How to do backsplashes
How to Tile a Backsplash
Install a mosaic tile backsplash for a whole new look in just one weekend.
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Time
Multiple Days
Complexity
Intermediate
Cost
$101–250
Introduction
Tiling a backsplash above the counter is one of the easiest ways to upgrade an old, tired kitchen on a tight budget. You can choose from the vast array of handsome ceramic tiles available, including the easy-to-install one we show here—mosaic tiles.Tools Required
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Bucket
- Caulk gun
- Drill/driver - cordless
- Grout float
- Level
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Notched trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Self-centering drill bit
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Caulk
- Grout
- Grout sealer
- Mastic
- Outlet extenders
- Stone tile sealer
- Tile
- Tile spacers
Planning, Materials and Tools
Nothing packs more style per square inch than mosaic tile for a kitchen backsplash. So if your kitchen’s got the blahs, this is an easy way to give it a quick infusion of pizzazz. We’ll show you how to tile a backsplash in a weekend! The small tiles are mounted on 12 x 12-in. sheets, so installation of a tiled backsplash is fast. You can install the tile on Saturday and then grout it on Sunday.
Family Handyman
Shopping for Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiling sheets make it easy to achieve a great backsplash. Layout is a cinch—you can simply cut the mesh backing on the sheets to fit the tile along counters and cabinets. In fact, the hardest part of this or any other tiling backsplash project may be choosing the look—the tiles come in a variety of shapes and materials, and many sheets have glass or metallic tiles built in for accents.
To add to your options, strips of 4 x 12-in. tiles are available for borders. So you can match the existing look of your kitchen—or try something new!
Family Handyman
Project step-by-step (8)
Clean the Wall
Before installing the tile, clean up any grease splatters on the wall (mastic won’t adhere to grease).
- Wipe the stains with a sponge dipped in a mixture of water and mild dishwashing liquid (like Dawn).
- If you have a lot of stains or they won’t come off, wipe on a paint deglosser with a lint-free cloth or abrasive pad so the mastic will adhere.
- Mask off the countertops and any upper cabinets that will have tile installed along the side.
- Leave a 1/4-in. gap between the wall and the tape for the tile.
- Cover the countertops with newspaper or a drop cloth.
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Originally Published: November 15, 2018
Similar Projects
Installing a Simple Tile Backsplash
Well, the pressure in on and I feel like we still have so much to do to have my laundry room finished for the big reveal for the One Room Challenge.
But, I must say it feels good to check off my list installing the tile backsplash.
It was our plan to have it finished several weeks ago, however we just couldn’t get to it.
Recently we’ve shared several tiling projects with you, from Steph’s modern coastal bathroom to my laundry room floor.
Certainly, we are not professionals, but after tackling 7 tile projects, 3 of them backsplashes, we’ve learned a few tips along that way.
And today we’d like to share 8 tips for installing a tile backsplash.
Just as a reminder, you can easily navigate through each week of this Modern Cottage Laundry Room project.
- Week 1: 12 Ideas for Creating a Functional Laundry Room You’ll Love
- Week 2: Installing Tile: Practical Tips for Beginners You Need to See
- Week 3: How to Make a Simple Laundry Room Fold Table
- Week 4: How to Make a Broom Closet in the Laundry Room
- Week 5: How to Update a Laundry Room Light Fixture
- Week 6: You are here!
- Week 7: 14 Useful Laundry Room Organization Ideas You Need to See
- Week 8: The Best Laundry Room Makeover on a Budget
Select Tile for Backsplash Installation
Of course, before you start a project like this you will need to select your tile.
I feel if you’re new to tiling you’ll want to select a tile that’s easier to install for a backsplash.
For instance I’d choose a basic subway tile.
Not only will it be easier to plan your design and pattern, but it’s much easier to cut and install.
While I love the look of penny tile and other geometric designs, they can be more difficult to cut and install.
So for my backsplash I chose a tumbled marble subway tile.
With my Modern Cottage design for my laundry room, I felt a classic subway pattern would be perfect.
