Wall panels for the kitchen are gradually replacing the fashion for tile aprons. The usual ceramics are being replaced by other, more economical, practical and beautiful materials: budget MDF, high-tech plastic, noble solid wood, stylish and durable glass. Such panels have many advantages over traditional tiles, although each type of material has its own disadvantages. Which option do you prefer? It depends on individual needs, the architectural features of the kitchen and the financial capabilities of the homeowners.
Why are there wall panels in the kitchen
The surface of the wall between the countertop and hanging cabinets or shelves is called a backsplash. This area is exposed to hot air from the stove, splashes from the sink, and various contaminants from the work surface. The apron must endure high temperatures, high humidity, cleaning with aggressive detergents.
Until recently the most popular and practic althe only material capable of reliably protecting the wall was ceramic tile. Such a coating is distinguished by durability, reasonable price and a variety of designs, but it is not without its drawbacks: a complex installation process, unaesthetic seams, difficulties in replacing the coating.
Kitchen wall panels protect the work wall and have many advantages over ceramic tiles. Before installing the panels, the walls can not be leveled, cement and other building compounds are not needed, and the cost of material and installation work is much lower than for ceramics. Wall panels for an apron in the kitchen are made from chipboard and MDF, plastic, glass and natural materials. Each type has its own undeniable advantages and disadvantages, so you should study all possible options before buying.
MDF panels
First of all, it must be taken into account that the wall panel for the MDF kitchen should only be laminated, ordinary furniture boards are not suitable here. Unlike conventional sheet, the laminated surface repels grease and dirt, so it stays cleaner longer and is easier to clean. According to reviews, the panels are characterized by high strength, are resistant to scratches and mechanical damage, improve the level of sound insulation, and can be made in different colors. You can install wall panels for the kitchen from MDF with your own hands, without resorting to the help of specialists.
The disadvantages include a rather high, compared with some other materials, fire hazard: the proximity of an open flame can cause a fire. Rough handling and constantexposure to moisture can lead to deformation of the sheet. To prevent this, the panel must be washed with a soft sponge and wiped dry.
Plastic panels
This is the second most popular wall cladding material in the kitchen after ceramic tiles. Its main advantages are low cost and versatility. Just a few years ago, plastic came in a few standard colors and had an unpleasant smell, so it was not used in the kitchen. According to customer reviews, modern high-tech material is significantly superior to previous options: an almost unlimited range of colors, a variety of textures and excellent consumer properties have made it the closest competitor to ceramics. The price of wall panels for the kitchen starts from 400 rubles per square meter, and you can do the installation yourself. Such panels endure exposure to moisture and do not deform, improve sound insulation. Wall panel for the kitchen made of PVC, polyvinyl chloride, as modern plastic is called, can imitate the texture of any surface: stone, wood, mosaic or traditional tiles.
Laminated chipboard
This is the cheapest way to decorate a kitchen wall. Unlike conventional furniture chipboard, the laminated version can be safely washed without worrying about the safety of the surface: it is not subject to deformation and retains its original gloss for a long time. The laminated facade of wall panels for the kitchen performs two functions at the same time - protective and aesthetic, and the main advantageChipboard is a low price. Positive feedback on this finish confirms that it combines practicality and affordability, and after a few years it can be easily replaced with a new one.
The disadvantages of chipboard include poor tolerance to high temperatures, the close proximity of the gas stove can contribute to deformation and darkening. Also, the material is not durable, the average period of operation is about five years. It is not recommended to clean the panels with aggressive detergents, as the surface will quickly lose its original attractiveness.
Wooden panels
MDF, PVC and chipboard are great materials for a kitchen apron, but they only imitate expensive textures. Natural wood will make the interior respectable, stylish and solid, although it will be very expensive. To protect the surface from heat, moisture, grease, detergent chemicals, the surface of the wood is treated with a special wax, which significantly increases the period of operation. According to reviews, this decor should be handled with care, washed very carefully, and if moisture gets in, wipe dry.
Wood creates a unique coziness and warm atmosphere that cannot be achieved with other materials. The design of the wall panel under the kitchen creates the effect of a solid surface and looks especially attractive.
Plywood panels
Waterproof plywood is a cheaper alternative to woodboards. It is characterized by a beautiful texture with an expressive pattern, a variety of colors and good consumer properties. This is a simple, unpretentious and durable enough material that can be used to decorate the kitchen wall.
