Tiles for the kitchen on the apron: materials, nuances of selection and installation
Repair is not always a painful expectation of the result. You can look at this process differently: create a real masterpiece by simply choosing the desired style and choosing materials for it. The material that sets the overall tone is the kitchen backsplash tile. In today's review by the HomeMyНome.ru editorial board, we offer you to familiarize yourself with the range of tiles and their decorative qualities.
The content of the article
- 1 Pros and cons of backsplash tiles
- 2 Types of glossy and matte ceramic backsplash tiles
- 3 Types of glass tiles
- 4 Types of stone and porcelain tiles
- 5 Standard tile sizes for apron
- 6 Color and decor of tiles for a kitchen apron
- 7 Novelties of apron tiles from popular manufacturers
- 8 What to look for when buying an apron tile
- 9 How to correctly calculate the area of a kitchen apron
- 10 How to lay out a tile apron in the kitchen with your own hands - the nuances
- 11 Where is it profitable to buy kitchen tiles for an apron - price overview
- 12 Photos of interesting tile apron design options
- 13 Video: apron in the kitchen from tiles
Pros and cons of backsplash tiles
The market has so much to offer! To understand why tiles are still popular, let's talk about their advantages:
- this is the material that is not afraid of moisture, and after all, there is always the most splashes and fumes next to the stove;
- the tile does not react to kitchen temperatures, since it was made at ultra-high temperatures, the usual heat in the kitchen will not damage the tile;
- all traces of grease and dyes are easily removed from the tile, leaving no residue;
- good styling and high-quality material will allow you to admire the tiles in decades;
- modern color and textured options will suit the most demanding owner;
- the tile can be combined in design with any other material.
Now let's look at a few disadvantages:
- for the apron to serve for a long time and look impeccable, tile laying skills are required, or you will have to invite a master;
- in the process of work, the kitchen must be empty, which can create some difficulties;
- additional materials are required to fix the tile;
- during the entire period of using the apron, you need to monitor the tile seams and adjust them.
Any material has advantages and disadvantages, but in the case of using tiles for a kitchen backsplash, there are still more advantages.
Types of glossy and matte ceramic backsplash tiles
Glossy or matte - it depends on the owner's desire and the general design requirements of the room.
The gloss effect is provided by the reflection of light, which makes the space visually appear larger.
Advice! If the kitchen setting does not dispose to "immodesty", then it is better to opt for matte tiles.
The disadvantage of glossy tiles is the appearance of stains with frequent washing. Matte tiles look more neutral and do not cause a sensation of "loudness".
There are not so many difficulties with cleaning a matte apron, and the dirt on it is not as noticeable as on a glossy one.
Kitchen mosaic tile for an apron
Mosaic has been in demand for several centuries. These are small-sized glass or ceramic tiles. Its small size allows it to be used as laid out drawings and ornaments.
Laying mosaic tiles on an apron in the kitchen is quite troublesome. The miniature size of the tiles requires certain installation skills.
For the best result, it is worth contacting a professional tile installer to avoid disappointment with the result. Options color combinations in the mosaic are not limited by anything, because you can create real paintings. But it is possible to opt for several colors.
Related article:
The best option for decorating the cooking area isaprons for the kitchen - skinali, photos of which are presented in our review. Why they gained such popularity, read on.
Tile "hog"
The tile got its name due to the fact that it used to be made using a shape with holes, similar to a boar's snout. Modern "hog" is a small rectangular glossy tile, elongated in a 1: 2 ratio.
The "hog" tile is produced with a beveled bevel, that is, the edge of the tile is cut off at an angle to the surface.
Despite the seeming simplicity of the tiles, the apron in the kitchen looks aesthetically pleasing, simple and at the same time original. Laying should be done by a professional who can correctly form the outer and inner corners.
Related article:
Kitchen apron made of plastic. Why do you need it, pros and cons, types, selection criteria, an overview of manufacturers and average prices, the subtleties of self-installation, useful tips - in our publication.
Metlakh tiles
Tiles as durable as porcelain stoneware are heat-resistant, moisture-resistant and able to withstand the effects of acids. Combined with external beauty, Metlakh tiles are ideal for an apron in the kitchen.
Types of glass tiles
A glass apron in the kitchen is called skinali. The advantages of such an apron include the impermeability of water and grease, and the glass is easy to clean. The lint-free cloths specially designed for glass cleaning will remove even the smallest stains without leaving a trace.
Modern manufacturers offer both a transparent glass apron and a colored one. Glass can be matte or specially placed.
The photo can be placed between sheets of glass or use the technique of photo printing on glass and sintering.
The installation of such an apron is clean and without problems: you do not need to remove furniture from the room.
Related article:
Glass apron for kitchen. Catalog, photos, advantages, varieties, selection criteria, model range, do-it-yourself installation secrets, advice and recommendations of specialists - you will find in the material of our portal.
Types of stone and porcelain tiles
Ceramic tiles, called porcelain stoneware, have special properties, among which strength is in the first place. The sophistication of the interior, which used a porcelain stoneware covering on the apron, seems like an expensive luxury.
According to the Mohs scale, the hardness of porcelain stoneware is 9 points, so it is very difficult to work with it yourself.
Another option for the stone decoration of the apron is agglomerates. This material is made using polyester oils and inclusions from granite, marble and limestone chips. The addition of dyes allows you to obtain interesting color shades close to natural stone.
