Pros and cons of a plastic apron in the kitchen

Making repairs in his kitchen, everyone wants the materials used to be inexpensive, high-quality and durable. Choosing an apron for a kitchen made of plastic, you will save money and make the interior unusual and cozy. However, plastic aprons have a number of features that should definitely be considered during installation. Which ones, you will learn from our article.

Material Features

Consider the advantages that a plastic apron has for a kitchen:

1. Plastic is considered environmentally reliable material - for its production they do not cut down trees, do not clog the atmosphere or water resources.
2. This material is reliable - water sharpens a stone, but not plastic. Upon impact, it is able to restore its original shape, cracking and breaking less than other materials.
3. Plastic performs not only the function of decoration, but also heat and sound insulation. This is at least economical, because additional costs for insulation materials will not be needed.
4. PVC apron for the kitchen practically does not require maintenance. There are almost no gaps where dirt could clog, and it does not let in liquids, fats or other impurities inside - everything remains on the surface, from where everything is easily removed with a sponge.
5. The absence of surface roughness eliminates the accumulation of dust.
6. Plastic can be ordered in any color design. It composes well with metal, wood and any other materials.
7. Installing a plastic apron is extremely simple and does not take much time.
8. Due to the lightness of the polymer material, it does not require a full fit to the wall.

Let us dwell on plastic panels, as the most simple, cheap, easy to install and beautiful material for the decor of any kitchen.

Monolithic polycarbonate

A continuous polymer sheet without internal voids, monolithic polycarbonate looks like glass (colored or transparent) and has a number of useful qualities:

1. Resistance to moisture - monolithic material does not react to water. However, it is susceptible to the action of salts, therefore, to avoid the appearance of stains, it is recommended to periodically wipe the panels with a soft cloth.
2. Strength - polymer is difficult to break even with a hammer, unlike silicate glass.
3. It is cleaned with ordinary warm water, it is possible with a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive products, as they scratch the smooth surface of the panel.
4. Fireproof polycarbonate: components added in the manufacture of modern materials contribute to self-attenuation. However, under the influence of high temperature, the polymer is deformed, and then melts.

There are also disadvantages:

1. Polycarbonate reacts to substances containing acids and salts. Upon contact with aggressive chemical solutions, the material loses its bright color, becomes covered with stains. When cleaning, do not use abrasives that can scratch the coating and make it cloudy. Even ordinary baking soda can damage the surface of a polycarbonate kitchen apron.
2. It is not recommended to use polycarbonate for finishing kitchen walls near a gas stove. At temperatures above 140 ° C, the material is deformed.
3. Unlike other types of plastic finishes for the kitchen, monolithic polycarbonate is more expensive. The price per sheet with an area of ​​two square meters is about 1100 rubles and above.

reference. If you plan to make an apron of polycarbonate in the kitchen, it is worth considering the installation of a stove with a hinged lid.

Installation of polycarbonate sheets is extremely simple: on a flat surface, they can be attached both to glue and to self-tapping screws. To fix on the wall with defects, you will need a crate. The material is easy to cut, during installation its position is not difficult to adjust.

Use of PVC panels

This is the most cost-effective option. Modern kitchen panels for apron made of plastic are reliable and durable. The thickness of the sheets is from 6 to 7 mm. This material attracts with its wide palette and diverse textures.

A few years ago, cheap and unprepossessing PVC was used to clad only hidden places. Modern plastic panels look stylish, bright and elegant.

If you want PVC panels to retain their original appearance for a long time, follow these rules when caring for them:

• protect the surface from sunlight
• do not use harsh detergents and hard brushes, as well as strong chemicals,
• Since the fire resistance of PVC is low, the area near the stove needs protection.

According to the type of material, the panels are divided into:

1. Standard. The length of the product reaches 3 m with a width of only 25 cm. When finishing a narrow apron, it is possible to use only one panel. This option is popular when installing a work area in small kitchens.
2. Lining. It is convenient to use plastic tiles measuring 10 by 30 cm in the presence of additional elements in the decoration zone - for example, electrical outlets, panels.
3. Sheet profile. It differs in a matte or glossy surface. Decorative panels are often applied to sheet panels.

