Laminate kitchen backsplash is a practical wall cladding that protects the surface from splashes, steam and hot air. The material was created as a floor covering, so its functional features contributed to the fact that designers paid attention to it when choosing wall finishes. Laminate not only protects the surface, but also has an attractive appearance.
Material features
Laminate consists of several layers. It is based on wood fiber, which gives the material strength and is the base component for the following layers.
The next component is paper impregnated with a special composition, which gives the material moisture resistance. Then comes the decorative layer, which can have a variety of textures. Thanks to him, the laminate can imitate wood, parquet, tiles, stone. There are also quite exotic options: under the skin of a python or crocodile, with bright abstractdrawings, with a 3D image.
The last layer is acrylic resin with special additives. The transparent layer has a protective function and keeps the laminate from moisture and abrasion.
Main criteria for quality material:
- Abrasion class. It must be at least 32, because during operation, a laminate kitchen apron is exposed to moisture, high temperatures and various contaminants, which then need to be removed.
- Environmental safety. For the kitchen, it is necessary to choose class E1 material, which contains less formaldehydes that have a negative impact on human he alth.
- Moisture resistance. Material with a high degree of protection against moisture costs a little more. It is not recommended to save and purchase material with poor protection, which will last less time.
Benefits of laminate for the kitchen
This material has many advantages that make it popular in kitchen design. It well protects the walls from dirt, grease, splashes. Kitchen apron made of laminate is resistant to moisture, steam, household cleaning products. It has a long service life and will retain its original appearance after many years. Does not deteriorate from regular washing and from exposure to sunlight.
Laminate flooring can be found in any hardware store, both regular and artistic material are on sale. A variety of shades and textures allows you to match it to any kitchen design.
If you wish, you can make a kitchen apron from a laminate with your own hands, because the material easily fits on the wall. To decorate the kitchen, it requires very little, just one package is enough, and it is inexpensive when compared with other facing materials.
Material imperfections
Every material has flaws, and laminate is no exception. It is not very resistant to sudden changes in temperature and does not withstand intense heat, so the gas stove must be located at least 10 cm from the wall.
When installing laminate boards, all joints must be carefully sealed so that water cannot penetrate into them, otherwise the material will gradually collapse.
Interior use
A laminate kitchen apron will successfully complement the interior in any style, but in order to choose it correctly, you need to know some nuances. The material imitating wood is ideal for interiors in baroque, classic, empire, retro styles. Even in high-tech style, it will be appropriate if you choose a certain texture.
For Provence or country interiors, panels with an aged effect are purchased. Gothic design is dominated by dark shades, here a brown or dark red laminate is suitable.
This material is popular in modern and minimalist styles. In this case, light shades are selected. Designers advise decorating spacious kitchens with a material with a matte surface, and a glossy finish is suitable for small rooms. It visually expands not only the work area, but the entire space.
Which laminate to choose for a kitchen apron - the owner decides, but it must be remembered that the material must be combined with the design of the room.
Installation tools
Before you start laying the laminate on the wall in the kitchen, you need to prepare all the necessary tools:
- building level;
- spread wings;
- screwdriver;
- jigsaw;
- rubber spatula;
- dowels and screws;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- pencil, ruler;
- scotch.
Preparatory work
Laying laminate on the wall in the kitchen begins with preparatory work to level the surface. It is necessary to remove dirt, smooth out all defects. Thoroughly clean the surface, cover the existing dents with putty.
For better adhesion of the laminate, a crate is nailed to the surface of the walls. Use reinforced mesh or wooden beams (they must be at least 30 cm apart). The basis for the laminate is a concrete screed, which provides the lining with strength and reliability. It is mounted on a crate, with the help of a building level, distortions and irregularities are revealed. The concrete screed dries in a day, but if the layer is thick enough, you must wait 48 hours.
Installation by locking method
To make a laminate apron for the kitchen without gluing, it is installed in a locking manner. For thisit is necessary to purchase panels with spikes and grooves. The first row starts from the top corner.
The spike of one panel is inserted all the way into the groove of the other at an angle of 45 degrees. The elements are connected until it clicks, and then knocked out with a hammer. The clutch is of high quality and reliable.
Prepared elements are fastened with screws to the crate. After laying the first row, they are taken for the second. Start it with a pre-cut element. If adjustment of the panels is necessary, they are tapped with a hammer, laying a wooden block on them.
In order for the apron to be securely fixed to the wall, each subsequent row is laid with the panels offset in the previous one. This not only gives strength to the entire structure, but also looks spectacular.
How to make a laminate kitchen apron with glue?
This is a time-consuming and complicated method, but it is possible to do it yourself. It will require much more time, but it has advantages over the castle method. This method is suitable for any type of wall, it does not require the installation of lathing.
Adhesive or sealant is applied to the edges of the panels, then the groove of one element is inserted into the spike of the other and pressed tightly against each other. Excess glue must be immediately removed with a damp cloth; it must not be allowed to dry on the surface of the panels. First, separate rows of lining are laid, and then they are sequentially connected to each other.
After the two rows are connected, it is necessary to stop work for 2 hours so that the glue is completely frozen. Then mountingcontinues. A break is made after connecting each two subsequent rows. Sometimes small gaps form at the joints, they must be covered with a special sealant. The wall covering will be fully finished after 12 noon.
The disadvantage of the method is that it is quite difficult to do high-quality styling with your own hands. This structure cannot be further disassembled. Another disadvantage is that the glue dries out over time, so the coating may collapse.
Selection criteria
Reviews of the laminate kitchen apron are good, but before you start creating it, you need to know the basic requirements that professionals place on this coating. It is recommended to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- The dimensions of the cladding. To do this, you need to take measurements. Most often, the apron is mounted so that it extends slightly beyond the countertop area. Typically, the height of the cladding does not exceed 85 centimeters.
- Operational life. For the kitchen, you need to choose a durable and reliable coating that is not afraid of moisture and high temperatures. Laminate is not an environmentally friendly material, but if the technology is followed, it will not harm he alth. When choosing a material, you must ask the seller for a quality certificate, and if the store is not ready to provide it, then it is better to refuse the purchase. A laminate made in violation of technology will harm your he alth. The owners of the apartment may worsen chronic diseases, asthma or bronchitis.
- Practical. The surface of the walls next to the sink and stove gets dirty quickly. Therefore, for the design of the apron, materials that are easy to clean are chosen. Recently, laminate is often taken to finish the apron, because it has excellent performance and looks attractive.
Most often, the color of the material is selected for the decoration of furniture and walls. This allows you to achieve a neutral transition from the backsplash to the kitchen unit and walls. A sharp transition from the working area to the surface of the furniture is also allowed if a dark-colored set is chosen.
