too much detail about what type of plastic is in front of them.

So, PVC is the worst option of all available. We offer you for consideration a table that shows the advantages in one column (which are the trump cards of sellers), and in the second - real explanations for these controversial advantages.

Pros of PVC	The other side of the advantages of PVC
It's inexpensive	Of course it's inexpensive. But if you consider that they are practically disposable, the price will no longer seem so tempting. A plastic “service” can also be used more than once, but this will not turn it into porcelain. PVC aprons are from the same opera: you use them for six months and are happy, and the rest of the time you just endure and get angry: after all, they get scratched from washing and instantly fade. This all means that sooner or later you will have to replace the panel with a new one. And in the case of PVC, sooner rather than later. So consider: is it profitable to buy the same product twice?
Easy to clean and has no crevices	Yes, it’s easy, but with one “but”: you must immediately wipe off the greasy drops before they get into the surface and dry out. If the dirt stays for even a little while, it will be difficult to remove them, since the PVC panel should absolutely not be scrubbed with a hard brush or any aggressive substances should be used to dissolve fat. That is, we slightly missed the point - you will have to wash it using prohibited substances, which will lead to instant dulling of the surface.
Easy to install with your own hands	This is undoubtedly easy. But it’s better for you to think about how you will remove it after the scratched look gets pretty boring. Considering that the most common option is fastening with liquid nails, the dismantling process will not be too joyful. To then clean the walls from this glue, you will have to use a hair dryer and spend a lot of time. Ordinary cement mortar, on which the tiles are attached, is much easier to break

Here's an oil painting for you. U PVC also has obvious disadvantages:

1. PVC panel is afraid of elevated temperatures. This means that they should not be installed near the stove, for example, as they will certainly melt. So what does this mean? Near the hot zone you need to attach another material or tile. So what is the point then, to use such a coating at all, if it is chosen solely because of its holistic, beautiful design, mainly with photo printing?

2. PVC panel is not eco-friendly. Particularly not environmentally friendly when heated. But here you need to be fair and take into account the manufacturer. If it is solid, then the level of all sorts of harmful things is normal. But they won’t be very cheap either; at the same time, the other disadvantages of polyvinyl chloride will remain with them: the tendency to abrasion and tarnishing.

ABS work wall

Here there are already more advantages. This coating costs the same as a tile, but is still cheaper than heat-resistant glass. Here are the pros and cons of ABS aprons:

Advantages of ABS aprons	Disadvantages of ABS aprons
Weighs lighter than glass	The plastic has a yellowish tint
Abrasion resistant	Will not withstand an iron brush, only light abrasives
Resistant to chemicals	If PVC panels cannot withstand even ammonia, then these aprons are only afraid of acetone and solvents, which is also not a plus
Eco-friendly	Fades quickly in light
Wide variety of textures	There are not many ready-made drawings; more often you have to make an individual order, which also adds to the cost

Polycarbonate apron

And here are even more advantages! See what we're talking about:

• This panel does not fade
• Not afraid of blows
• Very transparent and indistinguishable from glass
• Fire resistant

But, no matter how sad it is to admit, it scratches just like any plastic. It costs more, yes, but it wears out the same way.

So, as you can see, the results are not very encouraging, no matter what material we consider.

What other parameters should I pay attention to?

The thicker the sheet, the stronger and more expensive it is. But this, nevertheless, does not negate its instability to abrasives.

Leaf shape is also important. It is always better to take a solid one, covering the entire area of ​​the working surface and seal the upper and lower joints with the wall.

If you don’t close them tightly, dampness will get in there and fungus will definitely develop.

For the same reason, you should not take plastic panels in the form of tiles, which are also glued to the wall, but there are uncovered micro-cracks between them.

Customer reviews about plastic apron

Let's be honest, there are very few good reviews on the Internet, and we do not advise you to opt for plastic panels.

Regular tiles will last much longer (what longer, they will last a lifetime!), they are easier to care for and, if desired, you can always find inexpensive and interesting options.

And it won’t be too expensive to call a tiler: you only need to lay a couple of squares. And if you don’t have enough money for glass, then it’s better to completely abandon the idea of ​​decorating an apron in this style.