Material Advantages:

1. Affordable price. PVC is the most economical option of all.
2. Ease of installation. Installing the panels is quite up to the beginner.
3. Hygiene The apron does not fade over time, it is easily washed and does not corrode from the effects of detergents.
4. Fire resistance.
5. Decorative features. The stores offer a large selection of plastic panels in all possible shades and colors.
6. Additional design. Modern technologies allow you to apply various images to the plastic using photo printing - you just have to decide on the picture. Such a service is inexpensive, and the result will pleasantly surprise, especially when using an additional transparent top layer, which will create the illusion of depth and a 3D effect.
7. The durability of the material is verified by many users. If you take care of the PVC apron correctly, the panels will last several decades.
8. Easy and inexpensive replacement. After some time, even your favorite drawing will begin to bother. Replacing a plastic panel with a new one will not create special problems and significant material costs. You can change the apron of the kitchen unit as often as you want, while the cost of PVC will allow you to save on rework.
9. The moisture resistance of the apron is a great advantage, given its frequent contact with moisture when located near the sink.
10. The light weight of the panels will facilitate transportation and installation, reduce the load on the walls, which will be an additional advantage when they are used in buildings of the old construction of Soviet times.

The disadvantages of the material include its poor resistance to ultraviolet rays. When exposed to direct sunlight, the apron may lose its brightness after some time.

Using ABS sheets

ABS plastic is a modern yellow-yellow synthetic polymer with a high degree of impact resistance and elasticity. Due to its technical characteristics, it has found wide application as an engineering and structural material.

The name ABS is the abbreviation of the first letters of the three monomers (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene), which in combination with a thermoplastic resin form a stable polymer.

ABS material is resistant to various inorganic acids and salts, alkalis, hydrocarbons, fats, lubricating oils and gasoline, has good frost resistance (-40 ° C), as well as resistance to high temperatures - heat-resistant ABS plastic can withstand 110-130 ° C.

It has a glossy surface and bright color, which makes it a popular material for the embodiment of bold design decisions. The thickness of the sheets is different.

reference. An interesting feature of such a kitchen plastic screen is the ability to create an exclusive print. Photos, children's drawings, any family images can be transferred to the panel and mounted on the wall.

The advantages of the material include:

• high mechanical stability
• moisture resistance
• excellent grease repellent
• ease of installation and maintenance of the installed panel,
• a variety of plain color schemes and prints,
• resistance to aggressive detergents,
• the price of the material ranges from 1000 to 5000 rubles per sheet of 2x3 m.

As an alternative material for the installation of kitchen aprons, MDF panels with plastic coating and wooden elements with varnish coating are used.

Practical tips for using a plastic apron

As a flame retardant compound, plastic easily withstands temperatures below 120 ° C. However, high temperatures can distort the material and even melt it. Therefore, the stove located next to the kitchen plastic apron should be provided with a hinged lid, which will protect the screen from possible overheating.

You also need to watch out for children who like to test everything for strength, and the plastic panels of the kitchen apron are easy to pierce or scratch with any sharp object. However, this refers more to cheap low-quality plastic; expensive and high-quality panels from well-known manufacturers are anti-vandal - they cope better with such strength tests.

Plastic apron care

Caring for a kitchen apron made of plastic is extremely simple. It must be periodically wiped with a soft sponge dipped in warm water with the addition of dishwashing liquid. Then wipe the surface of the plastic panel with a dry soft cloth so that there are no traces and stains from the water.

Specialists categorically do not recommend using abrasive products to clean the plastic surface so as not to scratch or erase the pattern, if any.

Features of installing a plastic apron with your own hands

Before installing a plastic kitchen apron with your own hands, you must first prepare the wall. In order for the plastic sheet to lie smoothly and without bumps, take care to level the surface in advance. Use profiles or wooden battens to create a lathing.

There are two ways to fix the panels: stick them to the base or screw them with screws to a pre-prepared frame.

The last option is performed in steps:

• in the corners and edges of the panel, small holes are drilled for self-tapping screws with a diameter of 3-5 mm,
• screw the material to the base (wooden beam, metal profile or wall).

Since fastener caps spoil the overall picture, they should be masked. On sale is a wide range of caps and caps covering caps.