In addition, the tumbled marble gives it that rustic cottage vibe.
Note: If you select a stone tile, you’ll need to cut your tile with a wet saw and a diamond blade.
Prepare Wall Before Installing Backsplash Tile
Clearly before you start any project like this you’ll want to prepare the wall for tile.
First, you’ll want to turn off the power to any outlets and remove the covers.
Next, you’ll want to clean the surface and make sure it’s degreased, especially if you are installing a backsplash in a kitchen.
Personally, I think a cleaner like TSP does a great job cleaning the wall surface.
Then you’ll want to repair any holes or cracks in your wall with a spackling paste before you install a tile backsplash.
Finally sand any high spots, you’ll want a flat and level surface before you install the tile for your backsplash.
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Supplies Needed
Before you begin a project like this you’ll want to gather all of your tools and supplies before you begin.
We set up the wet saw in the garage, because it’s makes such a mess.
Supplies we used:
- tile cutter or tile saw
- notched trowel
- grout float
- bucket
- sponge
- tile spacers
- tile adhesive
- tile
When choosing your tile, be sure to ask which type of adhesive is best for your tile and application.
As you know, we made an assumption when installing Steph’s bathroom floor that we could use the same adhesive on the floor that we used on the shower wall and had to pull it up and start over.
Certainly, you don’t want to make a mistake like that.
Tips for Installing a Tile Backsplash with Professional Results
1. Cover Countertop
No doubt, installing a tile backsplash is a messy job!
No matter how careful you are, you’re bound to drop adhesive onto your countertops.
So, before you get started you’ll want to protect them.
First, run a strip of painters tape along the edge of where the first row of tile will be.
Then tape down either plastic, chipboard or a drop cloth.
This will ensure that your beautiful countertops will be protected.
2. Plan Tile Placement Before Installing Tile Backsplash
I believe that planning your tile placement is extremely important.
You’ll want your design or pattern to be centered on your wall.
If you’re working with a window, you’ll want your design centered on the window.
Just make sure you think about your design before you begin.
First, lay out your tile with the spacers you’re planning on using.
One of the challenges we faced when installing the tile backsplash in my laundry room is that we had 2 different heights of countertop.
The fold table over my appliances is a little more that 5″ higher than my countertop.
If we were to place a full tile on the countertop, the first row over the folding table would have been only 1/2″ high and would have looked odd.
Another element to consider is the top row of the tile placement.
Since we were installing the tile backsplash all the way to the ceiling, we wanted to make sure that the last row is substantial and not a skiff.
First, we measured the height and then divided that by the height of the tile, plus the thickness of the tile spacers.
Then we were able to determine the height of the first row of tiles.
Another important step, you’ll want to make a level line.
This will ensure that the tiles are level across both heights of the countertop.
3. Tile Spacers
Clearly with a professional looking tile job, the rows of tile are straight and the grout lines are evenly spaced.
The only way to achieve this when installing a tile backsplash is with spacers.
Let me just say we’ve used several different types of tile spacers in the past.
But these leave in spacers are amazing for a vertical surface like a backsplash.
The spacer is meant to be left in and grouted over.
One of the challenges of installing tile on a vertical surface is that the spacers tend to fall out.
You’re constantly picking them up and reinserting them.
However, these tile spacers are pushed back towards the wall and are grouted over.
Certainly, it makes installing a tile backsplash so much easier!
4.
Work In Small Areas One of the most important tips is to take your time and don’t rush through the project.
If you do, you’re sure to make mistakes.
When using a powdered mortar or mastic that you need to mix up, don’t mix up the entire bag.
Surely, it will dry out before you can use it all.
Mix up small batches and work in small areas at a time.
While usually a backsplash will be a smaller area, don’t think you can apply the adhesive to the entire wall and get the tile installed before it starts to dry.
Spread the adhesive in small areas, and then install the tile in that area.
Then move to your next section.
For our first row of tile, we back buttered (applied the adhesive directly to the back of the tile.)
Then tilt the trowel to a 45° angle and drag the notched end through the adhesive.
