Kitchen

How to install an apron in the kitchen with your own hands

Kitchen interier

An apron for the kitchen is designed to protect part of the wall between the countertop and the upper tier of the headset. The design of this site must be carefully thought out so that it organically fits into the interior ensemble. It is equally important that the apron is resistant to a sharp change in temperature conditions, humidity drops, exposure to aggressive chemical cleaners. The fact is that this element is located in the immediate vicinity of the sink, stove, countertop, on which products are processed. It acts as a protective shield that blocks the ingress of oil and water splashes, food particles, and earth onto the wall. That is why, when installing a kitchen apron, it is necessary to choose waterproof, resistant to cleaning materials.

Features and functions of the kitchen apron

An apron that protects the area above the work surface must be organically integrated into the interior. It should be in harmony with the rest of the environment, maintain the style and mood of the room. An apron can be the main focus against a mature headset.

First of all, this element is introduced to protect the wall. However, the aesthetic component is not alien to him, therefore, new and original ideas are constantly being born regarding the design of this wall. But creativity has a right to exist only if it does not contradict the basic requirements. He must possess:

  • resistance to heat - in case there is a built-in stove. Despite the fact that the induction cookers do not heat up, the surface of the wall next to them may suffer from neighborhood with boiling pots and hot pans, and may be subject to attacks of fat and hot steam;
  • moisture resistance - there is plenty of dampness in the kitchen, and especially in this zone. This is a spray of water from the sink and steam from cooking food;
  • environmental friendliness - in case of possible contact with products, it should not saturate them with toxic secretions;
  • hygiene - absorbing moisture, grease and dirt surface - a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, fungus. Therefore, the finish should have a dense structure and moisture resistant coating;
  • maximum fire resistance - this is especially true in close proximity to open fire gas burners;
  • to be easy to maintain - the surface texture should not create obstacles during cleaning. This also applies to resistance to household chemicals, resistance to mold;
  • aesthetic appeal - the decoration should fit the headset, emphasizing the advantages of design.

Kitchen apron requirements

Calculation of the width and height of the apron

The width of the apron depends on the size of the kitchen. The situation is somewhat more complicated. The following factors affect this setting:

  • the distance between the lower and upper tiers of the headset. The height of this gap is most often not more than 112 cm;
  • the presence of a self-extracting dome hood - in this place the apron is laid out at a high height, and if skins are used, the hood itself should be placed at a lower height;
  • design features of the upper cabinets - if the facades are equipped with lifting mechanisms, a low apron with dimensions of 45-55 cm looks great.

Kitchen apron dimensions

Types of kitchen aprons - their advantages and disadvantages

To create an apron, you can use a variety of materials from ordinary tiles - to stainless steel and natural stone.

Ceramic tile

Tile is a practical, dense material with a low porous structure and protection in the form of an upper layer of glaze. It does not respond to temperature changes, does not absorb moisture and detergents, it is durable, decorative, it can serve faithfully for many years. The market has a huge number of variations of this material of various shapes, with a variety of textures, colors and prints. These qualities make it a demanded and popular option for finishing the area of ​​the kitchen apron. The only weak point of the tile coating is the seams, which must be regularly cleaned and treated with antibacterial agents.Another disadvantage of this type of finish can be considered the difficulty of installing it yourself.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles should not be lined with a wall in a wooden house. These two materials have different coefficients of moisture absorption and thermal conductivity, which can provoke the destruction of the finish.

Glass apron

Glass is just as practical as ceramics, and its popularity has recently gone wild. The ability to create a seamless apron allows you to significantly simplify the installation of the skin - the so-called tempered glass sheets, to facilitate care of the coating.

Glass aprons do an excellent job with moisture and dirt. They are easy to wash with special detergents and cleaners. They are characterized by excellent:

  • hygiene;
  • fire resistance;
  • decorative - when decorating, use engraving, painting, tinting, matting, photo printing.

The surface of the skin can be glossy, matte, smooth or embossed. Photo printing makes it possible to apply any image, which allows you to create unique interiors. Approximately the same effect can be achieved by sticking images on the wall under transparent glass. The advantage of this method is that you can change the design at any time with minimal investment - bright pictures often get bored quickly. In addition, this will allow a good saving - photo printing is an expensive pleasure.

Glass apron

It is believed that glass is inferior to ceramics in strength. In fact, breaking tempered glass or triplex is very difficult. But if this does happen, there will be no threat to your safety - fragments of triple glazing will remain on the film, and fragments of tempered glass will not hurt you, because they do not have sharp edges.