Conclusion

One of the most problematic areas of the kitchen, which is exposed to moisture, steam and fat daily, is easy to give an attractive appearance by installing a plastic apron. Such panels serve for a long time, are easy to maintain, and modern technology allows you to transfer any drawings and prints to the apron.

This protective screen is easy to install, if desired, the panels are easy to update and not spend a lot of money. Plastic apron is a popular and practical solution for the kitchen.

What types of plastic aprons are there?

They are their materials such:

• PVC
• ABS
• Polycarbonate (Acrylic Glass)

We will not discuss plastic lining, which has long become obsolete and is not worth a single good word, if you use it to design the working wall.

Not only is it simply unfashionable, but also in terms of flimsy it simply has no equal. You can pierce it with your finger, if you so desire! And from high temperatures it melts godlessly. Moreover, it is enough to heat the wall to 45 degrees and good-bye neat look ...

And before you make a purchase, yielding to a fit and pecking at a pretty color, it makes sense to ask the seller what their aprons are made of. Since it depends on how long they will last you and how easy it will be to take care of them.

So, let's start the analysis.

Overview of advantages and disadvantages

The cheapest material for the manufacture of panels. He looks at the same time no worse than others, which is due to his popularity.

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

And while these panels are selling out well, without really going into details, what kind of plastic is in front of them.

So, PVC is the worst option available. We offer you a table in which the pluses in one column (which are the trump cards of sellers) are listed, and in the second there are real explanations for these disputed advantages.

Here you have the oil painting. PVC also has obvious disadvantages:

1. The PVC panel is afraid of elevated temperatures. And this means that they should not be installed near the stove, for example, since it will certainly melt. So what does it come out? Near the hot zone, you need to fix another material or tile. So what is the point then, in general, to use such a coating, if it is chosen solely because of a holistic, beautiful design, mainly with photo printing?

2. PVC panel is not environmentally friendly. Especially not environmentally friendly when heated. But, here you need to be fair and consider the manufacturer. If it is solid, then the level of all kinds of harmfulness is normal. But they will not cost much too cheaply, while the remaining disadvantages of polyvinyl chloride will remain with them: a tendency to abrasion and tarnishing.

ABS work wall

Here are already more benefits. Such a coating is at the level of the tile, but still cheaper than from heat-resistant glass. Here are the pros and cons of aprons from ABS:

Polycarbonate apron

And here are even more advantages! See what it is about:

• Such a panel does not fade
• Not afraid of blows
• Very transparent and indistinguishable in appearance from glass
• Fire resistant

But, no matter how regrettable it was to admit, it is scratched just like any plastic. It costs more, yes, but it is worn out the same way.

So, as you can see, the results are not very comforting, 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 cancel its instability to abrasives.

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

If you do not close them tightly, then damp will get there and a fungus will surely start.

For the same reason, do not take plastic panels in the form of tiles, which also adhere to the wall, but between them there are uncovered microcracks.

Customer reviews of plastic apron

Frankly, there are very few good reviews on the network, and we do not advise you to opt for plastic panels.

Ordinary tiles will last much longer (yes, they will last all their lives!), It’s easier to take care of them and, if you wish, you can always find inexpensive and interesting options.

Yes, and calling the tiler will not be too expensive: a couple of squares of everything you need to put. And if you don’t have enough money for glass, then it’s better to completely abandon the idea of ​​designing an apron in this style.

Imitation is imitation and it will never become an original, no matter how cute it originally looked. Artificial black caviar looks similar to natural, too, until you try it. So here: who tried, spits.

And in support of our words, we give a review of one customer posted on the network. She rejoiced at the acquisition of just one day!

But then again, keep in mind that it was a PVC apron. Acrylic is a little better, of course. But also more expensive!

Moreover, it’s even more expensive than ceramic tiles, which will serve you while maintaining their original appearance, until they get bored, and the polycarbonate work wall is about five years old, at best. At the same time, in recent years he will look very “tired” and annoy with his sloppy appearance.

If longevity is unprincipled for you, you like to often change the interior, then you can take a plastic apron. After 3-4 years, change everything. So, since you have just such a case, we suggest continuing reading further.

1. Plastic aprons with fruit and berry designs and flowers

Before you begin to study the photo, I would like to give some theoretical recommendations. Since fruit and berry drawings 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, rather than carved classics.