Then press the tile into place.
You’ll also want to remove any adhesive that may squeeze out between the tiles with a toothpick.
Once the first row was in place we worked in small sections, applying the adhesive directly to the wall and then installing the tiles.
Would you like more tips for installing tile, then check out our video below.
5. Work with a Partner
While you certainly can do this job on your own, it’s so much easier if you enlist a partner to help.
One can apply the adhesive to the wall and make the cuts with the tile saw, while the other installs the tile.
6. Clean Adhesive as You Install Tile Backsplash
In my experience, you’ll get adhesive on the front of the tiles or it squeezes out a little adhesive between the tiles.
Personally, I think it’s easier to clean this up as you go along.
Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off the tiles, along with some toothpicks,
They are handy for cleaning out the adhesive between the tiles.
Clearly you don’t want to have adhesive showing between your tiles and you’ll want room between the tiles for grout.
7. Seal Stone Tile Before Grouting
If you’re working with a porous surface like natural stone, you’ll want to seal your tile before grouting.
This was a new tip to me that I learned from a professional tile setter.
This will prevent your stone from possibly discoloring.
In my view this is the best tip I’ve received!
It made it so much easier to wipe off the excess grout too!
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8. Mix Grout in Small Batches
Once again, working in small batches is the key to installing a professional looking tile backsplash.
We’ve got a full tutorial for stress-free grouting that will give you all the details or check out the video below.
But we found that mixing our grout in small batches and working on one area at a time make grouting a breeze.
Tile Backsplash Reveal
Without a doubt, I’m always amazed when I complete a project like installing a tile backsplash and the way my room feels.
Suddenly my ceiling feels higher.
Not to mention the charming character the tumbled marble tile adds to my room.
I could not be more pleased!
Now it’s your turn!
What do you think of my tile backsplash?
Is this a project you’d like to do in your home?
Do you feel confident that you can take on a project like this?
You know we love to hear from you.
Comment below and share your thoughts.
That completes week 6 of the One Room Challenge.
Certainly, I am loving the way my laundry room is coming together.
And installing this tile backsplash has transformed the room.
Of course, you will find more amazing ideas from other bloggers participating in the One Room Challenge.
Click on the link and get inspired!
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WE HOPE TO BRING YOUR HOME TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET!
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What to make a kitchen apron with your own hands: 14 beautiful ideas
Deciding what to make a kitchen apron from is one of the most difficult kitchen renovations. The upcoming front of work, and their cost, and the durability of the apron itself depend on it. Therefore, before such a responsible choice, you should familiarize yourself with the different options and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
Contents
- What is an apron and why is it needed?
- Ceramic tiles
- Mosaic
- MDF
- perforated panels
- glass
- Mirror 9000
- Laminate or parquet
- Brick
- Wine corks
- Disks and broken dishes
- Pebbles
- Slate paint
- Oilcloth
What is an apron and why is it needed?
Apron - the distance from the worktop to the top set. It is named after a common piece of clothing that protects the hostess from dirt. Immediately it protects the wall from dirt, splashes, grease. Attempts to do without an apron will not lead to anything good:
- the wallpaper will get dirty, soak, bubble, and eventually peel off;
- whitewash or plaster will simply peel off, and the paint will wear off due to constant washing of the surface. nine0008
The apron is located throughout the working area in the kitchen, so it is always in front of your eyes while cooking - which means it must be attractive.
That is why so much attention is paid to this issue - it is necessary to choose a durable beautiful option suitable for a specific design.
Ceramic tiles
The traditional version of the backsplash in our country. Now in building stores, tiles are presented for every taste, color, size and wallet, so choosing a design option that suits your design will not be difficult. nine0003
At the moment, the boar tile is relevant, resembling a reduced brick in shape. Or a small square tile with a hand-painted ornament. Here lies one of the main disadvantages of a tiled apron - seams.
