Kitchen renovation is not only an expensive but also time consuming process. It is necessary not only to choose furniture and correctly design the arrangement of household appliances, but also to take care of a safe and suitable masking of gas equipment in style. Agree that a gas meter sticking out above the work surface will ruin the look of even the most original kitchen interior.
The gas service, of course, is not enthusiastic about the creative ideas of many households for decorating meters. In this article, we will tell you how to hide a gas meter in the kitchen without violating the accepted standards and requirements. Let's select several simple and affordable ways to mask a gas appliance. And also consider the nuances of its transfer.
The content of the article:
- Requirements for the placement of the gas meter
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Gas meter masking options
- Option # 1 - hide in a wall cabinet
- Option # 2 - masking with drywall
- Option # 3 - decorating with scrap materials
- Nuances of transferring a gas meter
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Requirements for the placement of the gas meter
You cannot install the gas meter yourself. The installation must be carried out by the gas service or by a contractor authorized to carry out such work (in accordance with PP RF No. 410 dated 05/14/13).
Gorgaz employees should offer a place to install the meter, but not insist on this option. That is, you need to find the optimal solution that will suit the owner of the home and not violate the requirements described in SNiP 42-01-2002. However, the square of the kitchen and the installed household appliances do not always allow you to choose the most convenient option.
When choosing an installation site, a number of conditions are taken into account: ease of repair, taking readings, maintenance, and so on. So it turns out that employees are installing meters in the kitchen in the most conspicuous place.
Requirements and recommendations for flowmeter placement:
- counters are installed only in ventilated rooms with natural ventilation;
- devices cannot be installed near a gas stove and sink - moisture, as well as heat, should not get into the flow meter;
- recommended distance of kitchen appliances and equipment to gas equipment is indicated in the meter's passport (at least 80 cm);
- mount the meter at a height of 1.6 m or more;
- you cannot install the device right next to the wall, you need to leave a gap of 3-5 cm;
- outdoor gas meters should be placed under a canopy or in a special cabinet.
Also, you can not install measuring instruments in closed rooms or on a support that is located far from a residential building. In more detail, we examined the norms and process of installing a gas meter in next article.
It is not recommended to place counters near door and window openings. The minimum horizontal distance must be 0.5 m or more
For non-compliance with the rules, the gas service may issue a fine. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with what else are there fines for gas meters.
And gas workers "do not like" if the devices are placed in niches.
Gas meter masking options
In new buildings, you can somehow plan in advance and choose a place for the counter so that it is not in plain sight.
In old apartment buildings, in 90% of cases, the devices are located in the most conspicuous place. Of course, you want to hide or decorate such a device in some way. Therefore, we will figure out whether it is possible to close the gas meter on our own or if you still need to seek help from specialists.
Many people hide their kitchen counters in various cupboards. This arrangement is permissible if the furniture is mounted on the wall and does not bear the load on the device. The cabinet must not be airtight
It is not forbidden to mask flow meters, the main thing is that safety rules are observed, and controllers can easily take readings of gas consumption. So, you can hide the counter on your own, but the decor should not interfere with the repair work and replacing the meter. If you have doubts about the choice of material for decoration or cabinet, you can consult with experts.
Before you close the gas meter in your kitchen, you first need to decide on the masking method and choose the right material. Do not change the location of the device yourself. For these purposes, you need a project and a permit from the gas service.
The most popular option among users is to hide the flow meter in a cabinet from a kitchen set or a separately ordered pencil case, which will match the furniture in color and style.
It is easy to hide the counter if it is located on the same wall as the furniture in the kitchen. It will only be necessary to remove the back wall of the cabinet and / or cut a hole for the device
In addition, the gas meter can be cut into the wall, closed with a special box or box, and a special box can also be made.
There are many methods of decorating and masking gas equipment. It is important that the instruments remain freely accessible. Next, we will consider the most successful camouflage options.
