The kitchen should be conducive to eating and pleasant evening conversations, so you want this room to be cozy and comfortable. Undertaking expensive and lengthy repairs is not always advisable, and sometimes quite expensive. In this case, plastic panels for wall decoration will come to the rescue; even a non-professional can master the work with them.
Plastic panels have a number of advantages. They are waterproof, have good sound insulation, do not emit toxic substances into the air, are easy to maintain, and are also designed taking into account fire safety requirements. Such panels are not flammable. The disadvantages include the relatively easy damage of the panels and the fading of bright colors in the sun.
Needed for work
To work you will need the following tools:- level,
- folding ruler,
- pencil,
- scissors,
- drill.
Finishing with plastic panels
Installation can be carried out using frame or frameless methods. The first is acceptable if the surface of the wall is perfectly flat; for this, it is carefully puttied and primed. The second method is used more often, so let’s consider it in more detail.
The frame is constructed using wooden, plastic or metal slats. The slats are secured strictly perpendicular to the floor and each other using dowels. You'll need a level here. The minimum distance between frame slats is 50cm. At this stage, the fittings are installed. Then the panel is cut to the desired size. The first panel begins to be mounted from the corner; self-tapping screws or staples are used for fixation. Particular attention is paid to the quality of fastening of the first panel, since all subsequent panels will be aligned with it; these panels are inserted into the grooves.
For quite a long time, there was an opinion that PVC panels could be used for covering only economy-class kitchens, like Khrushchev. It was believed that plastic looked poor, deteriorated quite quickly and was afraid of scratches. However, all of the above applies only to cheap types of PVC lining.
Decorating a kitchen with plastic panels can look stylish, original, and elegant.
The kitchen is a special room. Here the cladding material is subjected to the most severe tests. These include temperature changes, high humidity, the action of steam, and a wide variety of pollutants - from ordinary house dust to indelible food dyes.
The most versatile option is tiling. Ceramics does not absorb moisture and is indifferent to temperature changes. But it also has a drawback: the tile conducts heat well, so the surface of such a wall is always cool, which contributes to the active deposition of steam. As a result, only the kitchen apron is usually tiled.
Plastic panels, despite their low mechanical strength, satisfy all other requirements.
Panels for interior decoration.
- Moisture resistance - plastic does not interact with water or steam.
- The material is extremely easy to clean from any type of kitchen contaminant. Wall panels can actually be cleaned with just one swipe of a sponge.
- Low thermal conductivity compared to metal and stone. The finish remains warm to the touch, and steam does not condense as intensely.
- Plastic wall panels are dielectric and do not conduct electricity.
- The most varied design. You can choose not only color and shade, but also texture, pattern, ornament, imitation of any natural material, and so on ad infinitum. Modern plastic products are quite capable of imitating metal and mirror surfaces.
- High-quality wall panels are characterized by stable dimensional parameters, which greatly facilitates installation and further use: after installation, the kitchen apron and walls are not deformed.
- Installation of the product is extremely simple: you can do it yourself, without having much experience working with building materials. Wall panels can be mounted on a frame, and if the wall surface is even, they can simply be glued on.
Of course, plastic also has its disadvantages:
- The material can be easily scratched and damaged by a slight blow: the finish does not have high mechanical strength.
- Some types fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but this mainly applies to material whose design is ensured by thermal transfer of the pattern.
- Fire hazard - during production, appropriate components are added to plastic that reduce the ability of the organic material to ignite.
- However, this does not reduce the instability to high temperatures: plastic sheets are deformed and melt from the heat.
The material is available in a variety of sizes, which allows you to create a unique design at the most affordable price.
- Lining- resembles a finishing board. The width varies from 10 to 12.5 cm, and the length can reach 6 meters. Most often, the lining imitates wood, however, monochrome coloring is not so rare. Depending on the configuration of the kitchen, the material is laid in different ways: horizontally, if they want to visually expand the room; or vertically if it is necessary to raise the ceiling; diagonally or even combining different laying methods.
Kitchen design, finished with clapboard.
Particularly popular are panels that reproduce artificial or natural stone. In combination with patterned border tiles, the wall decoration looks very impressive. In the next photo you can see an example.
- You can also choose very large products - sheets. Their width is 0.8–2.03 m, and their length is 1.5–4.05 m. The design, like the panels, is varied: monochrome coloring, ornaments, images, imitation of stone, wood, tiles and other things.
The most popular options include plastic panels: their installation is much simpler, and you can cover not only the kitchen apron, but also all the walls with your own hands.
Paneled kitchen design.
Not only the design, but also the user characteristics of the material depend on the method by which the pattern is applied to the surface.
- Offset printing– wall panels are rolled under patterned shafts. The image applied in this way is very reliable and looks natural.
Material for interior decoration with offset printing.
These methods are used for panels intended for interior decoration.
Interior finishing material can be fixed directly to the surface or mounted on a frame.
Installation methods
The first method is possible only with a flat wall surface, which happens quite rarely. The second method allows you to insulate the room, if necessary, and provides access to communications, which is much more in demand. In any case, the trim on the frame is much easier to repair and replace.
How to attach plastic panels
- Before you make a splashback or install panels, you need to prepare them.
Remove all protruding parts: in the kitchen these are mainly sockets and switches.
It would be a good idea to apply a layer of plaster with an antiseptic effect to the surface under the apron and wall cladding.
You can make a frame from wooden beams or metal slats. Since the cladding will be done in a kitchen where humidity is high, a galvanized metal profile should be used. And if you decide to build an apron on a wooden sheathing, then you should take care of thoroughly treating the timber with fire retardants and antiseptic compounds.
Preparing to install the frame
PVC elements are joined using the tenon-to-groove principle, which greatly facilitates the work. Finishing the apron or covering all the walls takes very little time.
Installation is done using glue
In the following video, the finishing of kitchen panels is carried out by specialists.
Modern plastic panels are very diverse. With their help, you can make a kitchen design very unusual and original. At the same time, the cost of the material is quite affordable, and even a beginner can handle the installation.
