The kitchen apron is designed to keep the walls in their original cleanliness, it is easy to wash it from grease splashes and water. It is created in several versions, but specifically in this article, we will talk about how to make a do-it-yourself tile apron.
It is necessary that the kitchen apron covers the area of \u200b\u200bthe walls above the working area. This distance is approximately equal to 60 centimeters and is located above the work area from the countertop to the kitchen wall cabinets, slightly going under the countertop. Above the stove, the tiles are laid out to the level of the hood.
The design and dimensions of the apron are planned in advance!
If you have not yet purchased a kitchen set, the calculation is made according to the marks on the wall. Since we know the size of the tile with the area of the apron, it will not be difficult for us to calculate the required number of tiles, having previously drawn up a drawing. It must be remembered that tiles are bought with a margin of 10-15%, since the formation of marriage during the laying process is inevitable. Marriage can be both uneven undercuts and cutouts for sockets.
Tile apron. Peculiarities.
Before starting any business, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the material with which you have to work.
Perhaps many would not have decided to make an apron out of tiles, knowing in advance the features of this material.
If dirt has formed on the apron, the washing process will be long and difficult!
By itself, the tile is easy to clean from grease, if you use special tools for this. But, after laying, seams equal to 1.5-2 millimeters are formed, dirt will somehow get into them, and it will be difficult to remove it from there. It’s impossible to lay the tiles in a different way - the seams will be the invariable attributes of your kitchen, so tune in to the fact that you will have to wash the apron at regular intervals. Therefore, the main recommendation is to use only smooth glossy tiles without relief as an apron, and make the seams small, preferably using 1 mm long crosses. Another disadvantage of a tile apron is the laboriousness of the work, in comparison with other options. The installer must have experience and think in advance how to close the pipes and where to make sockets.
The main advantage of this option is a pleasant cost and long service life. But, taking into account the cost of work and additional materials for preparation, this option is not the most profitable. 
Getting ready for laying.
Let's assume that in order to lay out an apron with tiles, we need two rows of tiles 27 * 40 centimeters, with one row of decor of the same size.
At the initial stage, you may have doubts about where to place the apron, from the level of the countertop or below, the main thing here is not to disturb the tile pattern. Suppose we bought a collection with a horizontal stripe decor. The size of the offset, in this case, will depend on how this strip divides the space of the apron. To improve visual perception, it is better to do the following - divide the space in half, using the law of the golden section (total height * 0.618). Let's agree that the walls were lined with drywall or plaster beforehand. This work must be done without fail, as it is foolish to rely on the fact that glue can save you from crooked walls. Many people mistakenly believe that putting a tile on a thick adhesive will make it sit flat.
However, the glue has one very bad property - it dries out when it hardens. And if the size of your layer turns out to be uneven, when drying, the tile may come off and it may lead. Laying tiles on whitewash is strongly not recommended, before that it must be removed. If the wall is covered with ordinary oil paint, it is not necessary to remove it, just make notches on it (up to 100 pieces per m2). To do this, use a grinder with a disc for concrete or a chisel.
Due to the not small weight of the tile, all old plaster, which is weakly holding, is removed in advance.
After you have marked the bottom row, install the profile. It is necessary to support the tile, otherwise the adhesive will not have time to harden and your tile will slide off. To do this, use a laser or hydro level. Using one of these tools, you will be able to perfectly fix the tile.
Expose the profile clearly according to the level!
We apply glue.
1.To increase adhesion, treat the wall with a deep penetration primer.
3.Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly on the wall.
4. The size of the teeth is selected taking into account the format and weight of the tile, in our case we use an 8 mm comb.
5. Before applying the adhesive to the wall, you will have 20 minutes to correct the result, after the adhesive will begin to harden. In total, in a bucket, it can stand no more than 2 hours.
Watch the thickness of the glue layer, it should not exceed 2-3 mm!
The first tile is laid in the most visible place, while trimming is left at the end.
Using the 2 meter long rule, make sure that the tiles are in the same plane relative to the wall. Preliminarily install a beacon tile on the opposite side of your kitchen for a while, then you will have to determine the deviations of the rest from it.
Laying the first rows and beacon tiles.
1. To check vertical deviations, use a level, preferably a 60 cm long bubble, or a laser, if you have one.
- After pressing the tile, check the thickness of the adhesive, exceeding a layer of more than 3 mm is undesirable.
- After installing the second tile and removing the temporary beacon, clean the wall of adhesive. Align the rest of the tile with respect to the one already installed.
Reminder:
Pay attention to the direction of the pattern when laying the tiles, the manufacturer usually puts arrows on its reverse side, they should be directed in the same direction for all tiles.