Glass panels
Glass kitchen wall panels are a great alternative to ceramic tiles that are as durable as they are and far superior in beauty. The most preferred material is tempered glass. Such an apron can be mounted next to the stove and not be afraid for its safety. This type of panels endures the effects of moisture, greasy splashes and mechanical shocks. The thickness of the panel is on average 7 mm. Customer reviews are mostly positive: glass looks aesthetically pleasing and does not require complex maintenance.
The whole picture can be depicted on tempered glass: a mountain or sea landscape, city streets running away into the distance, a calm and peaceful forest. The wall panel for the kitchen with a pattern looks extremely aesthetically pleasing. Any contamination can be easily cleaned from the surface; aggressive chemicals and abrasives can be used to remove grease. The only disadvantage of glass is its high cost.
Another suitable option is optiwhite, absolutely transparent white glass, free from impurities. It is from optiwhite that wall panels for the kitchen with photo printing are produced. It is also possible to produce a plain apron with a matte or glossy surface, a mirror substrate, stained-glass windows andsandblast drawings. Placing LED lighting behind the panel creates an interesting and unusual effect: the wall seems to shine from the inside.
In some cases, a cheaper analogue of optiwhite is used - ordinary glass glued in three layers. However, this material is fragile and has a slightly greenish tint.
Postforming
Postforming is a modern material, which is chipboard plates covered with a thin layer of high-quality plastic. The result is a strong and durable sheet that combines the advantages of both components: the cheapness of chipboard and the durability of plastic. Wall panels for the kitchen, made of postforming, can be mounted even near the stove and sink: neither high temperature nor high humidity can compromise the integrity of the coating. The material can be washed with any detergents, including abrasive and aggressive, the surface will not lose its gloss and original beauty. According to reviews, in comparison with laminated chipboard, postforming has a more interesting appearance, beautiful colors and greater strength. However, the price for this type of decor is somewhat higher.
Stone panels
Artificial granite is one of the most durable, reliable and durable materials. Just like glass, stone wall panels are resistant to moisture, high temperatures and mechanical damage. To protect the walls, stone coating is the most reliable, but design solutions are limited: the color palette of the stone is very poor,there are few variations of the pattern, besides this, the stone surface is beautifully combined only with natural wood or the same stone. This material looks great in an interior designed in the style of classicism, but, most likely, will be out of place in a more democratic design. Installation and cutting of plates is very difficult due to the high strength of the plate.
Metal panels
Metal apron is still a rare and even exotic option. The main reason is the high cost of sheets and poor representation in stores: it is not difficult to buy wall panels for the kitchen in St. Petersburg or Moscow, but you can hardly find them in cities more distant from the capital. Also, the metal profile is difficult to install, but in terms of practicality, reliability and stylish appearance, it has practically no competitors. The surface can be made matte, glossy, shimmering, covered with patina or decorative relief, and stainless steel or copper can be used as raw materials.
Mirror panels
To make the interior stylish, bright, warm and cozy, it is not necessary to use expensive, pretentious materials. A mirrored wall panel for the kitchen will help to give the atmosphere a special shine and gloss. This option is suitable for minimalism, hi-tech, art deco, glamour, Scandinavian style and even classicism. Thanks to the high reflectivity of the mirror, the kitchen is instantly transformed, becoming lighter and more spacious. The most banal interior looks unusual and aesthetically pleasing, andthe financial cost of such a panel is relatively low.
3D panels
3D panels are a fairly new trend in the world of interior design, but gradually it is gaining more and more popularity. Walls with a three-dimensional pattern look expensive, luxurious and solid, and the interior acquires an unprecedentedly high style. The material for the manufacture of panels are MDF and gypsum.
3D MDF panels are produced by applying several layers, and gypsum sheets are cast in special forms, dried and opened with protective agents that prevent moisture absorption. Gypsum panels can have completely different textures, for example, imitate waves, so they are suitable for a variety of interior styles. They are attached to the wall using liquid nails or tile adhesive, while the surface of the wall must be perfectly smooth. The disadvantages of 3D panels include a rather high cost and some inconvenience during cleaning: dirt accumulates in the recesses and protrusions.
Wall panels for the kitchen are distinguished by a variety of designs, a rich color palette and an abundance of all kinds of textures. This design option for the work area looks more stylish and interesting than traditional ceramic tiles. There are no joints between the panels, so keeping clean is much easier. The price range also pleases with variety, so the choice seems obvious: panels are more attractive than boring ceramics.