The only drawback of the material is that any drops, stains and spots on the glass surface are striking.

Plastic apron

An apron made of acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate is an affordable, attractive option. However, it is much inferior in durability to previous materials. Plastic surfaces perfectly protect the walls from splashes of grease and water, but are very sensitive to high temperatures and cleaning agents.

Orange kitchen

Do not install a plastic panel in the area of ​​the apron near the gas stove. When buying, pay attention to the coefficient of thermal expansion - it should have a minimum value. This is the main condition in order to avoid the destruction of the panel due to temperature changes.

The following types of plastic are suitable for wall decoration:

  • ABS - polymer resin is used for the manufacture of panels. The result is a plastic material that can withstand certain mechanical influences. It tolerates moisture and heat. However, it should be remembered that heating should not exceed 80 degrees. Do not be afraid of damage to the material due to contact with detergents. He is not even afraid of chemicals that contain acid. An apron made of ABS can be applied with a pattern that will not fade over time, provided there is no constant and directed exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Installation and dismantling of an apron made of such material will not cause any difficulties, but the base should be as even as possible, otherwise “humps” will form on the panel;
  • PVC is the most affordable type of panel for an apron. The cost per square meter ranges from 160-180 rubles. The material is presented in the form of slats and sheets. PVC aprons are decorated using offset printing. The top coat of varnish protects the image. You can choose an option that mimics brickwork, wood or natural stone. To clean the panels, you can use any cleaning products, including abrasive ones.Removing contaminants from the seams is quite difficult, therefore, fungus formation is possible in them. The material is afraid of shock and high temperatures - it deforms when heated. This material cannot boast of durability.

The panels are easily mounted on liquid nails, hide small imperfections in the base. Installation can be done easily with your own hands.

  • polycarbonate - has a smooth surface, making it easy to wash. Another advantage is resistance to high temperatures and the absence of toxic emissions during heating. It is not difficult to build an apron from this material. The panels are very easy to cut and put on glue. If the walls are not smooth enough, you can fix the plastic sheets with screws. Paints do not lose their brightness even when exposed to sunlight.

Natural and artificial stone

The advantage of natural and artificial stone in its decorativeness and strength characteristics. However, not every material is suitable for creating a kitchen apron. For example, natural marble requires regular polishing, which is not very convenient for vertical surfaces. In addition, such a coating quickly absorbs dyes and impurities, which cannot be cleaned.

Decorative rock

Acrylic stone is a great option for an apron. It does not absorb moisture, is resistant to heat, and lends itself well to restoration. Optimally, when the apron of this material is a continuation of the cast countertops. In this case, a joint does not form between the work surface and the wall, which contributes to the hygiene and durability of the kitchen set.

Quartz agglomerate is a more expensive option, due to the high content of natural stone chips in its structure. The material is indistinguishable from natural granite or marble, has a high resistance to moisture and high temperatures, is easily cleaned with detergents.Seamless monolithic surface, devoid of pores, looks very presentable. Artificial stone is represented by a rich variety of colors, options with a mirror or embossed surface are possible. Long service life does not affect color saturation. The material is not subject to deformation and destruction, does not require restoration. Agglomerate - relatively affordable in comparison with natural stone.

Stone cladding is not suitable for a wooden house.

Particleboard apron

Among the materials that can provide reliable protection to the walls of the kitchen, one can distinguish chipboard - chipboard. They are made from a mixture of wood sawdust and a special adhesive mass by pressing. Typically, products consist of three differently directed layers of chips, which allows them to provide sufficient rigidity. Products have many positive properties necessary for high-quality wall protection in the working area. They are environmentally friendly, since the proportion of formaldehyde hazardous to health present in them is strictly limited.

Chipboard finish

MDF apron

MDF boards are slightly inferior to glass and ceramics in durability and resistance to mechanical stress. The advantages of this material include the ability to withstand temperature extremes and exposure to moisture. It is much more affordable compared to skinheads, but it is absolutely not inferior to them in terms of decorativeness. The panels can be matte or glossy, decorated with painting, photo printing, with all kinds of color effects - for example, “chameleon”. This finish is optimal for a wooden house - because the properties of MDF boards are not much different from the features of natural wood. The panels are conveniently mounted directly on the wall. The panels can be coated with acrylic or film. The former are much more resistant to steam, moisture, temperature. The latter is best used in a kitchen with induction or electric stove.