- If you bought a cheap domestic tile for an apron, then during its operation, you will encounter irregularities in its geometric dimensions by 99 percent. Deviations will be approximately 1.2 mm. These errors are compensated for by the width of the seams.
- A profile bolted to the wall will give a perfect horizontal line, but if the tiles are uneven, the top line may be crooked. To avoid this, put special plastic wedges under the tiles, allowing you to adjust the level, depending on their immersion.
- When laying the tiles, make sure that it is even, relative to neighboring elements and maintain a common horizontal. If necessary, adjust its size due to the width of the seams and wedges at the bottom.
- The second row lays down in a similar way, but to control the desired indentation between the tiles, use plastic crosses. Purchase them with a thickness of no more than 2 mm per apron, in our case it is worth buying 1.5 mm thick. It is desirable to immerse them completely, only in this case it is easier to get a seam of the required width. With incomplete immersion, the seam becomes smaller, with the help of crosses we correct the evenness of vertical and horizontal seams.
- If necessary, cut the tiles with a manual tile cutter or grinder. If there is no such tool at hand, use any sharp object: a nail, a knife, a drill, and so on.
We make holes for the electrician.
In order to make a hole for the wire, a tile drill is perfect for you. Wall tiles are much softer than floor tiles, so one drill can be used for 15-20 holes.
Holes of greater width are made for sockets, using a diamond-coated crown on a drill. If you have a grinder with a diamond disc on the tile (the disc should be without holes, and the coating should be without notches) and a certain skill, you should be able to make holes with it.
To help the installer, we can offer to buy a new innovative tool - a tile leveling system, which we sell in three varieties:, and. All their parts are made of impact-resistant plastic and about half of them are designed for reusable use, that is, you save money on repeated repairs. This tool speeds up the process of facing work by two to four times, therefore it is especially respected among tilers - professionals who, thanks to this, can do more work and, accordingly, earn more. Laying tiles with it is better for beginners, who are able to get a very professional laying quality as a result. In fact, tile leveling systems create perfectly even seams and surfaces, greatly facilitating the workflow by removing unnecessary manipulations with the level. Structurally, tile leveling systems consist of 2-3 parts. One of them (this can be a stand-base, clamp, base) starts behind the tile and is responsible for the quality of the seam and, as a rule, fixes the second part responsible for creating a flat surface. All parts are of factory quality and do not have even the slightest defect or flaw.
Advantages of leveling systems in comparison with the traditional laying method
After the adhesive solution dries, the tile does not sag or slide down;
Ideally even surface quality, in three planes: horizontal, diagonal, vertical;
Accelerates the process of facing works by two to four times with obtaining a good final quality;
A good opportunity to make a good repair even for a beginner;
The presence of reusable parts - the savings are obvious;
The use of alignment systems avoids:
Injuries that occur as a result of falls in a collision with protruding edges of tiles and tiles laid with drops;
The formation of chipped tiles, due to the mechanical impact of legs, furniture and heavy objects;
Accumulation of dirt in crooked joints between tiles laid at different levels;
And many more.
Do not want such incidents? Apply tile leveling systems and get a decent repair that you wanted!
Sale of hovercraft, DLS, Litolevel - a convenient purchase, good service!
To buy tile leveling system, any presented in our online store, you just need to use the calculator.
Choose in it the alignment system, tile size, indicate the area of \u200b\u200bthe room and place of residence. He will calculate the required amount of goods for you with delivery to the entrance.
After filling out the application, our manager will contact you to clarify the delivery address and the amount of material.
For your convenience, we have implemented a large number of payment methods. Happy renovations and happy shopping!
The apron has long been an indispensable element of kitchen design. Moreover, it not only protects the wall from splashes of water and grease, but also has an aesthetic function. A beautiful, bright, original apron can become a highlight of the interior and decoration of the kitchen, so its design should be treated with full responsibility.
Choosing the shape, size and color of tiles for a kitchen backsplash
The "problem" area in the kitchen - the wall along the sink, stove and desktop - is called the "apron". It is customary to decorate it with easily washable, water-repellent and refractory materials. As a rule, ceramic tiles, glass, natural, artificial stone or budget plastic panels are used for this purpose. However, most housewives prefer to see a tile apron in their kitchen, because it has a lot of advantages: practical, durable, environmentally friendly, and also has a large selection of colors and patterns, so you can bring to life the most daring ideas. In addition, it is easy to put it with your own hands.
An apron is an indispensable element of the interior of a modern kitchen
Today in hardware stores there is a huge variety of wall tiles of various shapes and sizes. For the kitchen, tiles with the marking "A" or "AA" are ideal. It has additional protection against chemicals, has good porosity and is glazed. An important parameter of tile quality is the caliber, which shows how the actual dimensions of the tile correspond to the standard stated on the package. Ideally, the caliber should be equal to 0. A deviation of this indicator by one is acceptable.