An imitation is an imitation and it will never become the original, no matter how cute it looks initially. Artificial black caviar also looks like natural caviar until you try it. So it is here: whoever tried it, spits.

And to confirm our words, we present review from one customer, posted on the web. She was happy with her purchase for just one day!

But again, keep in mind that this was a PVC apron. Acrylics are a little better, of course. But also more expensive!

Moreover, it is even more expensive than ceramic tiles, which will serve you, maintaining their original appearance, until you get tired of them, and a polycarbonate working wall will last about five years, at best. At the same time, in recent years he will look very “tired” and irritate with his sloppy appearance.

If durability is not important to you and you like to change your interior often, then you can take a plastic apron. After 3-4 years, change it and that’s it. So, since this is exactly your case, we suggest you continue reading further.

Catalog of options

1. Plastic aprons with fruit and berry designs and flowers

Before you start studying photography, I would like to give some theoretical recommendations. Since fruit and berry designs are often very bright and catchy, such aprons will look good only if the main tone of the walls is neutral and the furniture is simple in shape, and not carved classics.

Now look how it looks in the kitchen interior:

And now the example is the opposite. Here people overdid it and as a result the room looks overly colorful:

So, if you want to emphasize the drawing, you should not decorate other elements, otherwise they will not be clearly visible at all and they will not look good. The best option is this:

And the option of a colored kitchen, where the pattern of the apron is matched to match, looks much worse, since in this case there is no emphasis on anything. Neither the furniture “plays” nor the picture.

2. Plastic aprons with natural textures

In general, imitation of natural textures is not the best solution for coloring plastic panels. They come in both wood and stone motifs. But in any case, it looks extremely unnatural and is not for everyone.

Here is an example of a kitchen where a cut of boards is depicted on the work surface:

And here is an imitation of masonry:

As you can see for yourself, it doesn’t look much like a stone, both upon closer examination and from perspective.

Make real stonework, and cover it on top with a strip of transparent panel, preferably matte.

3. Plastic aprons with a mirror surface

With the help of mirrors on your desktop, you can wonderfully expand the room. There is one “but” in such panels: every drop will be very visible and you will have to rub it endlessly (and plastic does not like this, as you remember).

This is how it might look in the interior:

Okay, no doubt. But in this case, we still recommend that you install glass mirrors, it will be more durable and reliable.

How much does a plastic apron cost for the kitchen?

Different prices. It all depends on the material of manufacture, thickness, type of pattern and manufacturer. The better the parameters, the correspondingly more expensive the product.

We do not recommend that you choose the most expensive options in the hope that such an apron will last a very long time. It won’t last anyway, and there’s no point in overpaying for a brand name. The only thing is for sure do not use a PVC work surface.

Also keep in mind that any individual order of a drawing will cost more than any ready-made one. Therefore, try to find something suitable so as not to overpay for printing.

DIY installation of a plastic apron in the kitchen

And finally, we will tell you how to attach plastic aprons with your own hands.

There are three options and they are all very simple:

1. 1. Fastening with glue
2. 2. Self-tapping installation
3. 3. Installation on a wooden sheathing

The first option is suitable if the wall is more or less flat. In this case, you just need to apply glue, press the apron against the wall and wait a while. The plastic is lightweight and the glue sets quickly. But dismantling it later is bad...

The second option is more acceptable, since subsequent removal will not cause any trouble. Cover unsightly bolt heads with special plugs.

A attached to the sheathing in the event that there is a large distortion on the wall. That is, with the help of planks you level the plane and mount the apron on it.

Here it is necessary to take into account that in this case there is a gap between the wall and the plastic, which makes the material more vulnerable. It may crack due to impact. Therefore, if you are planning this type of installation, then choose a thicker panel (and before that, consider whether it might be more profitable to level the wall?).

Our review has come to an end, and you now know our opinion on this matter. But it is not an indisputable truth. Whether it’s worth buying a plastic apron for the kitchen or not – only you know!

Do you want to update the work area in your kitchen space, but are limited in financial and time resources? An excellent option in this case would be a kitchen apron made of plastic. In this article we will analyze the installation procedure, installation nuances and answer the most frequently asked questions.