For porcelain stoneware, only one installation method is possible - cladding with slabs, therefore, a monolithic slab is often ordered, which guarantees the durability of the apron.
Standard tile sizes for apron
The tile format is selected based on personal preferences, ease of installation, material for the apron, as well as the overall dimensions of the furniture, hob, and height of furniture in the kitchen. The popular size of the backsplash tile is 10 × 10 cm. This is the optimal size that can be combined with any decor and idea.
A distance of 60 cm is recommended between the countertop and the wall cabinet: it turns out that a tile measuring 10 × 10 cm will successfully fit in the form of six rows.
Important! The actual parameters of the tiles are always chosen slightly less than the planned volume of coverage - to take into account future joints.
If domestic manufacturers still produce a large selection of tiles with such dimensions, then foreign manufacturers consider this format old-fashioned.
Color and decor of tiles for a kitchen apron
This is where fantasies can roam, so this is when choosing a tile for an apron in the kitchen. They take into account the general style of the room, decor elements, furniture color, taste preferences, and also focus on the mood that should be created when entering the kitchen.
Patchwork tiles for an apron in the kitchen
The patchwork style will bring brightness to the kitchen: juicy shades, color combinations fill the room with energy. Each design decision becomes individual.
Tile for apron imitating wood or stone
Natural wood is not used to decorate a kitchen backsplash - in addition to the fact that it is not cheap, it is simply impractical and dangerous. But if you want to see the wooden surfaces of the apron in the kitchen, use MDF or laminated chipboard with a thickness of 4 to 15 mm.
Near gas stove such a coating is not worth installing.
Imitation of marble, salt marsh, slate with artificial aging, irregularities, roughness makes the interior impressively special.
Novelties of apron tiles from popular manufacturers
Competition in the world of building materials manufacturing is always high. Russian, Spanish and Italian tiles are in particular demand. This is a colossal choice of colors, textures, sizes. Depending on the quality and exclusivity, the price range is also built.
Russian tiles for the kitchen on the apron
Russian manufacturers work guided by the economic processes in the country: the quality does not suffer from quite affordable prices, but new collections of ceramic tiles are regularly released. The works are carried out on high-quality equipment using European technologies.
Brands that have a good track record and references: Shakhty tile, Kerama marazzi, Atlas Concorde Russia, Ceradim, Uralceramics other.
Spanish tiles for the kitchen on the apron
Spain has established itself as a quality and serious manufacturer of ceramic tiles for kitchen backsplash. Basically, these are tiles in neutral shades, often successfully imitating wood or stone.
Spanish manufacturers in their collections focus on the comfort of the room.
Italian tiles for the kitchen on the apron
Unconditional design effect and richness of color solutions belongs to the Italian manufacturers of ceramic tiles. The prices for such products, one might say, are cosmic. But quality combined with beauty justifies the high cost of products. Below in the photo are examples of ceramic tiles for the kitchen on an apron.
Yes, Italians know a lot about chic interior design.
What to look for when buying an apron tile
Despite the current trends towards non-standard interior design and the gravitation towards dark colors, an apron in such colors is impractical. The slightest splashes, stains, dust - all this will immediately attract attention, distracting from the overall interior and decor. But when choosing bright colors for an apron, it is important not to overdo it and make the rest of the kitchen tones neutral.
Due to the properly selected material, you can significantly expand the space visually: skins with a horizontal pattern or "hog" will do. Mirror finish will make the room visually wider, but imagine how many flaws will be noticeable on the mirror surface! Choosing a tile,add 10% to the calculated amount for possible errors or chips.
Also, do not be lazy to look at the purchased item for damage. We also want to say that porous surfaces for the kitchen are not the best option. Although it is beautiful, dirt gets into such material very quickly.
How to correctly calculate the area of a kitchen apron
In order not to be mistaken when buying tiles, you need to carefully calculate the area of the future apron for the existing kitchen set. We invite our readers to use the convenient online calculator below.
How to lay out a tile apron in the kitchen with your own hands - the nuances
To make an apron in the kitchen from tiles, follow a few tips:
- The coverage is marked.
- Chalk marks the places where the patterns or drawings will be.
- The wall is covered with a layer of primer, using it sparingly.
- The lower border is indicated by a metal or wooden profile.
- Be sure to use a building level for leveling!
- Make sure that the adhesive is less in contact with air, since the installation process is not quick, and the glue can dry out. They do not regret glue and spread an impressive layer.
- They pass over the glue with a notched trowel and expose the first row.
- Remember to use plastic crosses for the quality of the seams.
- If necessary, use a grinder with a diamond disc or tile cutter.
- If glue gets on the front side, wipe it off immediately.
- The next day, the joints are cleaned of excess glue and the crosses are removed.
- It remains to apply a protective coating for the joints and grout.
Where is it profitable to buy kitchen tiles for an apron - price overview
According to photo catalogs, you can study a large number of tiles for the kitchen for an apron and then order what you liked the most. They immediately indicate all the characteristics and price.It will not be difficult to immediately calculate the required amount of material to buy kitchen tiles for an apron and find a better offer. The popular "hog" tile for an apron can be purchased at prices ranging from 900 to 2500 per m2.
Photos of interesting tile apron design options
At the end of the article, we suggest looking at different kitchen interiors with tiles on the apron. Perhaps you will find an interesting design solution for yourself.
Have you admired? What will your kitchen design be? If you already know the answer to this question, share your experience in choosing a material for repair in the comments.