Choosing a tile size and shape
If you have never laid a tile before, you should not buy a figured one, it is best to take a medium-sized square or rectangular one, for example, a boar. Unlike ordinary tiles, it has bevelled edges and is shaped like a brick. It is produced in plain color in various color variations. An ideal material for beginners can be a 31.6x31.6 tile with slots for a boar. Even an amateur will easily lay such a tile. However, do not forget that the larger the room, the larger the size of the tile should be and vice versa.
"Boar" is a rectangular tile resembling a brick
How not to make a mistake with the color of the apron
As for the color of the tile, the most win-win option is white, it will suit any kitchen set and wallpaper. With the help of special vinyl stickers, you can easily change its design.
Ordinary white tiles can be transformed with special vinyl stickers
When choosing the tone of the kitchen apron, you must adhere to the following rules:
- the shade of the tile should be in harmony with the color scheme of the room;
- do not dazzle, eyes get tired quickly from bright colors;
- if you choose a tile with a print or pattern, then it must match the size of the room. Giant fruits will look ridiculous on 5 square meters, and a small ornament will be lost in spacious apartments;
- it is best to choose the color of the tile to match the tone of the kitchen set.
For example, red furniture will look great with a black, white or dark gray backsplash.
Red kitchen set goes well with a black apron
A plain bright tile is suitable for a gray headset, and a tile of delicate colors for purple: pink, blue or white.
Purple furniture in the kitchen will look good with soft pink tiles in a thin gray stripe.
White cabinets can be in harmony with an apron of any color or pattern, the main thing is to remember that a cold shade is combined with a cold one, and a warm one with a warm one.
A gray set will refresh a bright blue apron made of hog tiles
We put a kitchen apron with our own hands
Professionals say that even someone who has never done this before can put an apron, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions and maintain the sequence of operations.
Tools and materials you will need to make a ceramic tile backsplash
In order to lay a tile, you will need the following tools and materials:
- a corner and a water level will help beat off the horizontal line and ideally lay out the first row, on which the quality of the entire masonry will depend;
- crosses 1.5 will allow you to adjust the gap between the tiles;
- rubber mallet for shrinking tiles;
- a notched trowel will be needed to apply glue to the wall surface and the back of the tile;
- rubber and metal spatula (for seams and glue);
- a construction mixer for mixing glue or a drill with a nozzle;
- clean rags will come in handy in order to remove excess glue;
- marker, pencil;
- tile cutter or grinder with a nozzle for ceramics;
- the primer will provide reliable adhesion between the tile and the wall;
- grout for joints, can be white or match the color of the tile;
- cement or tile adhesive. As a rule, it is sold in the form of a powder or solution ready for use.
For laying a kitchen apron you will need a set of tools
Decide on the size of the apron
In order to calculate the material consumption for a kitchen apron, you should determine its dimensions. If you are not going to lay out the working wall from floor to ceiling with tiles, then the standard height of the apron will be 55–75 cm. This is the distance from the cabinet to the upper cabinets. Do not forget that the edge of the masonry should be 2 cm below the level of the cabinet. As a rule, in the area of the hood, the height of the tile is somewhat larger - 65 or 75 cm. The size of the kitchen apron horizontally depends on whether you want to veneer only the working wall or grab another part of the neighboring ones, making out the "problem" zone in the form of the letter "p".
According to professionals, 60 cm is considered the ideal height of the apron, since tiles of standard sizes 15, 30 and 60 cm can easily fit into such parameters.
The size of the kitchen apron is calculated depending on the size of the tiles and the height of the cabinets
We calculate the amount of material for the apron
So, having decided on the size of the apron, we calculate how many tiles we need:
- First, we calculate the area of the apron. To do this, multiply its width by its length.
- We measure the length and width of one tile and calculate its area.
- We divide the area of \u200b\u200bthe apron by the area of one tile. The resulting value is the number of tiles that will be needed to make an apron.
- Since ceramic tiles often break during cutting, they should be taken with a margin of 5-20% of the total.
- Apron area: 200 x 60 = 12000.
- Area of one tile: 30 x 30 = 900.
- We divide the area of \u200b\u200bthe apron by the area of \u200b\u200bone tile: 1200/900 \u003d 13.33, round up to 14 and we get that 14 tiles will be needed for an apron plus 2 tiles in reserve.
Preparing the wall surface for laying tiles
In order for the tile to adhere well to the wall, its surface must be flat, without distortions and potholes, therefore, before proceeding with laying, preparatory work should be carried out:
- Concrete walls that have not been previously finished are checked with a measure for blockages horizontally and, if any, we correct errors with gypsum plaster.