Now look how it looks in the interior of the kitchen:

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

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

And the colored kitchen option looks much worse, where the pattern of the apron is matched to the tone, 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 in the coloring of plastic panels. They come in wood, and with stone motifs. But in any case, it looks extremely unnatural and for an amateur.

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

And here is an imitation of masonry:

As you can see for yourself, this is a little like a stone, both upon closer examination and from a perspective.

Therefore, we do not recommend you to opt for such options. If you really want a work wall with a stone look, but you choose plastic because of easier washing, then you can do it in another way.

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

3. Plastic aprons with a mirror surface

With the help of mirrors on your desktop, you can remarkably expand the room. One “but” in such panels: each 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:

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

How much does a plastic apron cost in 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 you to choose the most expensive options, in the hope that such an apron will last a very long time. It doesn’t serve anyway, but there’s no point in overpaying for the brand name. The only thing is that it’s definitely not worth taking a PVC work surface.

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

DIY plastic apron installation in the kitchen

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

There are three options and they are all very simple:

1. 1. Fixing with glue
2. 2. Installation on self-tapping screws
3. 3. Mounting on a wooden crate

The first option is suitable if the wall is more or less smooth. 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 adhesive sets quickly. But then dismantling it then is bad ...

The second option is more acceptable, since subsequent removal will not cause any trouble. They cover ugly caps of bolts with special caps.

And they are attached to the crate if there is a big skew on the wall. That is, with the help of strips you level the plane and already mount an apron on it.

It must be borne in mind that in this case there is a gap between the wall and the plastic, which makes the material more vulnerable. From a blow, it may crack. Therefore, if you are planning this type of installation, then choose a panel thicker (and before that count, can it be more profitable to align the wall?).

Our review has come to an end, and now you know our opinion on this matter. But it is not an indisputable truth. Is it worth it to buy an apron made of plastic in the kitchen or not - only you know!

How to make an inexpensive beautiful apron in the kitchen? Decorative PVC panels will help you out! A detailed story about the process of choosing, installing and maintaining a PVC kitchen apron.

More recently, a joyful and at the same time troublesome event happened in our family - moving from odnushka to three rubles.

Service housing, there was some kind of repair from the builder in the apartment, and if everything was more or less comfortable in the rooms, the kitchen categorically did not like. It was decided to refresh the room with minimal costs, in which I spend a significant part of my time, especially since it was still necessary to order furniture there, as the developer, of course, provided nothing but a sink and a stove.

Here is the kitchen before repair:

I changed the color of the walls, one of which was very successfully pasted over with brick wallpaper.

The furniture was ordered from a budget factory, ahead was a weary month of waiting, so I decided not to waste time in vain and make an apron for my future kitchen.

When choosing an apron, I needed to realize two fundamentally important ideas - to make it as inexpensive as possible and at the same time aesthetically beautiful.

How did you get the idea to make an apron from PVC panels?

Everything is very simple: this is the most budgetary version of the apron today and at the same time it is practically not labor-intensive.

In addition, my mother in the village has such an apron in the kitchen - made of PVC panels, which has been serving faithfully since 2011, and my mother is very pleased with its functionality.

How I chose the design.

Progress does not stand still, and manufacturers of PVC panels are trying to keep up with the times.

If you recall the same 2011, when my mother barely chose an apron from a meager assortment of local markets, now there’s just a huge selection of decorative panels on the market that can decorate the kitchen, the balcony, and the bathroom — and anything!

The panel designers got the hang of disguising their inexpensive products as tiles, wood, depict drawings on them - in a word, a consumer can find panels to his taste without difficulty.

I really like the scandy style in the interior of the kitchen, in particular, light concise furniture, the color of natural wood, white tiles, etc.

My blue dream was an apron made of boar tiles, but it wasn’t rational to make such an apron in an office apartment - at any time we can change housing again.

Therefore, when I saw these panels in Leroy Merlin, I categorically stated that we would only glue the apron out of them!

Let's show right away what I wanted in my dreams and what I ended up with:

Now more about all the nuances.

Product information.

The panels are called succinctly: "Tile white."

Price: currently 137 rubles. for 1 pc. Until the new year in November, we took them at 125 rubles per piece. (VAT, what are you doing, stop it!)

