Not just tiles! What can a kitchen “apron” look like?

A kitchen “apron” is not only a decoration for the room, it performs an important task: it protects the walls from splashes of grease, water, steam, and other stains that may appear during cooking. Any drops that settle on the panel can be easily removed with a simple cleaner and sponge. But only if the material for it is successfully chosen.

Material requirements

In order not to be disappointed in the decoration of the wall above the stove and work surface, the material from which the apron is made must meet several characteristics.

Required qualities:

• resistance to temperature changes;
• moisture resistance;
• increased strength;
• ease of cleaning;
• resistance to aggressive cleaning agents and physical impact;
• compliance with the overall kitchen design.

Tile - a traditional option for an apron

There are many materials that are used to create a backsplash. The most common is tile.

Features of the tile are:

• large assortment of colors, textures, sizes;
• a successful combination with lighting that is built into the upper shelves;
• rigidity, strength;
• resistance to sunlight;
• resistance to fire, mechanical and chemical influences;
• hygiene;
• good sound insulation properties;
• decorative qualities.

Tile has become popular due to its optimal combination of performance qualities with a large selection of tiles. The material looks like it was created for use in the kitchen! It is resistant to moisture, grease and dye.

Important! With proper installation and use, the tiled apron will last a long time.

Alternative options

The tiled apron seems too boring to you, do you want something new? Choose, there are options!

Glass

It has become popular in recent years to make glass splashbacks. Such cladding contains all the characteristics that it should have.

Advantages

The glass surface has many advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• heat resistance;
• water resistance;
• beautiful appearance;
• resistance to high and low temperatures;
• hygiene;
• durability with proper use.

Important! Thanks to the variety of shades and prints, glass will fit perfectly into any interior. And photo printing will allow you to create an individual image, for example, reflecting the most pleasant moments of family travel.

Flaws

A glass apron also has disadvantages:

• high price;
• the need for a perfectly flat surface for installation.

IMPORTANT! It is worth entrusting the installation of the glass apron to professionals. Errors made during installation cannot always be corrected: the glass will simply burst.

Mirror

Mirror products are similar in quality to glass.

Advantages

In addition to all the advantages of glass surfaces, one can also note a visual increase in the area of ​​the room.

And women like that the mirror is always at hand, or rather, in front of their eyes.

Flaws

There are only two disadvantages, namely:

• low resistance to uneven heating;
• poor tolerance to high humidity.

Stone

Natural and artificial stone are not so often used when finishing aprons. This material can make your kitchen unique.

Advantages

Designers often offer projects with this type of wall design. And at the same time, they constantly argue whether it is worth clad- ing the kitchen wall with stone. To make a decision, you need to consider all the pros and cons of the material.

Advantages of stone elements:

• easy care;
• environmental friendliness and safety;
• resistance to steam and moisture;
• long service life;
• aesthetic appearance.

Flaws

The main disadvantages of the stone are the following characteristics:

• high price;
• difficulty of installation.

Steel

Metal is extremely rarely used in repairs due to its high price. But for a high-tech kitchen this option is very suitable.

Advantages

Steel has the following properties:

• ease of care;
• high temperature resistance;
• durability.

Important! The steel apron does not get dirty and does not absorb odors!

Flaws

Despite the ease of maintenance, steel does not react well to all materials; you will have to prepare special tools. For example, material does not involve the use of abrasives.

Plastic

Don't be surprised, but your apron can be made of plastic if you choose PFV panels.

Advantages

• This is the most inexpensive option.
• The panels are easy to install and remove.
• Joints and seams are not visible on the material.

Flaws

• Despite the cost-effectiveness of the panel, it is impractical: it quickly scratches and loses its original appearance.

Reference! Sometimes MDF panels are installed in the kitchen as an apron. They are easy to strengthen, such aprons are heat-resistant and look attractive. But when heated, the material can release harmful substances, so it is better not to consider this option.

Non-standard options

Have you seen all the offers, but want something more original? There are such options too!

Laminate

Did you buy too much laminate? Well, he shouldn’t just lie there! Use it for an apron!

For installation you will need liquid nails. And the edging is made using an aluminum profile that has sealing properties.

Traffic jams

Yes, yes, we are not talking about cork panels now! We are talking about real traffic jams. Of course, you will need a lot of them! In order not to collect for many years, you can buy corks in restaurants and cafes.

The composition is mounted using glue, securing the plugs vertically and horizontally.

Beach pebbles

Why not? Are you going to the sea by car? Load up pebbles from the beach, you don't have to pay for them! By gluing pebbles, you can even create patterns by selecting stones of different shades.

Oilcloth

Need to get your kitchen in order quickly and cheaply? Then buy oilcloth! Carefully stick it on the wall, doesn’t it look good?

Of course, it will retain this appearance much less than ceramic tiles. But by changing the oilcloth, you can easily change your usual interior!

As you can see, there is plenty to choose from! So, you will be able to create your own attractive and practical apron! Good luck!