Using the water level, check how smooth the wall is
- In inhabited apartments, we clean the surface of old materials:
- In order for the tile to hold firmly, we make frequent notches over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe future apron with the help of a hatchet, filling them - the glue will ensure reliable adhesion of the facing material to the wall.
In order for the tile to hold firmly, notches should be made on the wall.
- We prime the prepared wall surface twice, after waiting for the first layer to dry completely, after 24 hours we proceed to gluing the tiles.
Kitchen apron layout
We will need the markup so that the tile lies perfectly flat on the wall relative to the horizon line and does not “fall over”:
- We mark the lower edge of the apron, usually it is at a height of 70-85 cm from the floor, but still this figure depends on the size of the kitchen cabinets, which should be 2 cm higher than the tile. We beat off the horizontal with the help of a water level and draw a line with a pencil.
Using the level, we mark the horizontal
- We fasten the guide to the wall along the line with self-tapping screws, it will support the first row of the apron, preventing it from moving.
Fasten the guide along the intended line
- Then, using a plumb line, we outline the vertical.
A plumb line can be made independently from a rope and a weight
You can start laying tiles both from the middle of the wall and from the edge. However, if you are going to make a corner apron, then it is better to drive the rows from the corner that is visible from the entrance to the room.
Laying tiles
We proceed to the most important stage of work - laying:
- First, prepare the adhesive solution, exactly following the instructions on the package. If the glue is in powder, add water in small portions and mix it to a homogeneous consistency using a perforator. Let stand for 10-15 minutes and then stir again. Since the glue sets quite quickly, within 20-30 minutes, it is better for a novice master to prepare it in small portions in order to avoid drying out of unused material. Cured adhesive must not be diluted with water.
To make the glue homogeneous, knead it with a perforator
- We apply glue to the wall with a thin spatula, and then smooth it with a notched comb to form grooves. We do the same with the tile and, gently pressing on its entire surface, we press it against the wall. A notched trowel is needed so that the thickness of the adhesive under all the tiles is the same, this will ensure a smooth surface of the backsplash over its entire area.
Using a notched trowel, apply the adhesive in a thick layer to the wall.
- We apply glue to the tiles.
By the way, it is not necessary to apply glue to the wall and tile at the same time, you can coat only one surface.
We coat the tile with a thinner layer
- We glue the tile to the wall, gently pressing it.
We glue the tile, gently pressing it to the wall
- Then we take a rubber mallet and tap the tile so that it settles, and the glue is evenly distributed over its back surface. Thus, periodically checking the vertical, lay out the first row.
We tap the tile with a mallet so that the glue is evenly distributed under it
- Do not forget to put crosses that regulate the distance between the tiles.
The thickness of the cross can vary from 1.5 to 10 mm, so when choosing crosses, you should take into account the thickness and size of the tile
- After completing the laying of the apron, you need to remove the crosses and wipe the tiles and tile gaps with a rag, removing dirt from them. A day after that, you can start grouting.
When the tile is laid, use a clean rag to remove the adhesive that has come through from it before it has time to dry.
- After the apron is laid out and the glue dries, the masonry should be tapped with a rubber mallet for voids. If under one of the tiles the knock turns out to be deaf, it should be removed and re-glued.
If somewhere the tile lay unevenly, it can be removed without waiting for the glue to dry, and after updating the solution, glue it again. Usually, having laid out the bottom row, work is stopped for 24 hours, allowing the tile to grab well. Try not to get the glue on the front side of the tile, if this does happen, it should be removed immediately with a clean rag, otherwise the product will dry out and it will be very problematic to remove it.
The final stage of laying a kitchen apron is grouting:
- Grouting of tile joints is done with a rubber spatula with a special dry mixture, which is diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream. The color of the grout should be a tone darker or lighter than the tile.
The color of the grout should be chosen depending on the color of the tile.
- To ensure that the grout fits well, the gaps between the tiles are cleaned of adhesive residue with a spatula and wiped with a damp cloth.
Cleaning of tile joints is carried out with a spatula or breadboard knife
- The prepared seams are filled with grout, removing its excess with a rubber spatula. If this is not done within half an hour, the solution will harden and it will be difficult to scrape it off.
Fresh grout residue can be easily removed even with a dry cloth.