MDF on the wall

Metal

Stainless steel is a very popular material, which is often used as an apron material. Such a design is not to everyone's taste, but if we talk about other indicators, then he simply will not have any rivals. Steel is extremely durable, absolutely waterproof, fireproof, insensitive to household chemicals - not excluding abrasive products. A metal apron is a great accessory for a high-tech or loft-style kitchen. It gives a certain coolness to the interior, which is relevant for these areas. The only nuisance - dried drops, stains are very visible on the metal surface. This looks rather repulsive, but if the hostess treats this circumstance philosophically or does not mind constantly wiping the surface, then there is nothing wrong with that.

Metal apron

Mounting Methods

It is not necessary to involve specialists to install the apron. This process is quite simple, so it’s quite possible to cope on your own. There are various ways to mount an apron. The choice of a specific technology and the complexity of the work depends on the specific material.

On reiki

Alternatively, the apron can be mounted on a wooden frame made of slats. The crate will ignore even significant irregularities in the walls. For work, you need wooden planks with a cross section of 10x40 mm. The slats are mounted every 40 cm. It is necessary to ensure that the frame elements do not protrude forward, and their surface is in the same plane. The apron is attached to the rails using self-tapping screws. As an alternative to rails, you can use a metal profile. Practically any materials can be attached to the crate - MDF or chipboard plates, plastic sheets and panels, metal options.

Rail mounting

To the kitchen skirting board

The easiest way is to secure the apron with the baseboard.The element is integrated between the apron and the working surface, as well as between the upper cabinets and the apron, closes the gaps and turns the structure into a single whole. It does not allow moisture and dirt to enter the gap between the wall and countertop. Installation of the apron is done after installing the headset. It is temporarily fixed, after which plinths are installed. The fastening of these elements to adjacent surfaces is carried out using self-tapping screws, which are subsequently closed with decorative caps.

Skirting Installation

The height of the apron when using this technology should be slightly less than the clearance between the countertop and the upper tier.

On liquid nails

This method of mounting is suitable provided that there is a perfectly flat base. If the previous apron was made of tiles and the elements of the old coating do not fall off, you can glue the new material directly on it.

At the preliminary stage, a wall should be prepared. Dust and harden the surface with a primer.

In order to fix the apron, it is necessary to apply liquid nails on it or on the wall, after which attach the finishing element to the base and hold for a few seconds. It is more convenient to apply the adhesive on a horizontally located apron rather than on the wall.

Installation on liquid nails

If the panel is larger than the planned distance between the countertop and the upper cabinets, then it must be fixed before installing the headset. To do this, liquid nails are distributed on the back side of the panel and glued to the wall. To prevent the panel from sliding, you need to make a backup from a metal profile or a wooden battens.

If the apron is smaller, first mount the cabinets. After gluing the apron, baseboards must be installed. They protect the joints from moisture penetration into the material. If there is no skirting board in the desired color, you can choose a contrast option.

DIY workshops on installing aprons from different materials

The choice of technology for mounting the apron depends on the material from which it is made. Consider the main stages of work for various options for a protective coating for the wall above the working area.

Wall preparation

Preparatory work is an integral part of installing an apron. They may vary depending on the installation method chosen. However, there are general requirements for any of the technologies.

Wall preparation

The walls must be freed from the previous coating, to repair potholes, cracks, completely plaster. Most of the coatings described above require a perfectly even base. The glass apron may crack when mounted on a wall with differences. If the coating will be installed on liquid nails, putty should be putty and primed twice. Antibacterial primer prevents mold. Next, you need to prepare the sites for installing sockets and switches.

Installing a stone apron

Mounting a stone apron is a complex process. To install the finishing material requires a perfectly flat surface. The complexity of the work is due to the heavy weight of the apron. Thorough preparation of the base is necessary - it needs to be leveled and the weak points in the plaster layer strengthened.

The work resembles the laying of tiles and is not particularly difficult. The main condition is to choose the optimum adhesive for this material that can hold a heavy stone on the wall.

Stone mounting

An apron made of artificial stone after installation must be treated with a water repellent, which will give it water-repellent qualities and improve the appearance of the product.

Glass Panel Installation

You can start installing the skin only after the wiring is mounted, the entire room is finished and the headset is assembled. Details on how to install skins, you can learn from the next video.

Small straight skinners or glass panels can be fixed on their own.To install models on the entire width of the wall or corner options will require professional skills. In this case, it is better not to save money and invite a team of specialists who are guaranteed not to spoil the expensive apron.