Wall panels have become very popular relatively recently. These materials can radically change the design of an apartment without requiring large sums of money. Wall panels are very easy to care for, they practically do not get dirty and have good durability, so they are ideal for the kitchen. You can turn classic walls into unique style compositions, come up with a unique interior and fill it with beautiful decorations. Today we will look at how to decorate a kitchen with wall panels.
Preparing to install panels
First you need to prepare all the materials that you may need. Therefore, buy in advance: wall panels, corners, wooden slats, dowels, level, staples, tape measure, profiles, pencil, screws, protective impregnation, etc. After this, evaluate the degree of flatness of the surface on which the panels should be attached. If the walls in the kitchen are perfectly level (which is unlikely), you can attach the panels directly to the wall using glue. This option only applies to kitchens with normal humidity levels.
If there is high humidity in the room, you will have to install a wooden frame. It can also be installed if the room has uneven walls. In this case, some space remains between the wall and the kitchen wall panel, which can be filled with insulating material. In addition to sound insulation, it retains heat, so heating costs are reduced. In addition, in this way you can hide electrical wiring, for which you do not need to ditch the walls.
If the walls are not very smooth and you are not going to use a frame, you need to prepare them for finishing. To do this, you should thoroughly clean the walls from dust, dirt and let it sit. Be sure to remove any remaining old decorative coating, paint or wallpaper. All irregularities should be eliminated using high-quality putty that is suitable for the type of surface. After this, you should walk along the walls with sandpaper.
Calculation of material for installation
Before attaching wall panels in the kitchen, you should calculate their number. To do this, you must know the dimensions of the wall panels for the kitchen. Please note that there should be no errors. It is necessary to measure the width of the kitchen walls and divide it by the width of the panel. This way you will get the number of products needed for finishing. It may not turn out whole. If this happens, you will have to carefully cut one panel and adjust it to size.
If there is a window, doorway or arch in the wall, you need to measure this area. After this, you should subtract the resulting number from the length of the wall. To finish the walls you will need profiles and corners with which you can secure the wall panels in the corners. It is recommended to leave gaps as panels (especially sheet panels) can expand over time. The height of each piece should be one centimeter less than the distance between the floor and ceiling.
After this, you can cut the workpieces to the desired size. If you use a hacksaw, it is advisable to make cuts from the front side of the coating. If you plan to work with a circular saw, you need to cut the pieces from the base side. First, you should carefully cut the coating, then cut the panel itself with greater force. While cutting, try to keep the carpet knife strictly perpendicular to the panel.
For perfectly cut straight lines, it is better to use a straight edge or ruler. For sockets and switches, you need to cut appropriate holes in the material. Before attaching wall panels to kitchens, they must lie in a room at room temperature for more than twelve hours so that the humidity levels of the building materials and the surrounding air can get closer to each other. Therefore, unpack the box and leave the material for a while.
Procedure for gluing wall panels
Sheets can be glued using acrylic, silicone or universal construction adhesive. It is advisable to study the adhesive composition on the packaging and perform all actions, taking into account the manufacturer’s advice. First, the wall panels are glued to the inner corner of the room, and then along the perimeter. The adhesive composition should be applied to the entire surface of the material.
- Tiles are square or rectangular wide panels with a side of 290-950 mm, mainly used for wall cladding or kitchen apron cladding.
Square fragments also look good on the ceiling
- A slab (sheet) is the largest material in area, which is cut according to the parameters required by the customer. Dimensions are selected in the range from 1040 to 2800 mm for the most seamless wall covering.
In addition, MDF wall panels for the kitchen differ in thickness.
- The thinnest (5-9 mm) are convenient due to their low weight and ease of installation, but cannot boast of sufficient strength, so they are most often used in the manufacture of furniture facades, but can also be used to cover ceilings in the kitchen.
- Medium thickness (10-18 mm) - the main material for wall cladding (as well as the manufacture of doors or furniture frames). They are quite strong, but their thickness will have a slight impact on the usable space of the premises.
- Thick (19-38 mm) are the most durable, mainly used in furniture production, but can also be used for covering large areas that require additional insulation.
And finally, MDF wall panels for the kitchen can be divided according to texture into smooth and textured. A smooth surface (especially with a glossy finish) visually enlarges the room, which is especially important for small kitchens. But on a textured cladding with a pronounced relief, various defects are much less visible, and it looks more unusual and impressive.
Relief finishing materials based on MDF
Interesting! Anyone who wants to practice the art of design can try themselves in selecting combinations of different colors or textures, as well as in non-standard (for example, diagonal) installation of MDF boards. If you are not confident in your skills, use ready-made proposals with original design, for example, materials with a 3D effect.
Optical illusions using 3D technologies
Options for covering the kitchen with MDF panels
If you decide to use MDF panels when decorating your kitchen, it is important to determine the area of their coverage. Actually, there are two options - complete cladding of all surfaces (which is quite rare) or fragmentary cladding of walls, ceilings or sections thereof. We propose to consider several zones in which this material will serve as both functional protection and an effective interior decoration.
Full cladding - pros and cons
At first glance, it seems that the best option for finishing a kitchen with MDF panels is to completely replace all facing materials with decorative wooden plates. But the result obtained rarely lives up to expectations. To implement this idea, you will need a really spacious room with a high ceiling, otherwise a small kitchen with such decor can turn into something like a wooden box.
Of course, you can use your imagination and try to create original color combinations, play with the texture of embossed and smooth materials, or perform installation with non-standard installation. For example, choose square slabs for the floor, multi-colored lining for the walls, and line the ceiling with seamless panels. But it’s still better to leave this option for the kitchen at the dacha or in a country house.
Full kitchen refurbishment in spacious home
MDF cladding of walls, floors and ceilings
For kitchens in apartments, partial finishing with MDF panels is often used. This can be the cladding of the lower part of the walls, used mainly in large rooms, since in small kitchens this space is almost completely covered with furniture. You can also cover the ceiling with MDF lining or sheeting. Moreover, if finishing with wood slabs is more recommended for the walls, the ceiling covering should be chosen in light neutral shades - white, pale blue, creamy. In addition to plain panels for the ceiling, imitation stone, such as light marble, and original reliefs are suitable.