Methods for laying tiles on a kitchen apron
The same tile can look different if you use different types of masonry:
- "seam to seam" - the classic way of laying tiles, with which one tile is placed strictly above the other, forming even vertical and horizontal rows;
Modular - a rather complex type of masonry, accessible to experienced craftsmen
Video: how to lay out a tile apron in the kitchen
These tips will help novice finishers avoid mistakes when laying tiles:
- so that water does not flow behind the cabinets and mold does not appear, the gap between the apron and furniture should be sealed with sealant or closed with a corner;
- for beginners, it is best to take medium-sized tiles, for example, 20x20 or 15x15 cm. There will be few seams between the tiles and laying it will take a little time;
- crosses can be removed no earlier than 3-4 hours after installing the tile;
- choose a notched trowel should be based on the size of the tile, the larger it is, the wider the teeth;
- to carefully dismantle the tile, you need to drill 10–20 holes in it starting from the center, and then chop it into pieces;
- each subsequent row of the apron is laid out only after the previous one has completely dried;
- to find out how many crosses you need to lay the apron, multiply the number of tiles by 4 or 8, depending on the size of the tile.
Despite the seeming simplicity, laying an apron is a very painstaking work, the quality and appearance of the kitchen depends on the accuracy of which depends on the quality and appearance of the kitchen. However, if you follow the instructions relentlessly, you will get a decent result.
You can correctly lay out an apron from the tiles in the kitchen, if you wish, with your own hands. For laying, it is important to make certain calculations and prepare the surface of the walls.
Master finishers and professional designers know that laying an apron in the kitchen should not be understood at all as a colorful apron with strings. But for those who first of all imagined this particular masterpiece of sartorial art, it will be useful to read our article. After all, a kitchen apron that completely changes the look of the kitchen can be laid out by yourself, with your own hands, if you understand the nuances of work and do everything right.
Why do you need a kitchen apron?
An apron is a particularly resistant wall covering directly above the working area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen - a sink, between the stove and the hood. It performs the functions of a decorative finish, which is not afraid of water, high temperatures, or complex pollution.
The apron will have to be regularly cleaned from stains of fruit and vegetable juices, grease, and soot. Therefore, the material for it is needed resistant to abrasion and, preferably, with a smooth and non-absorbent surface.
Glazed ceramic tiles are ideal for these tasks. To create the desired effect, you can choose the same squares or rectangular "bricks", or you can dilute the picture with painted inserts from the same material. The main thing is to choose the size of the tile so that it can be laid out without a large number of scraps.
Preparation for work
Preparation should begin from the wall on which the apron is to be laid out. To do this, you need to remove all the old finish from it, carefully clean it from dirt and flaking pieces. After that, you can ditch the wall for communications.
Ceramics is a very heavy finishing material, therefore, for better adhesion of the adhesive solution to the surface, notches will need to be made on the wall. They are applied about 200 pcs/sq. m crosswise with a sharp metal tool.
Additional support for the tile so that it does not slide along a vertical wall will be provided by a rail stuffed at the bottom or a metal guide profile. Upon completion of work, it can be dismantled.
The prepared wall is covered with a deep penetration primer and left for a couple of hours. While the soil dries, there is time to start preparing the solution. If you do not want to mess with cement, you can buy tile adhesive. It is prepared according to the instructions on the package.
The next step is marking the wall along which you will need to lay tiles. If the dimensions of the kitchen furniture are already known, then the boundaries of the apron can be easily determined by the location of the cabinets and wall cabinets. But to make sure everything is done, you can lay the tiles a little wider, hiding 5-10 cm of masonry behind the countertop. The parallelism of the lines is checked with a carpenter's level.
Working with tiles
- Laying starts from the corner of the room, and the first tile of the bottom row is set strictly according to the markup with an emphasis on the rail. To do this, a properly prepared mortar with a notched trowel is applied in a thick layer on the back of the tile and on the place of the wall to which it will be glued. The tile is pressed with little effort so that the adhesive is evenly distributed between the two surfaces.
- When the turn of the second tile comes, you will need special cross inserts. They must be installed in pairs in each seam between two tile plates. Then the gaps will turn out to be the same in width, and the rows of finishing will not collapse and will not spread.
It is necessary to control the level not only the horizontality of the finishing rows, but also the preservation of the vertical plane of the wall. Since the adhesive layer is quite thick, each tile will have to be checked.
- So, row by row, and you need to put the apron on the wall, checking its horizontal level. Tiles already glued to the wall must be cleaned from time to time from traces of glue until it has hardened. At the end of the work, the vertical masonry will need time to solidify - about 24 hours.
- Grout. When the finish sets well, all crosses are removed from the tile joints, and the gaps themselves are moistened with water and densely filled with the prepared paste. For the convenience of applying the grout, it is better to use a rubber spatula, which is convenient to press the mixture into the seam and immediately remove the excess. A still fresh composition from the front surface of the tile can be removed within half an hour with a damp sponge.
The requirements for grouting are no less stringent than for the material of the kitchen apron itself. So that over time it does not cause peeling of the finish or spoil the appearance of the kitchen with stubborn stains, you will need a special moisture-resistant compound.