Seams get water, dirt, grease, which serve as a great home for bacteria - not the best neighborhood with a place where food is prepared. Even if the seams are often cleaned, sooner or later they will no longer look presentable and you will have to work with grout again. nine0003
The next minus lies in the preparation of the walls for tiles - they must be perfectly even. So smooth that you have to invite a professional to level the walls, which will cost additional cash.
Why is that?
In the kitchen, the joints are filled with a special grout, the joint of which should not exceed 1.5 mm (for comparison, in the bathroom, the tile joint can reach 4 mm). If the wall is uneven, then laying the tiles is very difficult, given that even within the same batch it can differ by a couple of millimeters in size. nine0003
For this reason, independent laying of tiles on the backsplash is also dismissed - this should only be done by a professional. It is better to spend money on a master once than to look at an apron that is not quite evenly laid for years.
Both processes - that of preparing the wall, that laying tiles - are very dusty, therefore they are carried out strictly before installing the headset. But at the same time, a kitchen design project with calculated markings up to centimeters should be ready. Ideally, an apron (any, not just tiled) should go a centimeter under the upper and lower cabinets. nine0003
Tiles are durable and will last for many years.
This will play into the hands, since replacing such an apron is an even more time-consuming process than just installation. In order not to be disappointed in your choice, you should give preference to ordinary smooth tiles without roughness and patterns, otherwise dust and dirt will accumulate in them, which will spoil the whole appearance.
Mosaic
A subspecies of a tiled backsplash can be considered made of mosaic. It always looks expensive, elegant and beautiful. It is very rare in apartments, and there is a reason for that: the preparation for the mosaic is even more thorough, and this option has much more seams. As an option - use a mosaic panel - this will facilitate the installation of an apron, but it will not save you from the number of seams. nine0003
MDF
The opposite of tiles are MDF boards - Medium Density Fibreboards. This is compressed wood chips, which are covered with a plastic film on top. Such a solution is very economical and easy to maintain and install - even an unprepared person can handle it.
An additional plus is that the MDF panel has no seams, which means that you do not have to clean them. In addition, under such an apron it is not necessary to align the walls to an ideal state, which means that you can save on at least one specialist. nine0003
According to the reviews, the MDF panel will not last as long as the tiles - about 5-7 years with good care, but it will not be difficult to replace it. Typically, such an apron is planted on special strips, liquid nails or just self-tapping screws, so replacing it will take half an hour at most - and this is without dust. Due to the film on top, such panels are resistant to damage. They can be washed even with mild abrasive products.
If you have any doubts about your design abilities, you should choose a panel in the same color as the tabletop - this option will always look neat and stylish. nine0003
Perforated panels
These panels are available in both MDF and PVC. They are ordinary boards, but with a large number of holes created for hooks, on which potholders, ladles and other little things that the hostess needs at hand will be located.
If necessary, hooks can be removed at any time, added or simply outweighed.
Looks good, but moisture entering through the holes can even cause mold. Or, at the very least, soften the glue and the walls, and the apron will simply come off. nine0003
Glass
Glass is a new design solution for splashbacks, but it is rapidly gaining popularity. Glass gives the kitchen lightness, while it looks stylish and spectacular. With it, you can create any design. There are several options:
- photo printing on glass - it will be expensive;
- ordinary, photo wallpapers, maps, atlases, children's drawings under glass - panoramic pictures look especially beautiful;
- fabric or lace - easy to implement, but very rare; nine0008
- drawing on the back of the glass or on the wall itself.
Glass gives limitless scope for imagination: you can combine absolutely any idea with it - even cover the entire wall with coffee beans.
Usually only tempered glass with a thickness of 6 mm or more is used, it costs more than tiles and even more so MDF. Another disadvantage is that the selected pattern can simply get bored - but in this case it can be replaced, since the mirror is placed on the frame. It is necessary to think over in advance all the necessary holes in the apron: for sockets or roof rails, since glass can only be drilled from the back side. nine0003
Prints, drops and dirt are always visible on the glass, so the apron will need to be cleaned frequently. Plus, it is very easy to care for - you only need a microfiber cloth. Glass is most often solid, that is, it does not have joints - and there is not even a chance that someone will start there. Tempered glass is resistant to both damage and temperature changes, so its service life is practically unlimited.
