Decorative panels for the kitchen: how to choose, varieties

The number of new building materials is only growing every year. Unlike old counterparts, such products are distinguished by a modern appearance and improved technical characteristics. Decorative panels for the kitchen can be used in place of outdated tiles or moisture-resistant wallpaper. Such materials have an attractive appearance, differ from analogues in their low cost.

Pros and cons of finishing kitchen panels

Decorative items can be used for wall and ceiling decoration. When using such materials, builders receive a number of advantages:

• Lack of work to dismantle old wallpaper, paint or any other coating.
• Simple material installation. Wall panels in the kitchen are fixed on a frame or glue mixture.
•  Easy care of the coating.
• Good soundproofing qualities.
•  Possibility of masking electrical wiring under the coating.
• Resistant to moisture.

The main disadvantages of decorative parts are considered to be insufficient strength, the possibility of deformation under the influence of load. Such types of products as chipboard and MDF begin to deform under the influence of moisture, and the surface of plastic counterparts is often covered with mold or mildew.

Not every type of material will be able to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, therefore, it is not recommended to mount some materials in the immediate vicinity of a gas stove. When carrying out installation work, take into account the weight of the product and select a suitable mounting method. Remember that low cost indicates poor quality material.

Varieties of kitchen panels

The shape of the product can be:

• Rack, made in the form of strips with a width of 12 to 50 centimeters. Such parts are connected into a single structure using grooves and grooves.
• Tiled materials are made in the form of a square, the side of the part is 30-60 centimeters.
• Sheet products are considered the most convenient to lay. The area of ​​one element is 1.5m2. Such parts are fixed on a wooden or metal crate with glue.

A photo of wall panels for the kitchen indicates their varieties according to the material of manufacture. Let's get acquainted with the types of products in more detail.

Plastic

 Such materials are considered the most popular, they differ from analogues in their low price, a huge number of colors and shades. The planks have a special protective coating that prevents the absorption of odors. The base of the product is considered to be MDF sheets; polyvinyl chloride is laid on the outer part, which well protects the decorative surface from moisture.

PVC tiles are presented on the construction market in a variety of colors and shades, there are models that imitate metals, leather surface or wood structure. White products are suitable for a kitchen made in Provence or country style. Glossy materials blend beautifully with modern interiors.

Solid wood panels

Products made of natural wood are well resistant to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, they are made of cherry, pine or ash. Planks made of oak or beech will look good in a prestigious interior.

Decorating the kitchen with wall panels made of wood insulates the room from the ingress of third-party sounds, retains heat well. The durability of the material is increased by coating its surface with wax. The protective layer prevents the penetration of odors into the wood structure. On the market you can find composite materials, the substrate of which is made from available species, while the front surface is made from valuable types of wood. After the installation of solid wood parts, a special atmosphere of comfort and luxury is established in the kitchen.

Chipboard and MDF panels

Such products are considered the cheapest, especially chipboard. The specified material is afraid of exposure to humidity and sudden changes in temperature. There are chips in its structure, which swells under the influence of water, which leads to deformation of the product. In order for the coating to retain its original appearance for a long time, it is periodically treated with impregnations.

The structure of MDF is protected from getting wet by a special laminated film, in addition, the product is well resistant to various mechanical influences. When sawing panels, you need to protect the cut with a special tape. MDF is considered to be a strong, durable material resistant to temperature extremes. Laminate planks in most cases mimic the texture of wood.

Bamboo decorative panels

In addition to wood products, exotic bamboo is also popular with users. This natural material has a unique texture, is not afraid of moisture and does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. In the manufacture of such parts, mats are used, which hold the surfaces together with special glue. Bamboo kitchen panels on the wall are obtained by pressing individual elements and further drying the blanks.

Finished products are not damaged by fungus, have high strength and durability, do not need further processing with protective compounds. The price of a bamboo kitchen panel is much higher than that of counterparts made of chipboard or MDF. Plates are fixed to the surface using special glue or liquid nails, the elements are cut with a hacksaw or scissors. Bamboo products are used in the design of rooms made in country style or minimalism.

Gypsum panels

Decorative elements made of plaster will give the kitchen an unusual look. With the help of 3D structures, designers can visually expand or narrow the living space, divide the room into several functional zones. In the photo of the kitchen panels, you can see how the visual effect is enhanced by the backlight. Finished walls can mimic the texture of stone or natural wood.

The main advantage of gypsum panels is considered environmental friendliness, ease of installation of the material, relative cheapness and lack of deformation during operation. To increase the moisture resistance, the surface of the products is treated with a special solution. Embossed panels are much more difficult to clean than smooth textured materials. Over time, soot and dirt will accumulate on their surface.

Glass Panels

The main advantage of such products is considered to be a huge number of design solutions. Even a small kitchen with glass panels will become much more spacious. The selection of colors, textures and shapes of the material is carried out individually for each room. The toughest laminated glass is considered the most durable. Its surface resists well to various mechanical loads. Then comes the decorative layer and base.

A photo of glass kitchen panels shows the various finishes. To obtain a decorative surface, apply:

• pictures with 3D effect;
•  coloring of the material;
• matting;
•  photo printing.

Glass panels are expensive, but they have many useful characteristics. The advantages of the material include hygiene, ease of cleaning the surface, resistance to moisture and high temperatures. Glass products installed behind a stove or sink will not absorb odors and will not lose their unique appearance after many years of use.

Installation nuances

The fastening technology depends on the weight and size of the kitchen wall panel. Wood products are much heavier than plastic, so they must be attached to the crate. For flat enclosing structures, plastic is suitable, which can simply be glued to the base. Wood products are fastened together using special grooves, and the glass is installed in the frame.

The mounting technology depends on the basic characteristics of the surface. On flat walls, you can lay PVC panels or ceramic tiles. It is better to fix wooden or metal lathing on uneven enclosing structures. MDF tiles, as well as some types of plastic products, are fastened together with grooves. Glass is installed in a special frame from a profile or fixed with screws. Each manufacturer gives an indication regarding the technology of work.

How to care for the coating

In order for the finish to be able to preserve its original appearance for a long time, it must be properly looked after, especially for panels made of natural wood. The surface of such products quickly deteriorates from exposure to abrasive substances, washing powder, solvent and even a hard brush.

Veneered materials, as well as varnished panels, are wiped with a damp cloth, which has been previously soaked in a special solution. The surface of wood products is treated with wax. Effective pollution control is carried out using a soap solution or surfactants.

Housewives should carefully handle plastic panels, carefully select the means for cleaning them. It is forbidden to wash off any surface with water, because moisture can cause swelling and deformation of the material, often leading to cracks. Wiping with special means with a damp cloth will help maintain the original appearance of the product. Cleaning solutions must be free of alcohol and ammonia.

Decorative wall decoration is considered the basis of renovation. Choose materials that will maintain the style of your kitchen space and will not absorb odors.