- The final touch is tile cleaning. The surface of the ceramic apron can be washed within a couple of hours after grouting. All dirt is removed with a hard sponge, and then the tile is wiped with a soft cloth. The last gloss is applied with a piece of flannel fabric.
If you have close to zero experience with tiles, or if you have very little time to repair, you should choose large format tiles, although they are more expensive. It will be easier for a beginner to deal with it, and the laying time will be noticeably reduced. But if everything is in order with the skills, you can choose a lining with a side of 10 cm - it looks best on the kitchen wall.
When calculating the right amount of tiles, you need to rely on measurements of the walls for cladding. But the final result will have to be increased by another 10% - that's how much it will take to trim and a possible battle.
The instructions for tiles usually indicate which adhesives or solutions are suitable for working with it. A fine-grained cement-sand mortar is considered a universal option, but it is important to prepare it correctly, otherwise, over time, the heavy tile will begin to come off the wall.
For the mixture you will need cement (1 part) and sand (4 parts). The sand needs to be clean and very fine so that the mortar holds the tiles well. First, the dry components are thoroughly mixed, and water is added to them in small portions. As a result, the mixture should be homogeneous and quite viscous.
How to remove old finish?
In most old houses, perhaps for the sake of economy, or perhaps because of the catastrophic curvature of the walls, it is not uncommon to see a “multi-layered” finish of paper wallpaper, 2-3 types of paint and putty over cracked plaster. It’s hard to deal with this, but you can’t lay tiles on such a wall. Therefore, we arm ourselves with methods for removing the old finish:
Wallpaper
Make deep cuts with a sharp knife over the entire surface pasted over with wallpaper. Prepare a warm solution of washing powder and apply it to the walls with a roller. When the wallpaper is soaked, it can simply be scraped off with a spatula, and the remaining scraps can be wiped off with a wet metal washcloth.
Dye
It is heated with a building hair dryer, after which it is easy to scrape it off the wall surface with a wide metal spatula or scraper. Alternatively, special washes are suitable - they can be found in almost any hardware store. If the paint is holding well enough, it can not be completely removed under the tile. It will be enough to remove what itself disappears and make notches.
Plaster
A strong cement plaster can be left on if it adheres well to the wall and does not require particularly difficult repairs. But it is better to remove the soft lime coating completely, as it may simply not withstand the weight of the ceramic cladding and peel off along with it. For this, a metal scraper is used, with which the plaster layer is torn off almost to the base.
How to cut tiles?
A rare case when it is not necessary to cut the tile at all. In most cases, it is still necessary to make additional elements, since without them the masonry simply will not look. If you need to cut a large number of tiles, it would be better to get a special tile cutter. But it makes no sense to buy a special tool for a kitchen apron, so another way is needed - just as fast, but simpler.
A modern kitchen is distinguished by both a high level of comfort and a large number of necessary devices, thoughtful design. One of its touches is an apron, for the manufacture of which various materials are used, but tile is most in demand. How to lay out an apron from tiles in the kitchen? Is it possible to do such work with your own hands, without asking anyone for help? You will receive answers to these questions by reading the article.
An apron is a work wall closed with decorative materials, located between the countertop and cabinets.
What is the advantage of tiles
Despite the fact that there are many materials on the market now, many of which are designed specifically for this purpose, many people prefer to use tiles. This is due to its excellent qualities, including:
- Excellent appearance.
- High temperature resistant.
- It is a good protection of the walls from dirt and splashes.
- It is possible to choose the material of the desired size for non-standard sizes.
- You can make an apron in the kitchen on your own.
What you need to know about tiles
Such finishing work must be approached responsibly, realizing that with the wrong actions, an apron laid out of tiles will not turn out to be attractive.
Colors
It is quite clear that you want to make not only a finish that protects the wall from fat. It must be something original. In pursuit of this goal, some people get very bright or unusually contrasting tiles. Here, as they say, "there is no comrade for the taste and color", and we will not insist on our proposals. I just want to note that such a choice, subsequently, does not bring satisfaction and joy. It is better to give preference to discreet, soft tones.
If you want to make a contrasting apron, then it should be in harmony with the style of the kitchen.
The size
The size of the purchased tile does not play a big role, but it is easier to work with large-sized products. If something unusual is not planned, such as a mosaic or a pattern, then it is most practical to purchase a facing material that has dimensions of 20 × 30 cm. You also need to take into account the height of the apron. If, for example, it is 45 cm high, then it is better to purchase a 15 × 15 cm (or 15 × 20 cm) tile.
Whatever size you choose, it's important to make sure it's all the same size, symmetrical, and not skewed.
Surface
For the manufacture of an apron, it is best to use tiles with a smooth surface, since they need to be washed regularly to maintain the original appearance of the coating. Products with a relief surface will be much more difficult to clean.