Mirror
A mirror can be a variant of the glass splashback. It looks very unusual, perfect for small kitchens that need to at least visually expand the space.
It has all the advantages of glass, but you will have to wipe the mirror much more often, because every speck of dust is noticeable on it - especially if you add lighting to the working area. nine0003
Plastic
The cheapest and easiest option that can be changed at least every year is plastic. Construction stores sell plastic panels for every taste and color, their installation is absolutely elementary: you just need to coat the back side with universal glue or liquid nails.
The service life of such a panel is long, but the appearance may deteriorate, for example, the color will fade in the sun. If you do not use abrasive cleaning agents, then scratches should not appear. nine0003
Minus one - not suitable for all stoves. If the stove is gas and without a cap, then there is a risk that the plastic will simply heat up and melt. And in appearance, this option is more suitable for a summer house or a rented apartment: budget and neat.
Steel
An unusual option, but also has the right to exist.
It is fireproof, looks relevant in fashionable urban styles like loft, high-tech. Steel can be either polished or patterned. Such material is durable: it will not fade, will not require polishing, and it is almost impossible to damage it. nine0003
The steel apron is the most hygienic, because germs and bacteria simply do not have a chance to settle and multiply on its surface.
The only negative is that it requires special care, otherwise cracks and scratches may appear from careless handling. Metal is a cold material, it may seem unfriendly to someone.
Natural or artificial stone
These options are more expensive, but also more solid. Usually they are chosen together with the countertop, so if you have a wooden, glass, steel countertop, you should not look towards the stone apron - you will get bad taste. nine0003
Stone, whether natural or artificial, is a very durable material: it is not afraid of moisture, fire, or temperature changes. Some even manage to cut on stone countertops, but this only spoils the knives.
It requires careful maintenance without the use of acids and abrasives, but traces of drops and grease on such a material will be almost invisible.
Acrylic
Roughly speaking, acrylic is a plastic that can depict either marble or oak. It costs less than stone, but still an expensive option. Acrylic boards are connected practically without seams, so hygiene is in order. Acrylic itself is a good material: it does not fade, does not fade, does not stain, and is durable. Like glass, it gives a huge scope for imagination. But, since it is based on polymers, this imposes some restrictions:
- may melt near the stove, as it is afraid of high temperatures;
- does not like aggressive and abrasive detergents.
Acrylic looks beautiful in the kitchen, for example, on the fronts, but for an apron it is not the best option.
What other materials can be used?
So the main ideas are over, how to decorate an apron.
Further there will be only very original options.
Laminate or parquet
Laminate is preferred for backsplashes and is often cheaper than parquet. It is worth choosing a high-class material (32-33) and good locks with moisture protection. You will have to lay it yourself, since they do not sell ready-made laminate panels for an apron. Attaches to liquid nails. nine0003
The parquet apron is made differently: first, the "dice" are attached with glue or liquid nails to the substrate, then everything is varnished and also attached to the wall. But at the stove, the varnish can melt or crack, so this method is not suitable for everyone. You can close the parquet with glass, but then the apron will turn out to be too thick - this will not suit everyone. But it looks very original.
Brick
Brick, natural or made of gypsum, is absolutely not suitable for an apron because of its porous structure: all liquid and dirt will be absorbed inside like a sponge, and it will be very difficult to clean it later.
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Glass comes to the rescue again, protecting this interesting design solution. But this way the texture of the brick will be lost, so it is better to simply move such a decorative element away from the place of cooking.
Wine corks
Yes, they do this too - lay out the apron with wine corks. And they not only collect them themselves, but also buy them (!) From bars and restaurants. To make the process go faster, cut them into halves - this way it is more convenient to glue them to the substrate. nine0003
Laying pattern is the same as for parquet. Only the material of the plugs is porous, so washing them will be a big problem. You can resort to a permanent assistant - glass, but is it worth it to build up an already thick apron? The wine cork idea is fine for a dining area, but for a work area in the kitchen.