Highlighting the dining area with wood finishes
A cozy duet - a massive tabletop and a wall with wooden trim
If the kitchen is spacious enough, has a long rectangular shape, or is combined with another room in the house, you can install a small partition, separating the dining room and work area not only visually. And this is where seamless wall sheets made of MDF that imitate wood will come in very handy. Moreover, veneer made from expensive species, a simple varnish coating, or material with realistic photo printing can be used for this. Air partitions made of MDF made by laser cutting look no less impressive.
Openwork partitions for zoning kitchen space:
On a note! In kitchens with a small area (for example, in Khrushchev-era apartments), this material is used to decorate the wall opposite the working one. Moreover, for this it is not even necessary to completely sheathe the entire area; it is enough to cover the surfaces free of furniture with MDF panels. Particularly good for partial cladding is a seamless sheet cut to fit the open space.
Application of MDF for kitchen apron
The section of the wall between the upper and lower cabinets of the kitchen unit belongs to the working area, that is, it is here that the exposure to moisture and temperature is the highest. Therefore, MDF panels for finishing should be selected only with good protection (and ideally, moisture resistant) or additionally covered with a glass screen.
The most reliable option for wall panels for interior decoration of the kitchen are considered to be the so-called MDF skins with a heat-resistant plastic coating. By the way, another advantage of these sheet slabs is their rich decorative assortment, including photo printing. For inspiration, we offer a selection of photos of wall panels on a kitchen apron.
With plastic coating and photo printing:
On a note! It is better to mount the wall panels for the apron on the sheathing in order to run wiring underneath them to illuminate the work area and communications for connecting various household appliances.
DIY installation methods for MDF cladding
For finishing walls and ceilings with any MDF panels, there are only two installation options - adhesive and frame methods. The latter is considered more environmentally friendly, since it does not require chemicals that can release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures. In a properly equipped kitchen, the negative impact of possible glue fumes is neutralized by exhaust ventilation, so both options are equally popular and are successfully used for covering various surfaces.
Fastening panels with glue
This method can be used to mount any types of panels, but it is most reliable for fixing thin and medium MDF boards. Glue mounting is chosen only in cases where the surface does not have defects extending beyond the plane by more than 2-3 mm.
For long or voluminous fragments, it is better to treat the wall with glue
- Installation begins from a corner - the first panel is pressed against the working surface, leveled vertically and horizontally and tapped with a rubber mallet (or just a fist) for a tight fit. Then the following elements are attached.
- In the case of gluing lining or tiles, the correctness of the connection is checked with a level every 3-5 fragments. Excess adhesive that comes out is immediately removed with a cloth soaked in water or alcohol.
- After fixing all the cladding, install the necessary fittings - internal, external and finishing corners, plinths.
Important! It is most convenient for novice craftsmen to use so-called “liquid nails” for installation; more experienced ones can choose any universal reinforced adhesive compositions or even polyurethane foam.
Installation on frame or sheathing
If the kitchen does not have perfectly flat surfaces, you will have to equip it with a frame made of metal profiles or wooden slats to decorate it with wall panels. This option is also chosen when installing hidden wiring and ceiling cladding.
Fastening MDF panels to the frame
Sequence of work:
- The preparatory stage consists of applying a primer with fungicidal properties to the walls or ceiling. All wooden parts of the future frame are treated with the same impregnation.
- The sheathing is being marked. When working with walls, the upper and lower slats are placed at a distance of 3-5 cm from the floor and ceiling, the rest are spaced 40-50 cm apart. For the ceiling frame, mark out a grid with a square side of 1 m.
- The frame elements are fixed to the working surface with metal or wood screws in increments of about 50 cm, checking for correct installation with a level.
- Installation of panels starts from the corner. The first lamella is leveled vertically and fixed to each batten of the sheathing with small nails at such a distance that they can then be covered with fittings. On the other side of the lamella, the comb is also attached to the frame. It is most convenient to use special clamps for this (in construction jargon - clamps).
Clamp fastening system
- The next lamella is installed in the lock of the previous one and is also fixed with a clamp by the comb. This rapport is repeated around the entire perimeter.
- If necessary, the last plank is cut to width with a hacksaw (if the gap is too narrow, you can reduce the width of the first and last fragments so that the difference is not noticeable).
- After installing all the main elements, the turn of the fittings comes - the necessary corners and baseboards are applied.
Video: how to attach MDF panels to a kitchen working wall
Now you know how to cover a ceiling or walls with MDF panels. This work is really simple and is accessible even to an unprofessional craftsman, but if you don’t have enough time for independent experiments, or you simply don’t have confidence in your own construction skills, you can always call on the help of specialists who will install MDF panels with high quality and in the shortest possible time.
The kitchen is one of the most difficult areas to design in a modern interior. This is especially felt when, in addition to good aesthetic properties, the surface must also effectively withstand frequent contamination and be easy to clean.
Tile tiles are most often used to decorate work areas, but not everyone will like the mosaic structure, appearance and price of ceramic products.
The closest alternative to tiles are wall panels, which are not only not inferior, but also in many ways superior to ceramic products in technical characteristics and visual impression. Due to their artificial origin, the panels are quite easy to form, which in turn allows you to significantly diversify the surface texture and color range.
Kitchen finishing panels are made of PVC or MDF - which modification you prefer depends solely on your wishes.
Panels made of polyvinyl chloride have a lower cost and moisture resistance, but they can be installed exclusively on a pre-assembled frame. MDF sheets have heat and sound insulation properties and can be fixed to the wall using either adhesive or frame methods.
The disadvantages of MDF products include high cost and relatively weak moisture resistance.
Also, this product is distinguished by ease of installation - even without professional skills, you can install the panels yourself without any difficulties. This article will tell you how to decorate a kitchen with wall panels.