Advantages of plastic

Let's consider what advantages plastic has over other facing materials before attaching the apron:

• This type of work does not require construction skills or special tools and can be done with your own hands.
• Installation can be carried out in one day, because no preliminary preparation of the base is required.
• Lack of an abundance of dust and construction debris during installation.
• Affordable price for lamellas and fastening materials.
• Huge selection of colors and textures. You can easily find plastic that harmoniously combines with the kitchen set, countertop or main wall decoration.
• Easy to maintain and use, there is no need for daily rubbing, just wipe regularly with a damp sponge.

Of course, it should be noted that the plastic coating has some disadvantages. The most significant include:

• Placing the hob too close to the wall can lead to deformation of the plastic under the influence of high temperatures.
• Abrasive and aggressive chemical metal brushes used in the cleaning process can quickly destroy the integrity of the pattern applied to the panels.

Types of plastic panels

The range of plastic panels has long ceased to be limited to just white narrow lining. Today the market is filled with samples of lamellas imitating wood, stone, leather, mosaic, as well as panels with photo printing.

You can assemble a plastic kitchen apron from the following types of material:

• Plastic lining 100 - 120 mm wide, up to 3 m long.
• PVC panels with seamless joints, the width of which ranges from 150 mm to 500 mm and the length of 2.7 - 3 m.
• PVC wall sheet 1035 x 500 mm.
• Kitchen aprons made of polycarbonate dimensions, which are 3x600x2000mm; 3x600x1000mm; 3x600x3000mm.

Based on the dimensions of the kitchen apron, the material is calculated and selected. When purchasing the required quantity, you should start from the length and width of the panels, which will leave a minimum amount of waste, and therefore you will be able to save some financial resources.

Installing an apron

Depending on the chosen plastic, the method of its installation also depends.

In cases where the base of the walls does not have dents, bulges or irregularities and is located in a single vertical plane, the fastest installation of plastic panels can be carried out by gluing the apron onto liquid nails.

If the wall has a number of the above defects, a plastic apron in the kitchen is installed on a pre-mounted sheathing. Let's consider both methods.

Installation on the lathing

Lathing

To assemble the sheathing, a wooden beam, PVC guides, thin slats (shingles), or a galvanized profile are used.

Important. When there is a need to hide water or gas pipes and electrical wiring under the kitchen apron, a gap is left between the base of the wall and the sheathing; in other cases, you can get by with thin slats.

The kitchen is a room with high humidity and frequent temperature changes, and these are the most favorable conditions for the growth of mold fungi. Therefore, it is initially necessary to minimize the likelihood of this unpleasant process occurring. To do this, it is enough to treat the surface of the walls with antifungal and antiseptic impregnations. If you prefer a wooden beam for assembling the sheathing, it would be a good idea to impregnate it with hydrophobic impregnation. After which the wood will lose its ability to absorb moisture, which is necessarily formed during the cooking process.

Depending on the planned location of the panels (vertical or horizontal), sheathing beams are installed. The standard distance from the surface of the countertop to the bottom edge of kitchen cabinets is 600 mm; sometimes, with vertical lamellas, only 2 horizontal slats are installed, this is enough to support the weight of the plastic. However, we strongly recommend installing at least 3 beams to increase the rigidity of the coating.

In cases where a horizontal arrangement of lamellas is planned, the pitch of the beams is 200 - 400 mm. Fasten it vertically to the wall with dowels and nails every 250 mm. In this case, the outer beams are filled strictly at the level of the first and last panels.

During the installation process, it is necessary to use a building level and ensure that the surface of the sheathing forms a single vertical plane. This is a necessary condition for creating a smooth plastic base.

Installation of lamellas

To ensure neat connections between panels in the corners of the kitchen, as well as a finished look at the ends, starting strips and internal corners are purchased. The connecting fittings have a variety of colors and you can easily select the appropriate elements for the plastic used.