Disks and splinters of dishes
Here all the necessary and unnecessary garbage comes into play: broken dishes, whole dishes, CDs - all this is glued to the substrate, and the joints are smeared with tile grout.
It looks impressive, because it is simply impossible to meet a second such apron. nine0003
But here again the problem arises with the seams, which will have to be cleaned frequently. In addition, CDs have a mirror surface, on which all drops and dust particles will be visible.
Pebbles
If you are a fan of pebble beaches, you can also create such a corner in the kitchen. For example, in the form of an apron. But since the surface of the stone is heterogeneous, but it will be very difficult to clean it, dust will fall between the pebbles, and as a result, such a panel will quickly lose its original appearance. nine0003
Slate paint
A very original method - instead of an apron, make a slate board. All that is required for this is to walk three times with slate paint over the required space. It is easy to care for: avoid abrasive detergents and hard sponges.
With the help of drawings on the board, you can change the look of the kitchen even every day - this will definitely not get boring.
It will look especially impressive in a white kitchen.
Oilcloth
Yes, an apron can also be made from oilcloth. One of the most budget options that you can do yourself. All that is required is to take the necessary measurements, choose the oilcloth itself, and then attach it to the wall using a furniture stapler.
This option will save the walls from dirt and water, but for a gas stove it is better to choose another option - the oilcloth may be charred.
Kitchen apron: which one to make?
Watch this video on YouTube
Choosing which apron is best for a particular situation is not easy. Most often, people focus only on aesthetics, but do not forget some more points:
- budget;
- planned duration of use;
- kitchen style;
- complexity of repair and replacement;
- cleaning.
Focus on these factors, and the apron will delight you for many years.
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How to make an apron in the kitchen (60 photos) with your own hands: instructions, photos and video tutorials
Contents
- 1 Kitchen aprons
- 1.1 apron of ceramic tiles
- 1.1.1 Advantages
- 1.1.2 Disadvantages
- 1.2 Apron from MDF panels
- 1.2.1 Advantages
- 1.2.2 Disocations
- 1.3 Glass apron
- 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 .1 Advantages of
- 1.3.2 Disadvantages of
- 1.4 Mosaic Aprons
- 1.4.1 Advantages of
- 1.4.2 Disadvantages of
- Plastic Apron0007 1.5.1 DPC
- 1.5.2 Disadvantages
- 1.1 apron of ceramic tiles
- 1.6 Mirror aprons
- 1.6.1 Advantages
- 1.6.2 Disocations
The distance between the top and the row of hanging cabinets is more prone to dirt, so an apron is required.
It is necessary to protect the section of the wall located near the stove and near the sink from the actions of splashes of hot oil, hot steam and moisture. nine0003
In addition, the apron not only protects the walls, but it rightly claims to be the main decoration of the kitchen interior.
Excellent version of the apron
Kitchen backsplash style can be created in different ways: bright or neutral, calm or expressive, modest or sophisticated. But without fail, there must be a beautiful and harmonious interaction with such elements of the kitchen as kitchen furniture, walls. And, of course, fit into the overall design and style of the kitchen. nine0003
If it is wrong to choose the design of a kitchen apron, then the use of the most beautiful and expensive kitchen set will not help.
On the other hand, if you beautifully decorate the section of the wall above the countertop, then in combination with the possible use of modest furniture and decoration of the remaining walls, it will be possible to literally enliven the kitchen space.
Currently, the market offers enough types of materials from which you can make an apron in the kitchen.
Kitchen aprons
Ceramic apron
Tile apron
Ceramic tile refers to the material from which the apron is made in the kitchen, and the material is perhaps the most common.
Benefits
Among the advantages of tiles are:
- Resistant to water, chemicals, temperature extremes.
- High material strength.
- Fire resistant material.
- A large number of colors and shades, in addition, numerous and varied collections are offered by manufacturers. These collections are excellent decorations and beautiful panels, from which you can make a kitchen apron in almost any style you like. nine0008
- The possibilities of photo printing on tiles significantly expand the options for the execution of tiled aprons for the kitchen.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of tiles can only be attributed to the fact that it is quite difficult to mount it, and to do it yourself, you need certain skills and quite a long time.