Panel installation
Finishing the kitchen with panels is carried out in two ways - glue or on a pre-assembled frame. The first method is used exclusively in combination with MDF sheets - both MDF and PVC analogues can be mounted using the frame method. Below we will look at both technologies.
Panel stickers
The advantage of adhesive installation of MDF sheets is simplicity and cost-effectiveness - for fixation there is no need to assemble a supporting frame, which allows you to save money on the purchase of material. The disadvantage of this method is the lack of thermal insulation and the obligatory presence of the most even surface possible in order to avoid voids and excessive consumption of adhesive.
Most often, walls in the kitchen are finished using 122x244 wall panels using the adhesive method, since smaller analogues are easier to “plant” on the frame.
Surface preparation
- Peeling layers of whitewash, paint, plaster, etc. must be removed from the walls. – the surface must be continuous and reliable. Cracks, cavities and other irregularities are filled with a repair mass, the composition of which is selected based on the structure of the original finish. As a result, you should have a smooth surface with a uniform texture;
- If the surface is porous, it is necessary to fill small voids and make the wall structure uniform.
Note! In this case, this means pre-installation of sheets that complies with all building codes. In any other case, it may be necessary to level the walls with plaster or putty.
Gluing
Before gluing, the panels should be left for 24 hours in the room where they will be installed so that the material can adapt to the temperature conditions.
The sheets must be unpacked in such a way as to ensure air access to each element.
- The back of the panel is cleaned of dirt and degreased, after which an adhesive composition is applied to it, according to one of the schemes presented in the figure;
- The panel must be pressed tightly against the wall and the entire surface of the sheet must be tapped to evenly distribute the glue. To guarantee fixation, it is recommended to use spacers and other temporary fixations;
- Between the panels and the floor/ceiling/internal corner, it is necessary to provide a temperature gap of at least 3 mm necessary for thermal expansion of the material.
- All joints, external and internal corners are masked with moldings and profiles, or filled with sealant - the first option is preferable, as it ensures complete tightness of the coating;
Note! If you use moldings or other connectors, sealant should also be applied to the joints to prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the panel.
Frame installation is carried out using a tongue-and-groove lock, which is located at the ends of the panel. The elements are fixed to a pre-assembled frame, which allows you to smooth out small unevenness in the wall.
Assembling the sheathing
- As a material for assembling the supporting frame, you can use either a wooden beam or a metal profile. The thickness of the elements in this case does not play a big role, since finishing the walls with panels in the kitchen does not imply the presence of thermal insulation;
- First of all, the lowest rail/profile is installed, subsequent frame elements are located in increments of 40 cm from each other. If wooden slats are used, they are fixed using polyamide screws. The metal profile is mounted using metal fasteners;
- During installation, it is important to monitor the horizontal and vertical profiles/beams using a building level. Ultimately, all frame elements should form a single plane and be on the same level;
- The covering begins from the inner corner - using a stapler or screws, a corner is mounted into which the first panel is inserted. Then the free side of the panel is fixed and the next one is inserted - for a tighter fit, you can tamp the panel by placing a piece of foam plastic between it and the hammer so as not to damage the edge;
- When the sheathing reaches the next corner, a corner is put on the end panel, after which the panel can be fixed. External corners are also formed using appropriate corners;
- To seal the sheathing, the joints are coated with sealant. It is most convenient to make longitudinal cuts with a construction knife, and transverse cuts with a hacksaw.
Bottom line
Finishing panels for the kitchen make it possible to diversify the interior with bright colors and new ideas, while maintaining the functionality of the coating. Along with a unique appearance, you will receive a surface that is resistant to stains and is easy to care for.
You can learn more about this topic by watching the video in this article.
What is it, aprons are in stock and on order, in various colors, these products can not only protect walls from contamination, but also update and decorate the room.
In production, high-quality modern material is used from food-grade plastic with a pattern applied using thermal and photo printing, with a highly varnished or matte surface with 3D drawing, applied in several layers and creating the effect of depth and volume.
The service life is about 5 years, which is important for using such an inexpensive and easy-to-install material.
Today, ABS plastic is very popular among materials used to decorate and protect the wall surface from mechanical damage, moisture, and household chemicals. Food grade ABS plastic is flexible, hygienic, and easy to use. ABS sheets are heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures from 40*C to 180*C. The temperature for applying a pattern on ABS plastic for its reliable and durable fixation is 180*C. Kitchen aprons made of ABS are practical and have an attractive appearance: they do not absorb grease, are easy to clean with a cloth and non-abrasive detergents, with proper care they retain the visual effect of glass for a long time, and have a very clear and high-quality pattern.
When installing it, a specialist only needs to be careful and have basic skills. Aprons are easy to transport, install, do not break, easily return to their original shape after rolling into a roll, do not crack when screws are screwed in, and are easily cut with a construction knife. To cut, simply apply marks and draw a straight line with a sharp blade along the surface of the apron, then break it at the notch. It is necessary to glue it to the wall surface with a special glue for plastics and wall panels.
- ABS plastic is better than regular plastic;
- Support local producers.
If you need a large number of aprons you can request wholesale price via the feedback form.
- Easy transportation: rolled into a roll 60cm high, 25-30cm in diameter. The compact and lightweight roll can be transported on the subway or take up minimal space in the car. After unpacking, it easily returns to its original shape.
- Attractive price.
- Density of ABS apron allows you to cover all the unevenness and defects of the surface on which it is mounted. In the product card you will find photographs of interiors using ABS aprons.
- Savings on Transport Company services: minimal volume, light weight and simplicity of packaging allows you to spend approximately 500.00 rubles on transportation to distant regions.
- Easy installation: no special knowledge required, installed using liquid polystyrene nails or self-tapping screws. Easily cut with a construction knife or disk.
- 100% moisture resistance, heat resistance up to 180 degrees C, brightness and quality of thermal printing, varnished or matte 3D surface, resistance to mechanical damage.
- Easy to clean from dirt and greasy marks, does not absorb grease, and does not fade over time. To preserve the durability of the varnished coating, cleaning with liquid, non-abrasive detergents is recommended.