1. A starting strip is mounted at the top of the sheathing, which can be easily attached using a construction stapler.
2. If you plan to install a plinth on a tabletop, then there is no need to mount a starting strip, because the joint will be hermetically protected and decoratively decorated.
3. Depending on the kitchen configuration, the required number of internal corners and vertical starting strips are attached
4. Sometimes in kitchens there are water heating devices that are located at the level of the apron. In this case, the starting bar is mounted around them.
5. The lamellas are cut into strips according to the specified sizes. It is better to use a wallpaper knife or a hacksaw for cutting. If necessary, cut holes for sockets. If you decide to use an electric jigsaw or grinder, remember that too high speeds can lead to melting of the plastic in the cut areas.
6. Options in which you do not have to cut the last panel to width are very rare. It is much more convenient to mount the cut strip first.
7. The first lamella is inserted into the grooves of the end strips and pushed in until it stops. The free edge is fixed with self-tapping screws or construction staples.
8. Subsequent panels are mounted in the same way. Each section is fastened to each other with a groove-tooth connection, and to the sheathing with staples or small self-tapping screws.
9. Install the kitchen plinth, carefully sealing the joint between the base of the plastic covering and the countertop. Using aquarium sealant will help make a high-quality connection through which liquid from the tables will not leak.
10. The lathing is assembled from plastic guides in a similar way, but in this case, to secure the lamellas, instead of staples and screws, specially designed clamps are used.

Gluing

If the wall is smooth without defects, you can glue the apron to the base. This installation will take very little time and can be completed in a few hours.

In cases where there is wallpaper on the walls, it must be removed. The wall is cleaned of impurities of grease, dust, and other contaminants and must be primed. Preference should be given to primers for wet areas with antibacterial and antifungal composites.

1. You should not skimp on glue; its quality should not raise the slightest doubt.
2. A container with an adhesive composition is installed in a gun and distributed over the surface of the plastic in a zigzag motion.
3. Apply the treated area to the wall, press down well and hold for some time until the glue adheres.

Gluing the apron to the wall will not be difficult, even for those who are doing renovation work for the first time. Having given preference to polycarbonate sheets with photo printing, you will not have to trim in width, because they are produced in standard sizes with a width of 600 mm, and their length varies and can be 1000 mm, 2000 mm, and 3000 mm. Although there are options for making an apron for individual orders, taking into account the size and selected pattern. All you have to do is stick it on the base.

Video: Installation of a plastic apron

Whatever happens to the space between the countertop and wall cabinets: splashes, dust, soot, but in the kitchen of a good housewife you need to look impeccable. Aprons made of PVC panels correspond to this mission as closely as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages

Undeniable advantages:

• beautiful appearance: a variety of textures and patterns allows you to fit into almost any style or its imitation;
• ease of installation: without much effort you can replace a tired apron with a new one;
• availability: PVC has the most affordable prices;
• ease of use: all types of contaminants can be easily removed from a smooth surface;
• absolute moisture resistance, no seams or barely noticeable joints allow you not to worry about the appearance of fungus or mold;
• high level of heat and sound insulation.

But there are also disadvantages:

• additional protection is required in the slab area (usually covered with fire-resistant glass or metal);
• traces of dried water remain visible on a plain surface; plastic loses its appearance under the influence of acetone, abrasive cleaners and brushes;
• scratches appear over time;
• inferior in appearance and properties to natural materials.

Plastic can imitate stone, wood, metal, and a print or 3D image can be applied to its surface. The panels are easy to cut, drill, and provide neat holes for spot lighting and electrical outlets. Behind such an apron you can hide communications, and attach light shelves or containers for spices to the front side.

The resistance of PVC at +120C seems to be sufficient to protect against the thermal effects of a kitchen stove. But! If water boils at 100C, then the frying pan can heat up to 400C during the frying process. That is, drops of fat common during cooking can deform the surface of the plastic apron.

The service life of PVC panels is from 5 to 10 years. The most durable products are those with high resistance to fire and abrasion. However, depending on the manufacturer, the properties and quality of the materials may vary. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the guaranteed indicators and quality certificate.

NATURAL SELECTION

Only after creating the entire interior project, it is time to choose an apron. The range of PVC panels is very wide and makes it possible to find a solution that will harmoniously combine with the overall style: wall cladding, furniture and workspace. An error in choosing properties, quality, or color can lead to remodeling or the kitchen will no longer please you with its appearance for a long time.