Specifications:

Gross Weight: 1.918

Country of Origin: Russia

Product Model: PVC panel

Blade Type: Nested and docked on four sides

Compatible with wet rooms or bathrooms: Yes, including in direct contact with water

Installation: Adhesive Mount

Mounting Type: Adhesive Mount

Care: Easy to clean

Surface: Embossed Surface

Panel Area (m²): 0.47

Color Palette: Multi-Colored

Main Material: PVC

Place of use: Indoor / Outdoor

Product Type: Wall Cladding (Cladding)

Manufacturer:Russia, St.Peterburg.

Appearance:

Classic cold white color, the panels themselves imitate the aforementioned boar tile with gray seams between it. The panels are glossy and shine in the light.

They look very natural, many, seeing the apron in my kitchen for the first time, did not immediately realize that these were panels, not tiles. This is exactly the effect I wanted.

The panel itself is rectangular, rather thin and flexible. Moreover, if you accidentally accept it, then it easily returns to its original form.

Advice!When buying, pay attention to the batch number and code (they must match) so that there are no differences in shade - that is, the same principle applies here as when buying wallpaper.

How to calculate the amount of consumable?

The area of ​​1 panel is 0.47 square meters, by simple calculations, knowing the area of ​​the apron of your kitchen, you can easily calculate how many panels you should buy.

I glued with a margin so that a small part of the apron was covered with furniture above and below, and with a refrigerator on the side, and nothing stuck anywhere.

Our 4 sq. M took 9 PVC panels, 2 pcs were left in stock, because I was worried that if there were jambs during the installation process, then I would be guaranteed how to fix them.

So, the kitchen apron cost us 125 * 9 = 1125 rubles and a small can of glue for 60 rubles.

TOTAL: 1200 rub. Budget!

Mounting the apron.

An apron made of PVC panels is, in fact, easy to make.

You can handle it yourself, without asking for help from your spouse, and even more so without hiring a master for this.

The main thing in this matter is to know some nuances and get the right glue, then the work will go quickly and quickly.

Based on my own experience, I can say that the success of your work directly depends on the quality of the glue.

Unknowingly, we started with the use of so-called liquid nails - and so they are absolutely not suitable for gluing such panels!

I recommend to buy glue for a ceiling plinth (such as "Titan", but other brands will do). Due to its ductility, this adhesive easily adheres to the PVC surface, quickly sets and dries.

After drying, the panels on the wall hold a death grip!

They can be easily taken care of, washed, even rubbed hard, without fear of an awkward movement to disrupt them.

I also advise you to purchase special corners for PVC panels, which decorate the joints in the corners, especially if the panels are embossed.

These corners beautifully hide the unevenness of the joints, and also close flaws from prying eyes, according to which it can be calculated that this is not a tile at all.

It took me 2 corners - the inner one, with which I closed the corner at the sink:

and the outer one, which closes the end of the apron on the outer corner, since I have a ledge in the wall here:

The corners are attached to the same glue as the panels themselves.

How, in fact, to glue everything?

The mounting glue is applied to the PVC panel itself pointwise, in my case I applied “tiles” to all the protruding ribs.

After application, you need to wait about a minute for the fresh glue to thicken a little - after that gluing of the surfaces is better - then glue the panel to the right place and press it well with a dry cloth, paying special attention to the edges.

It is enough to hold a couple of minutes for the glue to seize. The glue dries completely, usually within half an hour, but information about this is best clarified on the packaging of the glue itself.

The panels are glued butt, they repeat the drawing of each other in the manner of a puzzle, as a result of which a realistic "tile laying" is obtained.

If you were not very neat and stained the front of the panel with glue - do not worry, wait until it dries and remove traces of glue with a knife - it will quickly and easily leave behind.

The installation process is very fast.

My mother helped me, together we glued an apron for a couple of hours while the child was sleeping.

There was practically no waste or scrap - only a couple of small pieces from the sheet, which went to gluing the panel over the stove.

Here is what I ended up with:

Here, in the photo, we just installed a kitchen, which is so far empty and not inhabited.

But in this photo you can see the final version that we have at the moment:

From deficiencies: the built-in dishwasher has not yet been installed and I have not yet fully designed the decor that I will have in the end, but it is a matter of time.

