The most popular finishing material for a kitchen apron is ceramic tile, and the most popular type of tile is in the form of decorative brick, which is often called “hog” or “subway”.
What is a hog?
This is a rectangular small-format glazed ceramic tile, which is similar in shape to brick and is often laid according to the type of brickwork, that is, in the range. Usually tile “under the brick” has chamfers( facets), that is, beveled edges along the edge of the tile, which give volume and texture to the surface coated with the “pig”.
But the hog apron is made of tiles without chamfer.
- In the west, brick imitation tiles are called “subways”, since many stations in the London, Paris and New York subways are tiled with exactly this format. In our country, brick tiles are called “pigs” because the tile blank had two through holes at the end, which made it look like a pig's side on the side. Informal name went to the people and stuck.
See also the material: How to choose a tile for an apron: 12 nuances and an overview of popular formats
What are the dimensions of the "pig"?
As a rule, the length of a tile “under a brick” is two or three of its width. Depending on the manufacturer and the collection, piglet sizes vary as follows:
- Length - 12-30 cm;
- Width - 6-10 cm;
- The most common standard size is 7.5 × 15 cm, also popular formats: 10 × 20 cm, 15 × 30 cm, 7.5 × 30 cm.
In the photo below is an example of a classic tile “subway” measuring 7.5 × 15 cm
Classical tile “hog” of 7.5 × 15 cm in size
And here’s another common tile size of 10 × 20 cm.
Tile of “hog” in 10 × 20 cm size
Format 7.5 × 30 cm looks like this( scroll photo to the right).
- Tiles must be purchased with a 10% margin in case of unsuccessful trimming and rejects.
In what style of interior is this apron appropriate and how practical is white tile?
Today the hog apron has become more relevant than ever thanks to the fashion for the interiors of kitchens in the Scandinavian style, as well as in the styles of loft, industrial, country and Provence. In the next selection of photos are presented "brick" aprons in a different design( scroll).
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interior industrial, loft and country -
kitchen interior in a classic style -
Scandinavian style kitchen -
contemporary style kitchen -
Provence style kitchen
- The design of a “brick” apron can be very different depending on: the size of your tiles, your style and your style.the presence of chamfers, the use of decorated inserts, the method of laying the hog, as well as the color of the grout and the width of the seams.
- You can choose a tile with a matte or craquelure glaze( that is, with small cracks with a semi-antique effect).
The most popular and versatile apron colors are white, beige and cream.
- How easy is a white-faced tile in the kitchen apron? Ceramic tile itself is one of the most practical finishing materials. Due to the smooth glaze on ceramics, dust and dirt do not stick to it and are easy to wipe. And a white apron, which seems to be brand, in practice is no more brand, than an apron of any other color. Moreover, dust, grease, dirt spots and stains on a light surface are less noticeable than on a dark one, and the view of the working area of the kitchen against the background of the white “hog” will be much tidier. And do not forget about the ability of light shades to visually increase the space and make it lighter. However, one drawback of a brick apron is still there - it is the presence of depressions-seams, which complicate cleaning somewhat, but not so critical that it is abandoned if you like it.
Black apron is also in demand, but keep in mind that in the care it is no easier than white.
What are the ways of laying?
The traditional “metro” apron imitates a brick wall, so it is most often put into a run-up with a different offset or “a seam into the seam”( in the photo on the right).In the latter case, the emphasis in the design of the apron is placed on the seams, so most often the grout is chosen in a contrasting color, and the seams are done very carefully and evenly.
Which grout to choose?
Grout( also called a fugue) for the seams of the apron from the tile, you can choose: in the tone of the “hog”, universal white, beige, gray or black.
- Whatever color you choose, grouting should be water resistant, designed for frequent washing and temperature changes. Choose a quality grout - cheap mixes darken quickly.
- In order to avoid darkening of the seams, you can buy an epoxy-based trowel mixture that does not darken, since it almost does not absorb dirt and water. But it quickly freezes, so you need to work with it quickly and smartly.
Laying tiles "pig" on the kitchen apron
Laying pig with your own hands does not seem so difficult, and yet, this process can not be called simple. After all, there are a lot of tiles, each one must be carefully laid, some of the tiles should be cut off, take into account the sockets, veneer difficult places behind the pipes and the gas column and, if necessary, revet the outer and inner corners.
If you are not sure what to do, hire a professional tiler. If laying tile is already familiar to you, then what recommendations will be useful to you.
- The most important thing in laying an apron with a tile under a brick is to level and prepare the wall well, the second requirement is to make markings and preliminary layouts on the floor;
- Apron can be laid as before installing the headset, and after, but in the first case it will be easier for you to find out where to start and where to finish laying;
- What should be the size of the seams? The thinner the seam, the harder it will be for you to lay out the dies exactly, respectively, the larger it is - the easier it will be to work. A small percentage of the error is inevitable even with high skill, but if the seam is large, then it will be easier to avoid irregularities and they will be less noticeable. The optimum seam thickness is 2-5 mm.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a hog apron with your own hands:
- Leveling the wall by level, filling it, priming it, waiting for the wall to dry completely;
- We measure the distance from the floor to the apron, the height of the apron and the length; we apply the marking on the wall using a level, laser or plumb;
- We fasten a metal profile or a corner along the lower horizontal marking line, which will simplify the alignment and fixation of the lower row of tiles;
- We knead glue strictly according to the instructions using a construction mixer or perforator;
- Now, wearing glasses and a respirator, proceed to cutting the tiles. This can be done with the help of a grinder with a diamond disc( in the photo on the right) or high-quality tile cutter;
- Apply glue to the wall with a notched trowel and start laying, inserting "crosses" between the dies. As soon as the glue dries( in about 24 hours) the cross inserts and the supporting profile can be removed and the grouting can be started;
- The grout is applied and spread with a small rubber trowel and, after drying, the excess fugues are wiped with a sponge;
- If necessary, mount the baseboard on the edges and on top.
For a very detailed instructions with photos and videos on how to install an apron, see the material: We mount the kitchen apron from the tiles ourselves.
How to lay the tile "pig" in the corners?
Facing the outer and inner corners raises questions when laying even ordinary tile, and the volumetric “pig” in this regard is even more difficult.
- To make the corners neat, the tiles need to be cut at a 45 degree angle;
- It is best if, in addition to the rectangular tile, you also buy square tile in the same color and from the same collection;
- It is not always possible to purchase additional square tiles for the decoration of corners, therefore trimming of tiles is often required. In this case, whole, uncut “bricks” are superimposed on the corner, and the sliced ones are inserted inside the row;
- In a pinch, you can use a PVC corner that covers the corner of the tiles.
For more information on styling a hog apron with your hands, see the followingvideo.
Read also:
- How to choose an apron for the kitchen - help for the buyer
- Everything about the kitchen apron made of mosaic and even more
- The correct size of the apron is the secret of a convenient kitchen
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