Judging by the reviews on social forums, all types of PVC panels are used for the apron. Experience shows that it is worth choosing plastic with greater density and thickness, because the load and impact of the environment on them in this area increases significantly:

• Rack panels. Width - from 25 to 50 cm, length - from 2.6 to 3 meters, up to 25 mm.
• PVC tiles. Edge sizes range from 30 to 98 cm, thickness up to 25 mm.
• Sheet panel. The average size of the canvas is 1.22x2.44 m, thickness from 3 to 6 mm. The leader among plastic aprons.

The top decorative layer of PVC for the apron is also important. Of the three possible, only two types survived the test of water and fire.

Thermal film, with which you can imitate images and textures of any surface, looks attractive. In terms of palette and variety of patterns, it surpasses its tiled competitors. But due to its sensitivity to abrasive cleansers, it is a choice for kitchens where cooking is not a hobby. Thermal film is used on tiles and sheet panels.

Lamination provides the maximum strength that plastic is capable of. Wear resistance increases significantly and you don’t have to restrain yourself in choosing products to care for it. Using lamination, 3D drawings and large-sized photos are applied without loss of image quality.

Today you can place your own image on the apron. In this case, the source must be of good quality and in high resolution, comparable to the requirements for printing photo wallpapers.

INVISIBILITY OR THE CHERRY ON THE CAKE

The range of the apron is chosen by comparing it with color samples of the facade, countertops, wallpaper and even flooring.

Small kitchen. For small rooms, designers recommend light-colored aprons. The ornament or photo should seem to merge with the overall tone of the headset. This will add light and visually increase the volume of the room. Glossy, metallic and mirror surfaces successfully cope with the same task.

An apron can be dressed up in a white or plain kitchen - rich colors are ideal for this role, but in small rooms it is better to choose a smaller print or pattern. In spacious kitchens, macro images are also appropriate.

For a color set. In this case, you should take into account the color and texture of all kitchen surfaces, including the dining area. Even textiles and medium-sized decorative details are taken into account. A simple solution is an apron that matches the color of the largest surfaces in the kitchen or the color of the furniture, but in lighter or darker colors.

Options for basic solutions:

• An apron is chosen to match the color of the walls when creating an interior in soft pastel colors, or furniture and walls of different colors.
• Under the countertop and flooring. The inclusion of these three elements in the same range is widely used in the minimalist style. Requires support for a small number of bright and stylish items (coffee maker, electric kettle, etc.)
• To match the facades or countertops. These solutions may exist in different versions. When a prefabricated apron is made from different structural elements, the facades and the accent part of the apron will combine well with each other if the tone of the remaining apron walls remains neutral. A similar combination technique is when a light apron in the stove area or at the sink is decorated with ornaments. Looks best with a linear and U-shaped kitchen layout.
• A bright apron, not connected by color with the overall interior, must be supported by color allies: an ornament on the curtains, a vase, a tablecloth. They can be chair upholstery, a rug or a teapot. But you shouldn’t overuse it and spray decorative additions all over the space; it will create a feeling of disorder and sloppiness.

CUT LINES

The width of the apron is usually limited by the parameters of the wall, sometimes by the edge of the set. For perfectionists, in order to ensure an ideal line, in this case it is worth considering the dimensions of the edging profile. In the case of calculations for a corner kitchen, the allowance for the joint is taken into account.

The height of the apron is affected by:

• The distance between wall and floor cabinets (usually does not exceed 112 cm) plus an allowance that should provide an overhang of 1-3 cm behind the table top. The upper edge of the apron can be higher than the base of the wall cabinet, flush or located below. In the latter case, the space between the sheet and the wall at the final stage of installation is filled with sealant, and the ends are decorated with molding;
• location of the hood (the apron should be higher);
• open spaces of the upper tier for hanging shelves (depending on the kitchen design)

In the case of using slats and tiles, the total area of ​​the required material is calculated. A sheet panel requires a drawing indicating the location, shape and diameter of holes for laying pipes or installing electrical sockets. The dimensions should be convenient for transporting and delivering the future apron right up to the wall on which it will be mounted. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to check the capabilities of the doorways and, if necessary, adjust the design.