How many tiles do you need
It is important to take into account the working area between the stove and the hood. Most often, the tile has to be cut, and some may crack. In order not to be distracted from work, you need to have a small margin - about 10% of the total amount of material.
Tools and consumables
To work, you need a tool:
- comb;
- rubber spatula (for grouting);
- building level;
- roulette;
- tile cutter (or grinder with a special disc);
- mixer (electric drill or perforator with a nozzle);
- SD profile (along the length of the apron).
In addition to tiles, you also need to purchase:
- remote crosses (the most popular 2–3 mm);
- grout for joints (waterproof);
- tile adhesive (6–7 kg per 1 m 2);
- primer for walls and for grouting.
Surface preparation
In order for the tile to be laid evenly and not fall off, you need to prepare the basis for laying it - the wall.
- Any lining must be removed. In this case, it would be good if the work can be done with ease.
- It is necessary to check how smooth the wall is, and, if necessary, align it.
- If there is a reliable coating, a lot of notches are applied (with an ax or a chisel), the presence of which will ensure good adhesion to the tile.
- If the plaster crumbles, then it must be removed to a solid base and re-plastered. Now there are many impregnations on sale, with which you can strengthen the existing coating without removing it. The situation must be assessed on the spot.
- In the event that the sockets are located on the working wall, you need to lay the wiring in advance in the prepared strobe and install the sockets, taking into account that the tiles will be laid. The wiring must be fixed in the gate with alabaster and brought to the same level with the wall.
- Measure the height of the countertop and make a mark 2 cm below.
- Checking the horizontal level, draw a line along the entire length of the apron. A more accurate result will be obtained using laser technology.
- Under the line, fix the profile on the wall and check the horizontal position of its position.
- Mark the wall, taking into account the position of the stove and hood.
- In the place where the apron will be organized, the wall should be opened with a primer and after a couple of hours you can start laying.
A quite reasonable question arises - how to lay out the tiles so that it turns out beautifully? This will be discussed further.
It is more correct to start laying from a visible corner, but if this causes a significant displacement of the apron relative to the hood, then you can start from this part, moving towards the corner. In this case, something will have to be sacrificed.
If there is no experience in masonry, then it is necessary to dilute a certain amount of glue in a small amount of water. The mixture is prepared by adding dry mass to water with constant stirring with a mixer. It should turn out not very thick, but also a non-spreading mass, which must be allowed to brew for at least 10 minutes.
Many masters apply glue to the wall, stretching it with a notched trowel, and then apply the tile on top and level it. This method is not very good, since a very small area of \u200b\u200bcontact is obtained, and the tile may fall off. If you first putty the tiles and the wall with an adhesive, and then apply the same composition with a notched trowel, then it will be possible to tear off the decorative coating only together with the plaster.
To make the tile shine, it must be rubbed with a dry flannel. Now you can install furniture, hang cabinets and enjoy not only food, but also a pleasant environment.
Video
After watching this video, you will understand even better how you can evenly and beautifully lay out an apron from tiles in the kitchen:
A photo
You can and should experiment with a kitchen apron. It can be the main decoration of the room, and be consistent with other elements, and, conversely, become a necessary background for the headset. A ceramic tile is a reliable, durable and easily replaceable part of the space.
The role of the kitchen apron
The work surface and the walls next to it are exposed to water, grease, steam during cooking. All this can quickly spoil the appearance of the screen and its internal structure. Therefore, take care of proper surface protection.
For the manufacture of an apron, plastic, countertops, artificial stone, glass are used. These materials, of course, are good in their own way, but they also have obvious drawbacks. Fat eats into plastic and can melt, the countertop panel takes up a lot of space, stone is expensive and quite heavy, glass requires constant care and can break.
A tile apron is able to protect the wall and is much easier to care for.
Ceramics will become a practical and durable cladding
Advantages and disadvantages
Strengths:
- strength;
- reliable protection;
- wear resistance;
- not afraid of water, high temperature, steam;
- environmental friendliness;
- fire safety - does not burn and can contain fire;
- decorative;
- goes well with other elements of the interior and cladding;
- variety of solutions, uniqueness;
- the prospect of doing everything with your own hands;
- wide price range;
- simple care;
- surface repair (you can carefully replace the broken tile with a new one).
The apron is shifted without touching the rest of the finish
Disadvantages:
- point impacts are dangerous for tiles, as they lead to cracks and chips;
- on the glossy surface there are scratches from abrasives during rough cleaning;
- dirt, grease and microbes can accumulate in the seams, a fungus can develop;
- splashes are visible on polished tiles, and dirt accumulates on rough tiles that are difficult to clean.
Material selection
Before you independently make an apron in the kitchen from tiles, you need to take care of selecting the optimally suitable material.
