How to properly attach an MDF apron in the kitchen, step-by-step instructions and methods
The kitchen is one of the most functional spaces in the house. Here they constantly cook something, eat in a close family circle or have festive parties. Every housewife strives to best equip the kitchen, improving it in every possible way. A useful decorative modification of the room that facilitates the daily activities of a housewife is an MDF apron. How to properly attach an MDF apron in the kitchen and what is needed for this, we will find out below.
Description and function of kitchen apron
An apron refers to the part of the kitchen space that sits between the worktop and the cabinets. The apron has two functions:
- decorative;
- protective.
The protective function is to protect the wall from splashing water and grease, as well as sudden temperature changes.In addition, it is easy to decorate the apron as you like, bringing fresh and bright colors to the interior of the kitchen.
Varieties
Today there are a huge number of varieties of aprons for the kitchen, made from various materials. They expand the possibilities for renovation, allowing you to bring bold design solutions to life.
pvc panels
The PVC panels used to install an apron in the kitchen have the following competitive advantages:
- easy to install;
- affordable for any family;
- they are easy to maintain;
- high resistance to moisture;
- beautiful appearance.
Defaults:
- the section of the deck located in the immediate vicinity of the slab requires additional protection;
- during operation, scratches and abrasions quickly appear on the surface of the apron.
abs
Advantages of using an ABS apron:
- a wide variety of colors and patterns;
- low weight of the material;
- moisture resistance;
- hygiene.
Defaults:
- weak protection against mechanical damage;
- low fire resistance;
- with prolonged exposure to sunlight, the material begins to fade;
- quickly collapses during constant contact with aggressive detergents.
polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an inexpensive material, thanks to which apartment owners can decorate their kitchens without spending large sums from the family budget. Despite the apparent fragility, polycarbonate is resistant to various types of damage. The polycarbonate surface is easy to clean from dirt, and water resistance allows you not to worry about the safety of the repair during operation of the premises.
Whole leaf
Kitchen aprons made of a single sheet of plastic are more practical than their competitors, as they have no connecting seams. You will have a smooth, uniform and easy to clean surface.The disadvantages include large dimensions, as well as the need to cut recesses for various kitchen decor elements before direct installation.
MDF
By choosing MDF as the main material for the apron, you get:
- material resistant to mechanical damage;
- high protection against high humidity;
- quick and easy installation;
- the material is cheap, which saves money.
To note! It is not recommended to install an MDF apron behind the stove, since the material begins to deform under the influence of high temperatures.
chipboard
Chipboard has a denser material structure, unlike MDF boards. They are very inexpensive, but they are afraid of moisture. The material also reacts poorly to exposure to high temperatures, easily igniting during prolonged contact with fire.
Try to buy apron plates impregnated with a special refractory compound.
Glass
A glass apron is considered the best choice for any modern kitchen, and its only serious drawback is its high price. The rest of the material has a large number of advantages, expressed in:
- quick setup;
- ease of use;
- beautiful appearance;
- a wide range of possibilities for the interior designer.
Advantages and disadvantages of using plastic panels
Benefits of using plastic aprons include:
- acceptable and adequate price;
- moisture protection;
- easy to install;
- easy to use ;
- most panel modifications have high quality protection against damage;
- a wide range of models, allowing you to choose a pattern and color for every taste;
- good protection against mold.
Defaults:
- deformed under the influence of high temperatures;
- the ends of the panels must be covered with a special profile;
- even high-quality panels do not look 100% natural, and the synthetic component of the material is felt.
How to install correctly
In the event that you decide to independently install an MDF apron, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- before starting installation, prepare building materials and tools necessary for work;
- the panels are assembled and cut to the required dimensions;
- we fasten the apron to the wall;
- final finish.
Preparation of materials and tools
Preparing materials and tools before installing the deck is necessary to speed up the process. If you don't, it will take you a lot of extra time to find this or that.
Profiles
The profiles are purchased from the store in advance and are attached to the end of the panel to make it attractive. The profile should be matched with the color of the panel or in such a way that it can be combined with other details of the kitchen interior.
Wooden bars
It will be needed if you attach the MDF apron to self-tapping screws. In this case, first of all, a lathing of their timber is created, to which in the future the main material is attached.
Self-tapping screws
Necessary for fixing MDF panels. It is better to buy self-tapping screws with a margin, since they will always be useful on the farm.
Screwdriver
Fixing optional. This greatly facilitates the installation process, but if it is not available, a regular screwdriver will do. Yes, it will not be so convenient to install the panels, but it will not affect the final result much.