Option # 1 - hide in a wall cabinet
It is most convenient to hide the counter in kitchen furniture. Especially if, when selecting a headset, the kitchen has already been designed and the desired cabinet will hang above the device.
In wall cabinets with counters, the back wall is not placed or a cutout is made in it.
If the gas meter was installed after the furniture was installed in the kitchen, then the wall cabinet can be ordered separately. Furniture makers will help you choose a module that suits your style and will make it in the color of the kitchen set
An example of a cabinet for a gas meter with a double bottom. In the wall of fiberboard, holes were cut for the display and pipe valves. At any time, you can view the readings and, if necessary, turn off the gas
If the meter is located closer to the window, you can install a pencil case with a false wall on magnets.
In such a cabinet, the gas meter is located behind an additional wall. The appliance is not visible when the door is open. The bottom shelf can be used to place kitchen utensils or condiments
It is better not to store anything on a shelf placed right next to the gas equipment, so as not to block access to the device.
The most successful and functional examples of installing gas meters are shown in the photo below:
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The correct example of the installation of gas equipment. The distance from the counter to the wall is maintained at 3-5 cm. There are small slots for ventilation
It is convenient when the gas meter is placed in a hanging module above the refrigerator. Such a cabinet is high and it is not convenient to put kitchen utensils in it, but for a gas meter this is an ideal place
You can place the gas meter in the kitchen cabinet between the shelves. Shelves can be used to store various small items
Functionally, it turned out to place the gas meter next to the dish dryer. Kitchen utensils do not cover it. The only thing is to wipe the dishes so that there is no moisture in the cabinet.
The display cabinet is ideal for placing a gas meter. Typically, such a module is mounted closer to the window or as the end of a kitchen set.
In this case, the lower shelf can be occupied. It is not recommended to operate the upper one in order not to block access to the gas meter
The back wall of the cabinets is usually dismantled or holes are cut in it for communications using a jigsaw. If you are ordering a new kitchen, you can immediately ask to make the appropriate cutouts in the chipboard
In this example, the gas meter is installed in a wall cabinet. Small household items are placed on the shelves. If checked, they are easy to remove and free access to the equipment
Gas meter in the kitchen cabinet
Installation example of gas equipment
Counter in cabinet between modules with shelves
Gas meter next to the dish drainer
Gas meter in the upper cabinet
Gas meter in a white kitchen cabinet
Installing a cabinet above the gas meter
Placing a gas meter in a hanging cabinet
Kitchen furniture ideally hides gas meters. With proper planning, you can hide other gas equipment in it: pipes or column, or other appliances.
Option # 2 - masking with drywall
You can close the gas meter with plasterboard sheets. The method does not require large expenditures and is quite simple to implement.
Required materials and tools:
- screwdriver and self-tapping screws;
- moisture resistant drywall;
- scissors for metal;
- building level;
- metal profile (for fastening drywall).
The creation of the structure begins with the markings on the wall. Next, a frame is installed from metal guides.
When constructing a box from a metal profile, it should be remembered that its dimensions should provide free access to the gas appliance so that readings can be taken without interference and scheduled maintenance
The steel frame is attached to the wall by means of self-tapping screws, the vertical and horizontal lines are set strictly in level.
The finished box is sheathed with plasterboard. The joints of the sheets are sealed with putty, and the surface is treated with a primer. After the product has dried, the surface is rubbed with emery paper to a smooth state.
The plasterboard box can be painted, tiled or wallpapered. Facades made of lattice panels or antique decorated ones look beautiful. The main thing is that the design of the product fits into the interior of the kitchen.
This method of camouflaging gas equipment is simple, but not suitable for small kitchens. Because it hides useful space.
Option # 3 - decorating with scrap materials
Other materials can also be used as masking for the counter: wooden lining, plywood, plastic, plexiglass, etc. In these cases, the box is not stationary, but easily dismantled.
Polycarbonate is also used for the manufacture of the structure; it lends itself well to cutting. To bend the material, you just need to make cuts in the places of the stiffeners. The product is bent in the shape of the letter "P" and attached to the wall. Be sure to drill holes in the box for ventilation.