- Set: Additionally, at the customer's request, the apron is equipped with 3mm thick PVC strips: initial, connecting, internal and external corners. Initially, such strips are intended for the installation of HDF aprons, but when using silicone sealant, they are perfectly installed and complement thinner ABS materials.
- Delivery: We deliver throughout the Moscow region and regions. The cost of delivery in Moscow is 800.00 rubles.
Previously, only tiles served to protect the kitchen walls from household pollution, but today you can create an apron with your own hands that is in harmony with the interior of the room. The first task is to decide on the choice of material.
Types of aprons for the kitchen
The most common material options for kitchen aprons include:
- Plastic. Installation of this structure is simple, maintenance will also not cause difficulties, and the costs are very affordable.
- MDF. A good choice, inexpensive material, resistant to fungus and mold.
- Glass. More expensive option, new in the kitchen interior. You will have to wash it often, and the fragility of the glass will not protect against strong impacts. A more practical option is tempered glass, but its price is much higher.
- Tile. Inexpensive, unmarked, simple. For conservatives, renovation is an excellent option.
And yet, the first option is chosen more often, besides, plastic also implies the use of PVC panels, sheet plastic and carbonate glass (also a type of plastic). The material is suitable for any style of room, minimal maintenance is required, and in terms of its aesthetic qualities, plastic is not inferior to more expensive structures.
Plastic apron
The plastic apron is remarkable in that it has a fairly high heat resistance, it is in close contact with the kitchen wall, does not accumulate dirt and dust, and is strong in simulating almost any texture.
To install plastic panels (sheets) with your own hands, you need:
- Determine the dimensions of the apron. The height of the table is the basis for calculating the distance from the floor to the base. The apron should be at least 1-2 cm below the table surface.
- The height of the apron ends where the wall cabinets begin. It may not reach them a little.
- Section of plastic panels. The best way to do this is with a hand saw with a fine-toothed file inserted.
- There are different ways to fix plastic on the wall. A quick way is to glue the material, but tearing off its walls with your own hands will then be very difficult. You can also screw plastic onto screws, but it is best to install the screws on a base of metal profiles attached to the wall. It turns out that the apron is removable.
All is ready!
Fastening for plastic panels (video)
Apron made of PVC panels
The installation of this design is practically no different from the previous version. The main thing is that the kitchen walls are smooth. In this case, installation will be as simple as possible.
If the walls are not perfectly even, then you need to prime the surface, seal all the cracks, cover with plaster and re-prime. Then the apron needs to be glued. PVC panels are fixed like this::
- Assembly adhesive is applied to the inside of the protective layer. The glue is spread on the entire surface of the plastic and on the area of the kitchen where it will be fixed.
- The distance between the adhesive strips is about 15 cm. Once the glue is applied, the plastic is applied to the wall; it can be fixed using spacers.
- Additional fixation. The panels can also be attached to the corners with self-tapping screws.
Obviously, it’s not difficult to handle the installation of plastic with your own hands.
Finishing a kitchen apron with PVC panels (video)
Helpful hints
Plastic sheets are cheap, and an economical option for kitchen renovation involves using just such a design. Some knowledge about the characteristics of plastic will be useful:
- Plastic is not afraid of high temperatures, with the exception, of course, of direct exposure to fire.
- The surface of the panels is smooth, so dirt will not get clogged into tight-fitting joints.
- Plastic is not afraid of moisture, so the processes of rotting of the material are excluded.
- But you can’t clean plastic with abrasive products, they are dangerous for it.
- You can wash the plastic with a damp soft cloth or sponge. The detergent should not be harsh, otherwise the surface will be scratched and the design will not be preserved.
- It is easy to pierce the plastic with something sharp, piercing or cutting. Therefore, you should not allow children, for example, to try to pierce the material with something.
- The choice of colors and patterns of panels is incredibly large: both monochromatic, and extravagant, and imitating natural patterns.
If at some point some panels become boring, you can afford to replace them with more modern ones.
Modern ideas for finishing an apron in the kitchen (video)
Kitchen wall panels are a great way to radically change the design of your backsplash.
Wall panels for the kitchen look beautiful, they are practical and reliable.
Features of kitchen panels
The most important advantage of this type of finishing materials is that with their help you can change the interior so much that it will be simply unrecognizable. Such panels can be chosen for absolutely any style of kitchen design. The market for these products offers a variety of color variations. When choosing a material, you can look through photos of kitchen panels and choose exactly what you like and will suit the design of your kitchen area.
The panels are installed quite easily. Therefore, almost anyone can carry out interior design work, even if he is not a professional builder.
Almost all wall panel options on the market have specific benefits that suit the kitchen environment. In addition, such material is very easy to care for, and if necessary, it can be very easily replaced.
Video: how to choose wall panels, advice from experienced craftsmen!
Of course, each type of panel has its own characteristics (regarding appearance, installation and ease of maintenance).
Which wall panels for the kitchen should I choose?
Due to the wide and varied range, panels can be chosen not only in different colors and designs. And also in order to divide the room into separate zones, place certain accents in the interior, create additional decor for the room or make the basic decoration of both the walls and the kitchen apron.
In any case, from the huge variety, everyone can choose exactly what they need!
PVC panels for kitchen
PVC wall panels for the kitchen are a fairly economical option and, moreover, very common. Plastic panels for the kitchen are absolutely practical, which is not at all difficult to explain, because they:
- Absolutely resistant to moisture
- Able to withstand different temperatures
- If necessary, they are easily replaceable (and are very inexpensive)
- They are easy to care for
Such materials are easily mounted on the wall, thanks to a wooden frame and the most common fasteners. Everything is done in a certain sequence, using such improvised means as: a hacksaw, a construction knife, pliers, a blade, a screwdriver, dowels and self-tapping screws.
As a result, when purchasing wall panels, there is no need to spend additional money on installation work or any special types of fasteners. And all thanks to the fact that you can buy everything necessary for fastening in the same place where the panels themselves are, and you can install them yourself.
MDF panels for kitchen
This material is almost the same as PVC.