I am very pleased with the result, the apron looks neat and at the same time not cheap, despite the fact that it is plastic and not real tile.

Care. Disadvantages. What you should pay attention to?

In leaving the apron, in spite of its “soiled” color, turned out to be very simple.

It is enough to wipe it with a rag with a soapy solution, and there is no trace of pollution.

Due to the glossy surface of the panels, they are very easily washed off without requiring any tremendous effort. At the same time, contrary to fears, it does not show any stains and spots, although initially my husband said that in vain I make an apron in the white kitchen.

My husband was also worried not to damage the panels badly when installing the railing. Suddenly, when drilling holes, the panel will burst - after all, it is a thin plastic.

But the fears were in vain - the plastic, although thin, but very malleable, and the spouse easily installed the railing, and no special drills were needed, as is the case with the same tile.

However, not everything is as rosy as it might seem at first glance, and within a couple of months of operating the apron its main jamb has come out - do not forget that it is plastic, and it is not heat-resistant

With close contact with heat, in particular, with the stove, if cooked on distant burners, the apron melts, and much more.

See for yourself what happened after the first time I decided to cook eggs next to him:

Cant, and cant substantial!

My stove, unfortunately, does not have a protective cover that could save the apron from this trouble.

Also, many are now installing built-in hobs, which also (naturally) do not have such a lid - and if you want to use all, including distant burners - then PVC panels as an apron in the kitchen are not for you.

How do I get out of position?

I use only two nearby burners - this is enough for me. But still it’s unpleasant to realize that I can’t use the stove fully without detriment to the apron.

Perhaps I will fit some kind of lid to my stove to cover the apron from direct thermal effects in the future. If you have tips on how to protect such an apron - I will be glad to comment.

Well, in general, in the end, I have 2 more PVC panels spare, so after this panel above the stove finally becomes worthless, it can easily be replaced with a new one

In the meantime, leave it as it is.

So, despite some specific features and disadvantages, I recommend buying an apron made of PVC "White Tile" panels.

Of course, he will not completely replace the real tile, but no one demands this from him.

If you want it to be fast, inexpensive and visually beautiful - consider this version of the apron - you will not regret it. From the point of view of durability - it is also quite possible, but only far from high temperatures.

Thanks for attention!

Features and benefits of plastic kitchen aprons

Plastic panels in the kitchen, of which an apron is often made to protect the wall, have many advantages, in particular:

• The material is highly resistant to moisture, which is a very valuable quality for the kitchen coating. Thanks to this, plastic panels can even be installed in the space behind the sink, without waiting for deformation during operation.
• On the surface of the plastic panels you can apply any color coating, which allows you to perfectly fit the apron into the overall design of the kitchen interior. In addition, modern technology allows you to apply all kinds of decorative elements, even paintings and photographs using photo printing techniques.
• Installation of the apron is not particularly difficult, so this process can be handled independently, which allows you to save a little on repair and decoration costs. An important point is that due to the ease of installation, the panels can be quickly replaced with others, for example, if you want something new.
• The working panel, trimmed with plastic, can withstand fairly high temperatures (up to 80 ° C), so the panels can be safely installed behind the stove, which allows you to protect the wall from splashing boiling dishes.
• It is very easy to clean the surface of the plastic from grease and other contaminants. To do this, you can use any mild cleaning products.
• The size of the panels is different, they are light weight, do not create an extra load on the kitchen walls.
• An important advantage is the low cost of this material, which allows you to design a kitchen not only beautifully and functionally, but also profitably.

Kitchen apron made of ABS plastic

Aprons for the kitchen from ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Most often, the size of such panels is 2000x600x1.5 cm or 3000x600x1.5 cm. A kitchen workstation made of ABS can look very beautiful, due to the fact that these panels are decorated with photo printing. It is this type of plastic that can be called the most popular today, since it is an excellent alternative to some materials that have a high cost. Also, this plastic has many advantages, for example:

• It weighs much lighter than heat-resistant glass, so it does not create a load on the wall.
• The coating is resistant to not only ordinary household chemicals, but also soft abrasive products.
• The material is completely environmentally friendly and safe.
• Textures and design options are very diverse, which gives consumers some freedom of choice.