APRON TO WALL

Before starting work, the plastic is allowed to rest for several days. PVC is a temperature-dependent polymer, that is, when the temperature changes, the plates expand or contract. Acclimatization will allow it to take on dimensions appropriate for future use. This property should be taken into account during installation: leave small gaps of 5-10 mm along the width of the walls and at the joints.

Installation is no different from the options for covering walls with PVC panels and does not require special skills. How to install an apron - is chosen depending on the degree of curvature of the wall and possible temperature changes.

Using glue, applying it to a flat wall and sheet panels in strips every 15 cm, to slats and PVC tiles in a continuous layer or in spots. After which the plates are pressed against the wall with little force. Experts insist on using brands of mixtures developed specifically for PVC, otherwise the result will be unpredictable. If the temperature fluctuates by 25°C, this method is not recommended. Dismantling is difficult: it is difficult to maintain the integrity of the plastic, and the glue is difficult to remove from the wall.

The reasons for installing or replacing an apron can be different: renovating an apartment, moving to a new building, or simply deciding to update the appearance of the kitchen. Modern possibilities thanks to a large selection of aprons will make your kitchen truly unique and inimitable in design. Especially if your kitchen is small, modern renovation is simply necessary to visually increase the area and make it as comfortable as possible for living, especially for Khrushchev-era apartment buildings.

Attaching the apron is a simple process that can be done without the help of a specialist. The complexity of installation depends on the selected material. The whole process is divided into three stages:

• It is necessary to remove the old coating if the old material is being replaced with a new option;
• Acrylic primer is applied to the cleaned surface;
• If you need to fix an apron made of ceramic tiles or mosaics, then a prerequisite for the preparatory work is to level the base. To do this, you need a plaster solution that contains gypsum.

Plaster is used when the apron is glass. The base under the glass must be perfectly flat. This material is distinguished by its fragility. Therefore, a glass element placed on an uneven wall surface may crack. This will entail unexpected costs and significantly complicate the installation process.

What is required for installation?

Repair work must be carried out very carefully. The installer will need some tools:

• A building level will help you avoid mistakes during installation, measure everything correctly and secure the wall panel evenly and neatly;
• Using a hand saw, the installer will be able to saw off the required amount of measured material; if possible, it is better to get a jigsaw or circular saw. When using these tools, the cut edge will be smoother and neater;
• It is desirable to have a hammer drill, but an ordinary drill is also suitable, which should be accompanied by the appropriate components (drills);
• To make mixing plaster or glue easier, you will need a special mixer attachment. It fits onto the drill, it is quite simple to use, it will not cause any difficulty even for a beginner;
• A construction knife is distinguished by its sharpness, so when using this tool you should not forget about safety precautions;
• A tape measure will help you make accurate measurements, which will protect the material from deformation during installation;
• If you need to work with ceramics, then you need to get a special tile cutter;
• You should purchase two types of spatulas: serrated and smooth options.

Purchasing the listed tools will not be an expensive pleasure for the consumer. A man may already have a lot in his arsenal. When using construction tools, you should remember safety precautions and work carefully.

Working with sheet plastic

Installing an apron in the kitchen using sheet plastic does not take much time. A distinctive feature is the possibility of installation without preliminary preparation of the base; there is no need to level the walls. Work begins with measurements; you should understand the required dimensions. Next, using a hacksaw or jigsaw, the plastic is cut according to the required dimensions.

Installation of an apron in the kitchen is carried out using a special glue - liquid nails. If you are unable to make the design seamless, then you can design the joints using an H-profile. Sheets can be planted not only with glue, but also with self-tapping screws. To hide the hats, you can use ordinary furniture plugs, which are selected according to the color scheme used. You can decorate the apron with layouts used for laying tiles.

Using MDF panels

You can attach the apron to the wall only after installing the sheathing. A wooden strip is attached to the wall; its thickness should be at least 20 mm. It is required to install the slats in a vertical position. To make the structure reliable, it is necessary to maintain a distance between beams of no more than 600 mm. The panels themselves are laid on the sheathing in a horizontal position.

The slats are pre-treated with a bioprotective compound, which significantly increases the service life of the material, preventing the possibility of rotting or damage by insects. The strict vertical arrangement of the slats affects the quality of the installed apron. For fastening, you can use special elements.