The difference lies in the fact that MDF does not tolerate moisture at all, because to some extent it is the same paper. And if such panels are used incorrectly or carelessly in practice, they will quickly become completely unusable: they will swell and spoil the overall appearance of the kitchen interior.
Accordingly, MDF panels for the kitchen must initially be selected with a special protective coating and “behave carefully” in the kitchen. Or you can place such finishing in a zonal way, or maybe even in the dining room area, so that it is located as far as possible from the stove and sink.
Video: installing a kitchen apron made of MDF
The design of such materials is quite diverse. Using it, you can more economically replace marble materials, as well as expensive stone or wood.
Sheet panels
These are PVC and MDF panels, which are produced in long narrow sheets. They can be cut quite easily into the desired shape and size. All characteristics are exactly the same as those of MDF and plastic panels for the kitchen.
Therefore, when you choose sheet panels, be sure to discuss with the seller the material from which they are made.
Glass panels for kitchen
Such materials are gorgeous. They are the most popular, but they also cost the most. Glass panels for the kitchen are also used to decorate the work area or apron. Glass is completely resistant to any reaction to elevated temperatures and the ingress of moisture or liquid.
And if the glass surface gets dirty, this is not a problem at all, because it is very easy to clean. Thanks to all these advantages, glass panels are of interest to most people who are updating their kitchen design.
Based on this, this type of panel is also valued financially. But if you have the means, you will never regret making your wall panels out of glass!
Laminated wall panel option
This is also an excellent option for finishing work in kitchen areas, but it should not be close to the stove or sink. Ideally, this type of panel will fit into the area where food is eaten.
What to look for when choosing wall panels?
There are a number of nuances that are worth paying attention to, namely:
- Moisture resistance of the material
- Withstand temperature changes
- Easy cleaning. He should not be afraid of fat and liquids.
- Ability to respond to mechanical stress
- Beautiful appearance and, at the same time, durable material
- Easy to install or dismantle.
Video: glass kitchen apron
Installation of panels in the kitchen
If we are talking about plastic, laminated or MDF panels, their installation is absolutely simple. It is necessary to attach the wooden frame using a level and tape measure, as well as make precise markings and calculate the correct measurements for both the panels for the kitchen apron and for all other areas.
Video: Overview of kitchen installation, with installation of panels
The time you will have to spend on installing the panels yourself is about one hour per square meter. In the case of installing glass trim, it is better to entrust it to professional craftsmen, since without the necessary skills and experience it will be quite difficult to install them.
Traditionally, the apron and walls of the kitchen are covered with ceramic tiles, but plastic panels can do a lot against this material - both in terms of design and practicality. To understand why this is so, consider the classification of material.
What types of plastic panels are there for the kitchen?
Plastic panels for the kitchen are made from extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are classified into types according to dimensions:
- PVC lining: 10-12.5 cm wide, up to 3 m long, usually monochrome in color;
- Actually wall plastic panels: width 15-50 cm (25 cm are more common), length up to 3 meters, seamless connection;
- PVC sheet: width 0.8-2.03 meters, length 1.5-4.05 meters, thickness from 1 to 30 mm; with a flat, smooth surface, matte or glossy.
Advantages of plastic panels
Kitchen walls and apron lined with plastic panels have the following advantages:
- Lightweight design, which makes fixing PVC incredibly simple;
- Speed of fastening work – kitchen panels made of plastic are fastened 10 times faster than ceramic tiles;
- The apron and walls made of plastic are incredibly easy to clean - they can be wiped with napkins or washed with standard detergents (non-abrasive);
- Plastic panels for the kitchen are made of hard PVC, resistant to high temperatures (sensitivity threshold - 120°);
- Modern plastic finishing allows you to create a kitchen backsplash with any design - with unusual prints, three-dimensional patterns or original colors; transparent wall panels are often used;
- And the main advantage is that the walls and apron are covered with plastic - it is budget-friendly and affordable.
Cons of plastic trim
Of course, plastic wall panels have their drawbacks - in most cases they are a counterbalance to the affordable cost. The main negative characteristics of plastic include:
- Small margin of safety, low wear resistance;
- Possibility of damage to the front decorative panel due to prolonged contact with detergents or ultraviolet rays;
- Flammability upon contact with open fire - this should be taken into account when arranging the kitchen apron.
There is one more nuance - PVC wall panels for the kitchen must have all certificates, including hygienic ones, confirming that the material is made from safe raw materials that do not emit harmful substances when heated.
Do not think that finishing a kitchen with PVC panels is impractical or unprofitable. The main thing is to choose the right material.
When choosing kitchen wall panels, you need to follow these recommendations:
- The dimensions of the plastic sheet or panel should be larger than the apron area - so that the material extends behind the cabinets and is slightly below the working surface.
- If you plan to place plastic close to the hob, then do not forget to make sure that the material has fire safety certificates.
- The color scheme is selected depending on the features of the kitchen: large patterns and dark colors are preferable in spacious rooms, and in small rooms wall panels with small floral patterns or calm light colors will be more appropriate. A win-win option is light, plain or wood-imitating panels without gloss.
- You can choose wall panels of unique design textures: metallized for, brick for, wood for, imitation of old images or ornaments for vintage.
With the help of plastic panels in the apron and on the walls, you can even visually expand the kitchen space if they are installed horizontally, and “raise” the ceiling when installed vertically.
Advice! The plastic apron should be supplemented with a border that protects the joints of the panels from moisture and dirt.
Also see our other materials:
We fasten the wall panels with our own hands
To attach the panels to the apron or to the walls you will need the following tools:
- Hammer drill and screwdriver;
- Pencil, tape measure;
- Plumb or level;
- Construction stapler, staples for it;
- Glue;
- Metal profile or wooden beams to create sheathing;
- Suspensions;
- Dowels, self-tapping screws;
- Actually PVC panels of the selected type and size.