To note! If possible, it is worth buying a screwdriver for permanent use, since it will come in handy more than once for the improvement of the apartment.
Pegs
Another fixing element that cannot be dispensed with in the case of fixing plastic panels to a box made up of wooden bars.
Building level
An important tool with which you will align the panels, aligning them in a single plane.Assembling without using a level leads to a noticeable tilt of the plates, which will affect the overall appearance of the part.
Nail glues or liquids
An excellent substitute for wooden lathing, which allows:
- reduce the cost of the installation process;
- reduce the amount of debris left after repairs.
Keep in mind that if the wall has a lot of irregularities, it will be extremely problematic to fix the panel with glue.
Ruler or tape measure
An irreplaceable tool for repairs, especially if you have to deal with a solid sheet metal construction. Without them, it is impossible to accurately cut out the material so that the apron harmoniously fits into the decor surrounding the kitchen.
Pencil
It is necessary for marking on plastic. It is not recommended to use a marker as it will be difficult to remove from the work surface.
Hammer
This will help in situations where you need to lightly tap a firmly installed panel or drive a dowel into the hole drilled for it.
How to tie
Panels are attached to the kitchen wall in one of the following ways:
- use guides;
- using self-tapping screws;
- on the crate;
- on the glue.
Ride on rails
Fastening the apron to the guides helps to speed up the installation process, since the wall does not need to be strongly leveled.In addition, the guides make it possible to dispense with drilling the panels themselves, which has a positive effect on the integrity and safety of the structure.
The disadvantage of this method is the need for additional costs.
Self-tapping screws
Fastening the panels to the wall with self-tapping screws is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- we remove the helmet from the kitchen, as this will interfere with the installation process;
- we drill holes in the wall at the required height and drive dowels into them;
- preliminary holes are made at the junction of the plate and the wall. The diameter of the hole should be a few millimeters less than the diameter of the self-tapping screw.
- we wrap the screws.
On the cash register
Installation on a lathing made of wooden beams is convenient if the wall is too uneven and you do not have time to level it. The process is similar to the usual fastening with self-tapping screws, only the panels are not fixed to the wall, but to a wooden beam, previously fixed in the place where the apron is installed.
On glue
If there are even walls in the kitchen, then the panel can be simply glued on liquid nails or special glue. To do this, it is enough to lay out the wall and the MDF slab along the perimeter, and then firmly press them against each other. The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of dismantling an outdated apron in the future.
Installation and cutting of panels
Builders recommend pre-assembling and assembling the panels to facilitate final assembly. Cut MDF panels using:
- hacksaws for metal or wood;
- electric jigsaw;
- grinders.
It is necessary to firmly press the blade against the MDF panel, and then make a deep cut.Then the plate is cracked, after which the film covering the material is cut.
Final finish
The final finish involves the elimination of gaps that form between the top and bottom of the apron. They are closed with decorative corners and plinths, which must be purchased in advance at a hardware store.
Decoration Options
Decorate the apron with:
- The painting;
- photo wallpaper;
- decorative film.
Decorative painting
The easiest and at the same time creative way to decorate is to paint the panels with special paints. You can do it both independently and with the help of professional artists.
Application of the method opens up a wide field of imagination and does not limit apartment owners in self-expression.
Wallpaper
If you find it difficult to draw, try applying wallpaper to the panel. They are presented in a wide variety of patterns and colors, among which everyone will find a suitable option. Murals are applied faster than paint.
Movie
A fairly common decor option for the kitchen is the use of MDF panels covered with a special PVC film. Advantages of the option:
- the price;
- the coating is easy to clean;
- easy to mount.
Common Mistakes
When installing and using aprons in the kitchen, the following common mistakes are highlighted:
- install an apron next to household appliances that generate a large amount of heat during operation. The panels are deformed and the owners must redo the repairs;
- during the cleaning process, harsh chemicals or coarse abrasives are used.
Rules of maintenance and operation
Algorithm of actions to maintain an apron in the kitchen:
- we treat the working surface with a damp cloth, on which non-aggressive detergents are applied;
- after wet cleaning, wipe the apron with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Additional tips and tricks
When wet cleaning, make sure that a large amount of water does not drip onto the apron. Especially dangerous are cases when the liquid gets on the edges and is not removed with a dry cloth. This is heavy due to the panel being deformed or peeling off the base of the wall. It is also not recommended to use coarse brushes which, together with abrasives, damage the surface of the apron.