To add individuality, finished MDF kitchen panels can be decorated with moldings. They are easily glued to the panel, and you can decorate the apron immediately after installation.

Application of plastic panels

Plastic panels in the kitchen are attached to the wall only after installing the sheathing. The work process is no different from the method indicated above. The next step is to install the L-profile. Its installation is carried out directly to the previously installed sheathing along the entire perimeter. The profile is fastened using a construction stapler.

The last stage is the installation of the panels. They are inserted into profiles and additionally attached to the sheathing. Instead of an L-profile, you can purchase a plastic skirting board specially designed for such work. The panels are not glued directly to the base under the kitchen apron - this is very inconvenient. Dismantling a separate part will be impossible, which will complicate the process of replacing a damaged panel.

Application of ceramic and mosaic tiles

When wondering how to install a ceramic apron in a kitchen, you should remember that careful preliminary preparation of the surface is required. Concrete contact is considered a good way to treat a wall. It provides the surface with a certain roughness, thereby increasing the quality of adhesion between the tile and the wall.

This composition helps out if there is a painted surface using oil or alkyd enamel. Before attaching a ceramic apron to the wall, you need to carefully check the availability of sockets and install them before installing the apron. Correct calculation of the amount of materials required is the key to success in any job. To do this, the entire wall is measured, this is done very carefully, it is better to measure it several times than not to buy more material.

Before installation, please note that it is possible to trim the tiles. Therefore, it is pre-positioned in such a way that it requires cutting off a minimum amount of tiles. To begin work, you need to secure a horizontal strip, which will become a support for the bottom row of tiles. This stage allows you to lay out the tiles level.

After laying the first row, special crosses are inserted between the tiles, which help to create an even seam. Borders are used as decoration, laid between rows of tile trim. If there are unevenness on the surface, provided that they are small, the tiles are laid on a thick layer of glue; you can increase the layer to 10 mm; this option will help bypass the plastering stage.

You will have to work a little longer with mosaics; the process here is more complicated than with tiles. There is an option to make mosaic laying easier; this requires connecting several elements on a flexible base, which is attached to the wall. A special requirement is the choice of adhesive composition. It must be white tile adhesive, which is applied strictly with a notched trowel. The seams are rubbed down only after the adhesive solution has completely dried.

Glass requires care

The glass apron is distinguished by its sophistication. For its installation, thick material is used, the edge of which is processed. Can be decorated with a beautiful pattern. The panel can be solid or prefabricated. Which panel to choose depends only on the personal preferences of the consumer.

The answer to the question of how to attach wall panels to a base if they are made of glass worries many installers. But everything is quite simple. The panel is applied to the wall and markings are made along the holes in the panel. According to these marks, holes are made using a drill or hammer drill.

Plastic dowels are inserted into the slots made. The next step is to securely screw the panel to the wall using screws. The hats are hidden under decorative plugs. You should screw the panel carefully, as the glass may crack if handled incorrectly.

Stone apron – originality and practicality

Self-installation of a stone apron is a complex process that requires a perfectly flat surface. The weight of the material makes the job more difficult. The surface under the stone should be carefully prepared, pre-leveled and weak areas of the plaster should be removed.

The work itself is not much different from laying tiles. The main thing is to choose the appropriate glue that will securely fix the stone to the surface. Artificial stone is exposed to water and dirt, so after installation the material is treated with a protective water repellent. Thanks to this, the stone acquires water-repellent properties, and its appearance becomes more attractive.

In the kitchen, it is very important to choose the right finishing material for the work area. It is that part of the wall that is located between the countertop and wall cabinets that is most often susceptible to contamination. During cooking, drops of water, fat, and soot constantly fall on it, so very often a kitchen apron is installed. This material meets all the requirements, has an aesthetic appearance and a relatively low cost. However, in order to make the definitely right choice, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the technical characteristics of plastic.

Criteria for choosing material for a kitchen apron

Before starting a renovation, everyone faces an acute question: “What materials should be preferred for finishing the space?” Here, appearance alone will not be enough. It is necessary to calculate all financial costs that may be needed to purchase materials. And also the whole range of work: some of them can be done independently, and for some you can hire professionals. However, these are not all the criteria that influence the choice of facing. The kitchen is a specific space, so it is extremely important to take into account such properties as unpretentiousness, durability, safety, practicality and reliability. And the most suitable solution will be PVC panels that fully meet these requirements.