Of course, like any finishing material, ABS panels have some disadvantages, in particular:

• The color of the plastic without a finish and a yellowish tint.
• Such an apron cannot be brushed, it can damage the coating.
• The applied drawing can quickly burn out if the kitchen work wall is in direct sunlight or has additional lighting.
• Do not allow solvents or agents containing acetone to enter the panel.
• In most cases, you have to make an individual order for the design of the apron, which increases overall costs.

PVC kitchen apron

PVC kitchen apron - polyvinyl chloride. A plastic apron for the kitchen from this material can be called perhaps the most unfortunate option. When selling it, store consultants and sales agents focus on the pros, but are silent about the fact that each of the advantages of the coating has a downside, and this makes them controversial.

The sizes of such panels are different. Their width can be from 15 to 50 cm, thickness from 0.5 cm to 1 cm, and a length of 2.6 - 2.7 meters or 3 meters. At the same time, the life of the material directly depends on the thickness and stiffness of the plastic, the thicker the longer it will last.

The main advantage of PVC panels is their very low cost, which many consultants focus on the buyer. But this fact can be considered a plus only relatively. The panels are kept in good condition for about six months, after which they need to be replaced. Many experts compare this material with disposable or plastic dishes because of their poor quality. Therefore, in most cases, you have to buy them twice a year.

The second plus is easy installation, the ability to install aprons with your own hands without any problems. But here it is necessary to remember that when replacing the panels they will need to be dismantled. Most often, such aprons are fastened with liquid nails, so with all the ease of installation, removing them from the walls, as well as cleaning the surface of the adhesive structure, is not so simple.

But there are frank disadvantages here, for example, that the material is afraid of high temperatures, and therefore it cannot be used to decorate the space behind the stove in other hot zones. It will require the use of a different coating, which makes the purchase of PVC panels simply pointless.

The second very important minus is not the environmental friendliness of the material, which is most pronounced when heated. Reputable manufacturers have significantly higher environmental performance than low-cost and low-quality materials, but their cost will be higher. However, even these panels still have another important minus, which consists in the quick fading and erasing of the applied decor.

Polycarbonate Kitchen Panels

Polycarbonate is a special environmentally friendly plastic, consisting of carbonic acid and phenol, which has a universal purpose, due to its technical characteristics and features. Polycarbonate is used in construction and finishing works.

Polycarbonate panels can be honeycomb or monolithic. The sizes of manufactured cellular materials are standard and are 300, 600 or 1200 cm in length, have a width of 210 cm, and their thickness varies from 3 to 40 mm. The internal structure of the panels has 3 options and is three-, two- and single-chamber, while the strength of the material is directly related to the number of chambers.

As for monolithic plates, their length is 3.05 meters and a width of 2.05 meters, with a thickness of 1 to 12 mm. In most cases, such panels are used as a substitute for quartz glass where high strength requirements are imposed on the material.

Polycarbonate plastic panels for the kitchen can be called one of the best options, since such a material is very durable, looks like glass, it is transparent, but not afraid of shock. Such an apron will not fade in the sun, it is not afraid of high temperatures, which allows it to be installed along the entire length of the kitchen working wall.

Of the minuses, it can only be noted that polycarbonate is still plastic, therefore it is afraid of scratches, like any other type of similar material, therefore it is not recommended to clean it with a brush and rough sharp objects.

Plastic lining

The lining of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a long plastic strip, the width of which is from 10 to 12.5 cm. The surface of such strips can be either completely smooth and plain, and imitate various natural textures, patterns, but mainly light monochromatic shades predominate . The length of the plastic lining is 3 meters.

The material has all the characteristics, pluses and minuses of polyvinyl chloride, but also has its own personal drawback. When using the lining, the kitchen working wall has to be sheathed with it, which requires a lot of time and accurate calculations. The finished apron will not have a solid look, because there will be stripes at the joints of the panels. The presence of joints when installing panels in the kitchen has its drawbacks, because such an apron will be difficult to clean, especially if pollution gets into the junction.

Types of decor of plastic kitchen panels for the working wall

You can use different options for decorating a kitchen plastic apron, including showing your own imagination, for example, by making a hand-made art painting using high-quality acrylic paints. Today, this design is one of the latest fashion trends.