In general, panels for a camouflage structure are made from any material available. It should be remembered that the product must be removable. From MDF or chipboard for the counter, you can make a small cabinet or box. A variety of colors will allow you to choose the best stove option for any kitchen.
If the gas meter is located above the working surface of the table, then under it you can independently make a frameless removable box made of thick cardboard or fiberboard. Blanks are cut from the material for the front and side walls, as well as the top cover. All parts are glued together with a glue gun (hot glue). It turns out a case in the form of a box without a back wall. You can decorate the box with an ornament, wallpaper it or decorate it in the decoupage style.
It turns out beautiful if you use white Oracal to decorate a homemade cover. You can decorate the box with a flower or an ornament cut from a self-adhesive film of a different color
The finished drawer is small, it will definitely not spoil the interior of the kitchen. In addition, such a product will additionally perform a protective function: during cooking, you can accidentally hook the counter seal, and so it will be hidden under the box.
Sometimes there are also creative ways of disguising. We have placed the most interesting and functional options in the gallery below.
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Photo from
Sometimes users buy ready-made boxes for gas equipment. Such structures can be installed outdoors and indoors. A purchased box will look good if the kitchen is made in light colors.
The attachment box can be made from wooden gratings. Ideally, this design is suitable if furniture made of wood of any species is used in the room.
You can independently design a box made of lining or wooden planks. Door hinges are sold in the hardware department of any furniture store.
It looks like the cover is made of vine. In fact, the structure was woven from special weaving paper. Looks original and can be quickly dismantled
Gas meter box
Gas meter box
Homemade counter cabinet
Braided counter cover
Nuances of transferring a gas meter
It is, of course, easier to camouflage gas equipment in houses that are just being commissioned: you can think over the elements of furniture in advance and choose the most convenient place for placing the appliances.
In old skyscrapers, things are different. In a kitchen with an area of 6 squares, we cannot talk about installing an additional cabinet or plasterboard decor to close the counter. Therefore, many people are trying to get permission from the gas service to carry the meter. This procedure is rather complicated: a project is required and a large number of formalities.
If the "9 circles of hell" is completed and the procedure is agreed, you need to wait for a specialist to carry out the transfer of the device with the subsequent sealing.
Some people move the meter outside the kitchen. This could be a balcony, corridor, or some other place.
It is convenient to place a gas meter in the corridor. In a small niche, he will not bother anyone. In addition, the controller will quickly be able to take readings and inspect the device.
So that the gas meter does not catch the eye, you can decorate it or simply cover it with a beautiful curtain that can be easily pulled back and does not block access to the equipment
You can move the device to the corner of the kitchen, where it is easier to disguise it.
Sometimes homeowners manage to agree on the installation of a meter under the sink or countertop. In this case, the equipment does not interfere, but according to SNiP, the installation is incorrect.
In terms of functionality, the placement of the gas meter under the sink is quite convenient. The device does not interfere with the hostess and does not spoil the interior with its appearance. But getting permission to install the device in such a place is almost impossible: a zone of high humidity, too low placement relative to the floor
If the desired transfer option was nevertheless managed to be agreed upon, it is imperative to keep the documents and the act, so that in the future there will be no problems and a fine will not be issued.
None of the proposed camouflage options appeals to you and you want to completely abandon its installation? But can this be done legally? We considered the possibility of refusing to install a gas flow meter in our other article.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Instructions for creating a fiberboard box to mask a gas meter can be seen in the video below:
Often the gas service installs gas meters in the most unpredictable and inconvenient places for home owners. Some people do not pay attention to the protruding gas equipment, while others try to close it in all possible ways so as not to spoil the interior of the kitchen. Most often, they hide the counter in a kitchen cabinet or in a self-made box, which is sheathed with plasterboard or other material.
And what affordable and safe ways to camouflage gas meters do you know? If you have interesting thoughts on how to hide the gas meter, share it with other users - the feedback form is located below.