Similarly, difficulties arise when replacing the apron. Therefore, if you often have a desire to change the situation, you should think before you choose a tile for the basis from which to make an apron in the kitchen. nine0003
MDF panel apron
MDF Apron
MDF panels, this is what you can make a kitchen apron from simply, quickly and inexpensively (see also the article MDF Kitchen Apron - a Solution for the Thrifty). The color of the panels is chosen in such a way that it is combined with the surface that the kitchen set has.
Benefits
- Low price.
- Quick and easy installation. The important thing is that no pre-leveling and surface preparation is required. Fastening is carried out using a special frame or liquid nails. nine0008
- Also, such an apron can be easily dismantled, so if you quickly get tired of its design, it will not be difficult to change it.
- MDF panels are easy to fit into the design of the kitchen, even if you do not have design skills.
Take an apron made of MDF to match your countertop and a decent kitchen design is guaranteed.
Disadvantages
When deciding what to make an apron for the kitchen, and before leaning towards MDF, you need to take into account the fact that after some time, chemical detergents, water and grease can make the appearance of an apron made of MDF unusable. Panels may warp. And besides, such panels are combustible materials. nine0003
Glass aprons
Illuminated glass apron
Glass aprons are a fairly new, but rapidly developing direction in the field of kitchen design. There are several manufacturing technologies for such aprons, but all of them allow you to create whole works of art in the kitchen.
Starting from landscapes and still lifes, ending with three-dimensional photo panoramas. These can be images applied using photo printing, or created directly on glass using sandblasting pressure. There is also a reason to break your head before choosing a technology and what you can make an apron for the kitchen from.
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Benefits
- Very beautiful, varied and sophisticated aprons.
- As a rule, such aprons are made of one, solid panel, so there are no joints and seams, that is, there are no places for dirt and bacteria to accumulate.
- Easy to wash and clean.
- Glass is resistant to cleaning agents and detergents.
- There is no such image that cannot be applied to such an apron.
Disadvantages
Due to the numerous options for images, it is difficult to choose the one that best suits the design of your kitchen. And here you can not do without the help of a professional designer. nine0003
In addition, these are quite expensive technologies and the creation of a glass apron will cost you dearly. As well as in case that the image will bother you, and you will want to change it.
Attention: When choosing glass as the material from which the backsplash is made, remember that it will require much more attention from you.
The fact is that glass does not hide dried splashes of water or grease. They are especially visible on it, which means that you will have to wipe it more often.
Mosaic aprons
Mosaic panel on apron
Kitchen aprons of this type look spectacular, rich, beautiful and original. They are made from small tiles, as well as pieces of glass or broken tiles. Therefore, each such apron is unique and almost inimitable.
Benefits
- Mosaic can be an interesting pattern or even some serious image.
- Mosaic has the same properties as ceramic tiles and therefore has a very long service life. nine0008
Disadvantages
The disadvantages include the fact that it is necessary to prepare the surface very well, that is, to make it very even. The fact is that due to the small size of the elements of the apron, its plane practically repeats the plane of the wall. There are a lot of seams in such an apron, therefore, increased requirements are placed on inter-seam grouting.
See here: “Kitchen with your own hands in the style of Provence - creating French elegance“.
Plastic apron
Plastic apron
Plastic kitchen aprons are a very economical option.
Advantages
The service life of high-quality plastic is long enough, and all this time it will have a great appearance. A plastic apron is very popular because of its cost-effectiveness, ease of use and because its installation does not require additional financial investments.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages are that plastic is not flame retardant and can be scratched by abrasive cleaners. nine0003
Mirror aprons
Mirror Apron
Kitchen aprons which consist entirely of mirrors or contain mirror elements. They also belong to the same range of original ideas as glass aprons.
Benefits
The positive in such an apron is a visual increase in the kitchen space, and, like a glass apron, it has excellent resistance to various kinds of influences.