The main way to apply drawings to plastic plates can be called photo printing, which allows you to create almost any kind on the surface of the working wall. But here it is important to choose the right decoration option, so that the apron successfully fits into the overall interior of the kitchen, becoming just its decoration. Decor options may be:

• Drawing of berries and fruits. They appeal to many people, delight the eye and cheer up with the richness of colors. But to opt for such a fragment only if the walls of the kitchen have a neutral tone, and the furniture has simple lines and shapes without patterns and bright colors. In this case, the kitchen apron with fruits will become a real decoration. But with a classic carved furniture and colored walls (cabinet doors), a good combination will not work.
• Flower drawing. This design, as well as in the case of fruits, will look perfect when combined with a neutral color of the walls and simple smooth, even furniture in bright colors. You should not choose a floral pattern to match the overall coloring of the kitchen, because in this case there will be no accent in the interior.
• Natural textures. Most often in this category there are imitations of wood or natural stone, but it is very difficult to enter them into the interior of the kitchen, making emphasis. As a rule, such a decision looks too strict and unnatural. You should avoid combining this decor with a marble top.
• Mirror plastic apron. This option is an excellent solution for decorating a small kitchen, as it allows you to visually expand the space. In order to prevent the mirror surface from creating unnecessary eye strain and stress, the overall kitchen interior should be designed in calm and bright colors with an emphasis on bright little things, such as a bouquet of flowers or a picture. But such a coating has a significant minus - on the mirror you can always see every little droplet. Such an apron must always be kept in perfect cleanliness, and for this it will have to be constantly cleaned and rubbed, which plastic panels really do not like.

Installation methods for plastic kitchen aprons

It’s easy to install a plastic apron for the kitchen, so you can cope with this task yourself. Today, plastic plates can be attached in several ways, each of which has its own characteristics.

Most often, a kitchen apron made of plastic is attached using liquid nails or other types of glue. It is simple, very fast, does not require the use of special tools (except for the glue gun), but this method can only be used if the working wall is level. Plastic is lightweight, modern adhesive solutions set very quickly, so just apply glue, install a decorative element, press it firmly and hold for several minutes. But before using this particular method, one should also think that it will be very difficult to dismantle the panel in the future.

The second mounting option is to mount the decorative element on the screws. If the walls are even, then this method can be called optimal. It does not require serious efforts, does not cause unnecessary costs, does not create problems if dismantling is necessary. Of course, after screwing the self-tapping screw on the surface of the decorative plate, damage remains, but today this problem is easily solved, because there are many different decorative plugs on sale that allow not only to hide this defect, but also to decorate the apron.

The third installation option can be called installing plastic on the crate. You can use this method if the wall surface has strong irregularities and distortions that must be hidden. But it should be remembered that in this case, the decorative panel becomes more vulnerable, since it leaves some space. For this reason, if accidentally hit, the plastic may crack. To prevent this from happening, when mounting on the crate, you need to choose thick plastic plates having higher strength or simply align the wall.

What are PVC panels for the kitchen?

Its advantages are numerous:

• plastic, allows to manufacture products of any shape on its basis,
• sufficiently durable (subject to quality assurance during production),
• safe (it is important to check the certificate that PVC plastic is made from environmentally friendly materials and does not produce harmful substances when heated),
• hygienic - it is very easy to wash with ordinary cleaning and detergents (not abrasive).

The main advantage of PVC kitchen panels is their affordability. The cost, depending on the brand and type of material, can be up to 50% lower than that of standard ceramic tiles. Compared with it, plastic panels for the kitchen attract buyers also because they need to spend a minimum of effort, time and money to install them.

If for the installation of tiles you need to get a few tens of kilograms of cement glue, and the application process will require several days (taking into account drying and grouting), then plastic panels for the apron can be installed in just a few hours.

But PVC panels for plastic have some minor disadvantages:

• small margin of safety, limited service life, after which it is necessary to change the lining,
• vulnerability to chemicals,
• low heat resistance (sensitivity limit - 120 degrees Celsius),
• flammability upon contact with the flame, which leads to caution when choosing material for installation near the hob.

The choice of low-quality polyvinyl chloride panels can result in quick damage to the cladding, which is often deformed when in contact with high temperatures in combination with high humidity.Therefore, it is important to choose a material that has a manufacturer’s certificate and a mark of heat resistance and moisture resistance.