Method 1. Plastic panels can be glued directly to the wall. This is an easy method to implement, but it will not be possible to dismantle the material without damaging it if necessary. In addition, gluing is possible only if the kitchen walls are smooth and their difference is no more than 1 centimeter. Additionally, the panels should be fixed in the corners with self-tapping screws.
Method 2. You can screw the material directly to the wall - for this, mounting holes are drilled, the panel is secured, and the places where the screw heads are located are masked with plugs. For this method of fastening, you will need to first prepare the wall: repair cracks and potholes, level it, prime it.
Method 3. Plastic can also be installed on the sheathing - first, the panels are screwed (attached) to a profile or plank, and then attached to the wall.
Method 4. Installation of plastic panels using metal profiles and brackets is carried out using a similar technology using lathing.
Polyvinyl chloride is a universal plastic material, the hygienic and mechanical characteristics of which fully allow its use in the renovation of residential premises. Plastic panels for the kitchen are rich in variety, thanks to the lamination of the outer PVC surface of the panel. A variety of fashionable lamination textures are complemented by textured photographs, the prints of which imitate anything: from annual wood rings to luxurious Venetian plaster. It’s especially nice that some kitchen panels have a texture similar to what the wall mosaic looks like in the photo. This solution looks excellent in quality.
Types of Plastic Wall Panels
To quickly update and decorate your kitchen walls, there are three types of PVC panels:
Slatted narrow typesetting panels.
Their width ranges from 25 to 50 cm. And the standard length - wall - is from 2.6 to 3 meters. The usual lining is most associated with these panels. The similarity with plastic sheathing is also in the installation method. Ideally, the slatted panels will be mounted on a wooden or aluminum sheathing. If the kitchen area urgently requires saving space, then the material can only be glued onto pre-aligned walls. Moldings are provided for all joints in the corners.
PVC Square Tiles.
Its dimensions can range from 30x30cm to 98x98cm. Tile panels can be used to lay out an aesthetic motif or pattern. They are also attached to a crate made of wooden slats. The slabs are assembled together using the tongue-and-groove method. The thickness of panels and slabs ranges from 8 to 25 m.
Sheet wall panel for kitchen.
This is a monolithic dense sheet of considerable size: on average 1.22 x 2.44 m. It can also have a fashionable print imitating photographs. The thickness of the sheet is much smaller than that of the panel - only 3-6 mm. There are no special fittings for the joints, so the seams between the sheets are filled with sealant or masked with a slatted profile.
Video about what wall panels are:
Reaction of plastic panels to temperature conditions
This may surprise you, but the expansion of the PVC material when the temperature rises by 40°C leads to an extension of the three-meter panel by 1 cm. This should be taken into account if repairs are made in the cold season. If you are dealing with plastic sheet materials in winter, then trim their edges so that there is a 5 mm gap at the top and bottom in the grooves of the guide profile. This will protect the material from deformation during temperature changes, which are constant in the kitchen. There is advice from experienced people, suitable for any wall materials, if the renovation is started in winter - let the PVC rest in the warmth of the apartment for a couple of days - it will heat up and acquire the properties of normal expansion. The same applies to the situation if the kitchen wall panel is installed in the heat. When warm, the material expands and the wall sheets seem to fit perfectly into the grooves. But with the onset of cold weather, cracks at the joints of PVC panels will suddenly become noticeable. In principle, it’s okay, because next summer everything will return to normal again. But it is worth remembering that it is better to carry out such renovations in the kitchen in the off-season.
Rules for installing plastic wall panels for the kitchen
The installation of any wall material consists of a string of important processes that should be responsibly resolved at each stage:
Choosing a model and color of plastic wall panels for the kitchen
For the kitchen, an idea may be useful when the lower part of the wall is sheathed horizontally with panels of a darker color, and the light upper part is sheathed vertically.
Calculation of the volume of PVC wall panels for purchase
You need to calculate the number of panels based on the square footage of the kitchen walls being sheathed, adding the trim of each panel along the length. That is, you need to count how many panels will fit in the kitchen along the width of each wall, and multiply the number by the length of the panel offered in the store. Multiply the resulting number by the width of the panel in meters.
Calculation of moldings for joining PVC panels
There are various joining profiles for wall sheets. Some help bring the sheathing together in the corners, others help join the cut ends of the slats. Still others snap into the grooves between the ceiling and wall panels, acting as baguettes.
Installation of lathing for installation of kitchen wall panels
The easiest and cheapest way to make lathing is from wooden slats with a cross-section of 25x40mm. This is an excellent material for the kitchen.
Attention! The wood must be well and properly dried.
The uppermost and lowermost profile of the slats is installed clearly horizontally (track with a building level). Then - all intermediate ones with an interval of 60 cm.
Screw the sheathing to the kitchen walls with self-tapping screws with a hidden head. If the wall has a tolerable curvature, then horizontal sheathing is quite sufficient.
Covering the kitchen with plastic wall panels
- Installation of panels begins from the corner.
- The first of them is installed strictly at a vertical level and secured with the staples of a construction stapler.
- When the plastic strip has taken its place, it is fixed with small self-tapping screws, one to each wooden block. All the following trim elements will automatically fit as needed. However, special brackets for fastening plastic wall panels are sold. They are very convenient to work with and are reliable in operation.
If you will be finishing the floor with tiles, then here is a link where to buy floor tiles for the kitchen in Moscow
It's no secret that the walls and ceilings in our apartments have numerous irregularities. During renovation, these problems can be easily and quickly eliminated using PVC panels. In addition, a wide selection of color palettes, textures, prints, a variety of types and sizes of panels allow you not to restrain yourself when choosing a style and implementing design ideas. Maintaining order in such a kitchen will not be a hassle.
Leveling the surface of walls and ceilings has two solutions: using plaster and sheathing. Experts recommend using the first method when the curvature is no more than 30-50 mm, otherwise repairs will require large investments in material and work. And with the help of cladding, with a small budget, you can hide any flaws.
Versatility, ease and speed of installation, long service life, and affordable prices have firmly strengthened the position of PVC panels among the leaders in sales.