Installation of glass panels

There are 3 mounting options

  1. Hinged - using this method, the panels are docked into a single canvas. With this method, the condition of the base is not particularly important, since the material recedes from its surface by 4 mm.
  2. Using silicone glue - it is optimal in the presence of a flat wall and oversized elements.
  3. Using Velcro - for this method, the base should not only be smooth, but also smooth.

The most difficult, but also reliable is the hinged installation option.

Step-by-step instruction

  1. Attach the panel to the desired location and mark out for future fasteners through the holes made by the manufacturer.
  2. Drill holes with a diameter of 6 mm and drive the dowels into the wall.
  3. Release the panel from the protective film and push it onto the fasteners.
  4. Insert silicone dampers into the holes on the glass - they will prevent friction and isolate the glass from metal.
  5. Install the threaded bushing and screw in the screws. There is no need to over tighten the fasteners - you can damage the glass. It should hang on the screws, and not be pressed against the wall.
  6. Mask the screws with glass caps.
  7. When mounting the backlight, leave a gap between the light source and the panel 3 cm wide.

To make holes for switches, sockets and roof rails, you must consult a specialist.

Installation of an apron from chipboard and MDF

For mounting the screen from MDF, a crate or glue is used. The second way is much simpler. Sheets need to be cut to a certain size, not forgetting that under the hood the panel should be of a greater height. Next, apply liquid nails and press the panels against the wall. We fix the sheets with backups and wait 30-45 minutes.

Installation Instructions

Installation using the crate is much more complicated.First, the frame is assembled from wooden slats 10 * 40mm or 20 * 40 mm. Planks must be treated with an antiseptic composition. The bars are fixed with dowels inserted into pre-drilled holes. If the area is large, installation of intermediate links of the frame with intervals equal to 40-45 cm is necessary.

We fasten the particle board with screws to the crate, starting from the most viewed area. The unsightly hats of the screws are covered with decorative caps to match the color of the screen. We cut openings for sockets in advance.

Plastic panel mount

Plastic panels can also be fixed with glue or on the crate. The installation process of the crate is identical to that described above. After assembling the frame, an L-shaped profile is mounted around its entire perimeter. To fix this element, we use a construction stapler.

The next stage is the installation of panels. We insert them into the profiles and fasten to the crate. L-profile can be replaced with a special plastic baseboard.

It is better not to glue the panels directly to the base, since if necessary, dismantling one panel will spoil the entire apron.

Installation of plastic panels

Installing plastic sheets is a fairly simple and quick process. It is not necessary for him to carefully level the walls using a level. Plastic is cut using a jigsaw or a conventional hacksaw and fixed on liquid nails. A seamless apron looks just perfect - because joints do not form on the surface. In the opposite situation, arrange the joints of the plastic sheets with an H-profile. In addition to glue, self-tapping screws can be used for fasteners. We hide hats under decorative furniture caps of the corresponding color. You can perform the layout of the plastic by the methods used in the installation of tiles.

Copper and stainless steel apron mount

Installation of a metal apron is simple and the absence of construction debris during work. Installation begins with the preparation of the base.If there are large flaws, the wall must be leveled, if necessary, finished with finishing plaster and thoroughly dried.

While the wall dries, you can do the manufacture of the panel. We take a sheet of metal of a suitable shape and size and apply it to a moisture-proof base - particleboard or plywood. Only after that we fasten the part to the wall.

Wall mount

Steps for mounting a stainless steel apron

  1. Determine the size of the panel. To do this, measure the distance between the countertop and the hanging cabinets. Typically, the height of the sheet is 55-65 cm. Under the integrated hood, it can reach up to 75 cm.
  2. We measure the distance from the floor to the bottom edge of the floor. The edge of the apron, hidden behind the countertop, should have a height of 3-5 cm.
  3. If the hood is separate, we determine the dimensions of the free space between the hanging cabinets in the place of its attachment. The apron should end at the top of the cabinets. The sides must be placed under the body at 5 cm.
  4. We mount the substrate from chipboard, fiberboard or plywood using self-tapping screws on the base.
  5. We fasten the sheet of metal with rivets or screws.

To prevent corrosion, all joints are treated with sealant and covered with a skirting board.

Conclusion

When choosing a material for a kitchen apron, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the material, its parameters, design. This item should be optimally suited to the design of your kitchen. The photo shows various options for the embodiment of kitchen aprons in real interiors.



Graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design. More than 100 completed design projects.


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