Parameters that you should definitely pay attention to:
- Specifications. The tile should provide reliable protection against pollution, but it does not have a large mechanical load, so it is not necessary to choose an expensive super-durable tile. But impact resistance will certainly be a huge plus, because it can be accidentally damaged by dishes during cooking.
- Material type. Namely, a specific type of tile: tiles, mosaics, clinker, etc. At the same time, care and cleaning features are important factors.
- Colour. Visual perception of the surface. It is necessary to select a tile in such a way that it is organically combined with all the details of the interior, from the headset and wall cladding, floor and ending with small decorations.
- surface type. Here you can choose what you need: aesthetics, practicality or all together. Glossy tile looks modern, but requires constant careful care. Matte finishes hide dirt, but are harder to clean. Textured corrugated tiles look stylish, but it is worth considering that with frequent cooking, it will be covered with a layer of stubborn fat.
- The size. Depending on the dimensions of the elements, you can both expand the space, move the wall away, and vice versa, focus on the lack of space. The smaller the kitchen, the smaller the finishing details should be.
Design Options
Let's look at the color options first. The classic of the genre is the universal white tile.
Usually, a kitchen apron is selected, focusing on the countertop, facades or the opposite wall.
If monophonic performance seems boring to you, add bright accents. The combination of several colors looks original, it turns out a kind of rainbow. On a neutral background, make a contrasting insert or add decorative elements. If you want to decorate the wall with a picture, pick up a tile with a pattern or make a photo print with an image you like.
As for the layout methods, it is worth focusing on the size of the wall. If the area allows, you can limit yourself to the standard option.
Fashion trends have also affected the design of the kitchen - a modern interpretation of the design of the workspace
To increase the space, use the following approaches:
- stacking rectangular fragments horizontally;
- vertical arrangement to expand the apron in height;
- diagonal layout.
Glue small rectangles according to the principle of a brick wall. An apron looks unusual and stylish, consisting of fragments of different sizes and colors, arranged in a certain order, due to which an interesting pattern or ornament is formed.
Surface preparation
Laying tiles on an apron is a complex of planning, selection of materials, tools and surfaces. After you have purchased everything you need, proceed to prepare the wall.
Please note that according to the rules, the entire process is carried out before the furniture is installed.
First of all, remove the old lining. After that, do all the rough work: replace the wiring, remove sockets and switches, if necessary. Next, start leveling the surface. The wall is primed and plastered. If the irregularities are significant, in addition to the starting and finishing putty, moisture-resistant drywall is used. Corners are formed using metal corners and mesh.
Cladding requires surface preparation and treatment
Next, start marking the apron. First, the lower limit is determined, its position depends on the height of the countertop, but 70 cm from the floor is considered the standard. The top line is drawn 70 cm above the first mark. At the location of the hob and hood, measure approximately 80 cm up and add 5 cm on the sides. All lines must be level. Before tiling, the wall must be additionally treated with antiseptic impregnation and primed.
Installation instructions
How to properly lay tiles in the kitchen to get a neat, even apron:
- Start the installation from the bottom corner, which is most striking.
- Measure the approximate position of the control tiles and make appropriate marks.
- Prepare glue or cement mortar. It must be applied to the wall, leveling with a layer of approximately 8-12 mm using a notched trowel. Do not use a lot of the mixture at once, as it quickly hardens.
- Start laying tiles according to the chosen scheme. The gaps between the elements should be 2-4 mm. To make them the same over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe apron, use cross clamps.
- First, whole fragments fit. Keep track of the level.
- Tap the tile with a rubber mallet to seal the clutch.
The device of a tile apron is made according to traditional technology
finishing touches
Take care of the quality of the seams. For their processing, alabaster or special grouts are used. The universal option is white, but you can also find a putty with a matching color scheme.
Epoxy compounds are the perfect protection.
After you have glued the tiles, rinse off the remaining solution. Next, using a rubber spatula, gently apply the mastic to the seams. To protect against moisture, treat them with a special repellent liquid.
After the grout is completely dry, arm yourself with a sponge and carefully remove the remaining putty and other contaminants. If the surface is glossy it will not be difficult. And seal the rough tiles with masking tape along the contours of the seams at the stage of applying the mixture.
In order for a tile kitchen apron to serve for more than one year, you need to take good care of it throughout its entire service life.
- Wipe the tile after each cooking on the stove until the grease has hardened and eaten.
- For care, use gel detergents and sprays.
- It is not recommended to wash the glossy surface with a brush, only with a sponge and a soft cloth.
- Periodically clean the seams and renew the grout layer. Additionally, you can re-treat with an antiseptic.
- Try not to touch the apron with sharp hard objects so as not to damage its surface.