NATURAL CHEMISTRY
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer (plastic). It is obtained from natural components: 57% rock salt and 43% petroleum products. Panels are produced by creating a mixture of polyvinyl chloride with plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments that improve the quality and properties of the product: plasticity, elasticity, increase light resistance and thermal stability. The number of auxiliary components from all manufacturers, as a rule, is more than 200, but everyone has their own recipe for making it.
Kinds
- Slatted panels- narrow type-setting, usually monochromatic planks, like classic lining. Length ranges from 2400 to 3700 mm, width from 250 to 500 mm. Thickness varies from 5 to 25 mm.
- Tile panels- square plastic tiles. The dimensions of one cell range from 300x300 to 980x980 mm. Thickness – up to 250 mm. One of the advantages is creating combinations of different colors and structures, creating mosaic canvases.
- Sheet panels– wide sheets, much thinner than slatted ones – only 3-6 mm. Standard size - 1220 x 2440 mm.
- Multilayer panels(sandwich) - almost full-fledged walls, ceilings or partitions, in demand for country houses. They are sheet panels, between which there is polyurethane insulation, sound insulation and other materials. Standard – 1220x2440x7 mm.
The width of the panel is always indicated without taking into account the ridges, grooves and other joining elements. Therefore, when determining the amount of material required, only the dimensions of the front surface are taken into account.
Peculiarities
PVC products differ from each other not only in shape and size, but also in the way the top decorative layer is processed: using thermal film, offset printing and lamination.
- Thermal film applied by rolling onto the front part using a special roller. The color palette is very wide, photo printing is possible. Well suited for imitating stone or brick. In terms of brightness and variety of textures and patterns, it exceeds the capabilities of the tile assortment. Most often, the film is used for sheet panels and PVC tiles. Sensitive to harsh detergents.
- Offset printing involves applying a design directly to the panel, as in a printing house, and fixing it with varnish. Typically used for mosaic images, floral patterns, and bright prints. The surface can be either glossy or matte. However, this technology does not provide sufficient coating strength and is highly sensitive to mechanical damage, and therefore direct printing is more often recommended for decorating the dining area.
- Lamination provides the maximum strength that PVC is capable of, because, in essence, another layer of plastic is added. According to reviews on the forums, such wall panels last much longer and can be cleaned with any chemical means. All this provides them with a leading position when decorating the apron area. Lamination also gives an advantage in the choice of images, provides for the execution of drawings and photos to order, that is, it ensures the exclusivity of the kitchen interior.
The most expensive are sheet models with lamination, price tags are quite comparable to tiled competitors, with 3D photos or drawings, friezes, as well as all textured and volumetric options. The economy class includes panels with direct printing, thermal film and, of course, the simplest ones - without a pattern.
In the premium goods segment, Kadillak Plastic presents a mirror version of the PVC family, made of acrylic and glass, while being much lighter and stronger than the latter. The sheets bend easily and can be used to wrap columns if desired. The panels are not afraid of temperature changes and can withstand temperatures from – 500 to + 500°C. The assortment includes tinted and holographic (shimmering) models.
STYLE BASICS
Mistakes made during a kitchen renovation can result in a new remodel. To prevent the replacement of incorrectly selected materials, it is necessary to think through the design of the entire room at the planning stage, decide on the main and finishing materials, make sure of their compatibility, and study the operational features.
Polyvinyl chloride gravitates towards modern and trendy solutions, supports them with numerous bright types of films and patterns, and organically disguises technical equipment, for example, recessed spotlights. For small rooms, experts recommend using glossy materials. Glitter and a slight mirror effect visually expand the space.
No matter how bold the idea, experts advise not to use more than three colors in one project.
Metal spraying and photo printing adequately support the asymmetry of modernity and the brutality of high-tech. Minimalism is an ideal pairing with sheet plastic. And the cheapest single-color slats seem to be created for Provence. They are chosen in light pastel colors, with a matte, sometimes textured front part. For a classic Mediterranean style, you will need imitation stone, an emphasis on white and blue-blue. Textured wood-look film - country finishing. Plastic panels, mosaics, laminated photos give great scope for eclectic ideas.
AWAY FROM LIGHT AND HEAT
No matter what tricks and tricks manufacturers resort to, PVC does not tolerate direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to photodestruction, as a result of which the plastic loses its elasticity and strength. To counteract these processes, many factories add light-absorbing dyes to the panels. In this way, it is possible to prevent the destruction of the material over almost the entire thickness, but it does not prevent fading or changes in the protective properties of the thin outer layer of the plate.
Modern technologies make it possible to produce polymer materials that can withstand temperature loads of at least 120°C. According to the fire classification, with the exception of Chinese production, PVC is classified as self-extinguishing. However, sensitivity to high and low degrees is their weak point. For example, at + 40°C, a three-meter panel lengthens by 1 cm from the standard length, which is determined by the positive mode within the range from 17°C to 25°C.
Thermal dependence should be taken into account during installation and operation. Polyvinyl chloride must be protected from a gas or electric stove; it is not recommended to install PVC in close proximity to radiators.
If repair work is carried out during the cold or hot season, experts recommend allowing the panels to rest for a couple of days so that they can acquire sizes appropriate to the conditions of their future use.
Closely fitted in the heat, during cold weather cracks may appear at the joints, so the off-season is considered ideal for wall cladding.
WITHOUT MUCH HASS
The easiest way to install PVC panels is with glue or liquid nails. Suitable for tile and sheet panels. With a material thickness of up to 0.4 mm, walls with small defects do not need to be leveled; if more than 0.5 mm, it is no longer possible to do without plastering work to correct the complex relief. The thinner the plates, the better their adherence to the surface.
Before applying the glue, remove dust and apply a primer. The tiles are joined together into grooves that do not require masking, and the narrow gap at the point of contact of the sheet plates is filled with sealant and covered with a slatted profile.
There are various profiles and moldings for joining work. You can’t do without some when bringing together the corner trim, while others hide the ends and trimmed parts of the trim. Ceiling plinths or baguettes are provided that snap into the grooves between the ceiling and wall panels.