Choosing for a kitchen apron

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a modern material used for manufacturing. Thanks to high technologies, it has become possible to give them different colors, apply original ornaments and designs, as well as different sizes. According to the last parameter, they can be divided into three main types:

• Sheets. Their surface is flat and smooth, and can be either matte or glossy. Standard sizes: length - 1.5-4 m, width - 0.8-2 m. The sheets have proven themselves well, rightfully considered a reliable and practical type of finishing.
• Panels. The most popular and sought after cladding. Their range and diversity make it easy to choose the right option for any interior. A kitchen apron made from PVC panels differs from others in its seamless installation. Most often, the standard dimensions are 50 x 60 cm, but you can also find ones where the length reaches 3 m.
• Lining is an original type of finishing, differing from others by its narrow width of 10 cm. The color scheme is mostly monochromatic.

Characteristic features of plastic panels

Those who want to save a little on an apron can and even should opt for PVC panels. The features of this material allow you not only to reduce financial costs, but also to cope with their installation yourself. The installation itself will not take much time and will be done without unnecessary dust and dirt.

Advantages of a plastic kitchen apron

By installing an apron in the kitchen made of plastic (PVC panels), you can solve several problems at the same time, since the advantages of this type of finishing are numerous. We list the main ones:

• Prevents the formation of dust and moisture accumulation directly under the panels. And this, in turn, protects against the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
• Seamless installation makes cleaning easier and allows you to keep the surface spotlessly clean.
• A huge number of design solutions, various patterns, colors and textures.
• The panel for the kitchen apron is inexpensive, its price is so attractive that it is suitable even for families with a small budget. If you purchase material with photo printing, it will cost 1000-1500 rubles. for one unit, and plain ones are much cheaper.
• Certified panels are completely safe, even when exposed to high temperatures. They do not contain harmful substances, so they do not release them during melting.
• Possibility of partial replacement of one or more panels if installation was carried out using special fasteners (bolts).
• Easy to care for. It is enough to wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent.
• The material does not absorb odors at all, which is very important for the kitchen.

Let's move on to the disadvantages

A kitchen apron made of PVC panels, like any other material, may have disadvantages. However, this does not mean that it is not suitable for cladding. You just need to know certain points in order for the panels to please the eye for a long enough time and eliminate the need for frequent repairs.

Disadvantages of PVC panels:

• Do not clean with rough brushes, especially metal ones, as they leave scratches.
• They are subject to mechanical stress; with a strong impact, the surface may be deformed.
• Features of melting temperature. A kitchen apron made of PVC panels should not be placed close to an open fire, as this can cause a fire. Therefore, in this area it is necessary to additionally line the wall
• Cheap models can emit harmful substances.

Installation features

A kitchen apron made of PVC panels can be attached in several ways.

Option 1 - on profiles

First you need to attach the wooden beams to the wall. The distance between them should correspond to the width of the panel. Self-tapping screws are used for fastening, and their caps after installation are decorated with special devices (plugs). This method is more often used for unprepared walls, on which unevenness and differences are clearly expressed.

Option 2 - glue

Before choosing this installation method, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. They consist of puttying and priming. After this, glue is applied around the perimeter of the panel and in the center and pressed tightly against the wall. It is better to give preference to polymer adhesives, for example. They set quickly enough and subsequently create a strong connection. However, it should be noted that dismantling, if necessary, will be quite difficult, and, as a rule, it will not be possible to remove the entire panel.

Option 3 - direct mounting to the wall

This installation method, like gluing, will require careful leveling of the wall surface. After this, holes are made in them and dowels are installed, their location must exactly correspond to the four corners of the panels. And the last stage is direct fastening with screws.

A kitchen apron made from PVC panels is an excellent finishing solution. Its diversity allows you to give the space an unusual and extravagant look. And if you decorate it with LED lighting, then such a move will significantly enhance the effect produced, and such a kitchen will not leave anyone indifferent.