What are the options for furniture facades in the kitchen
Facades for kitchen cabinets and drawers are a kind of face of the kitchen. It is on the appearance of these products that the first impression of the furniture set as a whole depends. In many products, furniture facades for the kitchen are made of a more expensive material than the frame itself. Thus, the manufacturer achieves an aesthetic appearance of the headset while reducing material costs.
Kinds
The purpose of this element of kitchen furniture is not only to bring joy with its attractive appearance, but also to fulfill a protective function. If the frame of the headset is the partitions between the cabinets, then the requirements are imposed on the sash, including:
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- the presence of shockproof coating that protects against mechanical damage;
- the presence of a smooth surface that is available for frequent cleaning.
In case of possible defects during operation, the facades are recommended to be updated. This is easy to do thanks to the locking mechanism, which is screwed onto the frame using fasteners.
A wide variety of materials for the production of panels, allows you to highlight the following options:
- Chipboard;
- MDF;
- solid wood;
- aluminum profile;
- glass.
Each of these materials must be considered in more detail in order to subsequently make the right choice.
Chipboard
Such products are made from chipboards, a feature of which is gluing from artificial resins. Some manufacturers do not use formaldehyde resins, so the material is considered environmentally friendly and harmless. Laminated chipboard coated with a melamine film is mainly used for kitchen furniture. All ends of the panels are treated with special PVC edge, therefore, protected from moisture.
Externally, such facades lose to MDF products, however, they have their advantages:
- strict forms;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- affordable cost.
In addition to advantages, such facades also have disadvantages:
- due to the fact that the material is specific, there is no possibility of a complete surface treatment. There is a high risk of moisture penetration on the panel;
- in the case of chipboard, it is impossible to manufacture parts of a curved shape. The peculiarity of raw materials does not allow this;
- fastening places of the blizzard may become loose over time due to the loose structure of the plate.
It is best to give preference to chipboard - the material is offered in various colors, among which there is certainly a solution to taste.
MDF
Such boards are made of fine wood chips. The dispersion of such material is much smaller than that of chipboard. Bonding of raw materials occurs due to lingin and paraffin. Many experts agree that facade panels made of MDF are more environmentally friendly than their counterparts from other materials.
Today, manufacturers offer the following types of products:
- film;
- painted;
- framed by plastic;
- veneered.
In order to make a choice, consider each variety of materials separately.
Film
The production technology of such products is designed for the use of expensive equipment: a special vacuum press and a milling machine. The work is performed only by qualified personnel specially trained for this business. In the process of applying PVC, increased accuracy and accuracy are required. Kitchen panels in the film are considered more expensive in cost than products made of chipboard, but still remain available.
A big plus in the use of such shields is the ability to show imagination. The film is available in a rich color palette. The customer can choose a relief, elements of a decor of a surface.
All these factors determine a number of advantages of film facades:
- high resistance to mechanical influences: blows and scratches;
- resistance to moisture and temperature changes;
- simplicity in film care.
Another undoubted advantage of such products is the ability to update the facades. For this, the method of coloring or decorating shields is used. You can carry out the procedure yourself or by contacting a furniture workshop.
Painted
Enamelled material differs significantly from film analogue. If warm colors can be seen in the film, then the painted facade will delight the user with a variety of colors and shades. In any case, there is no way to detect natural gyrus of wood.
The choice of paint for the product is carried out using tinting, which is a huge plus of these options. The customer can independently choose the color in which the facades will be painted. Among the palette is not only monophonic standard colors: manufacturers offer deep shades such as metallic, pearl, mother of pearl. Having chosen these tones, kitchen furniture plays beautifully in the sun, creating a glossy surface.
It is worth highlighting the main advantages of painted panels:
- a variety of shapes and colors;
- the possibility of restoration of products.
The paint is applied in several stages: first, the surface is covered with soil, then with paint. After drying, the material is varnished.
Plastic coated
The production technology of these products makes them expensive. Plastic coated on MDF is the most durable material. In the manufacture of the front parts of the kitchen, a plastic coating is applied by gluing, subsequently processing the edges on the edge-facing machine.
Plastic is available in a wide variety of colors, in addition, there are options that mimic natural coatings: leather, wood, fabric and stone. Popular among users is the application of a photo print on the product.
Furniture facades framed with plastic create a matte and glossy surface. Recently, manufacturers have used acrylic-based material, which gives the headset a striking appearance.
Veneered
Such products are faced with natural veneer: thanks to the material, the facade design becomes similar to the structure of a tree. The main plus is the acceptable cost compared to parts made of wood. MDF slab, of which the facade consists, is covered with a valuable species of wood - veneer. The surface itself is treated with special compounds that give strength and water-repellent properties.
Veneered panels are good for classic interiors, they also have many advantages:
- beautiful appearance;
- affordable cost when the material is similar to natural wood;
- the surface is resistant to water and temperature;
- high resistance to mechanical stress.
You can repair veneered facades with your own hands. For this, the technology of hot or cold gluing with iron is used. Before the procedure, be sure to familiarize yourself with its features. If you believe that there are no necessary skills for the operation, it is better to contact specialists.
Solid wood
These products are used in homes of people who are fond of ancient areas. Made from a solid array, the panels look very respectable and resemble antique elements. They are environmentally friendly, do not emit resins harmful to the body, and remain in fashion for a long time.
Proper maintenance of the shields will contribute to a long service life. Despite the high cost, such products are in demand - they fit perfectly into the cozy classic interiors. As the material becomes obsolete, it is possible to replace the facades of kitchen furniture. For this, restoration of products is carried out, during which the surface is treated with compositions to restore the structure.
Such panels are made of pine, alder, oak and acacia. First, the craftsmen dry the wood, then give it a shape, and also grind and mill on the machines.
From aluminum profile
Metal panels are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Products are strong and durable with proper surface treatment. These kitchen sets are popular with designers planning high-tech interiors.
Facades made of stainless material are heavier than aluminum. In addition, aluminum products are not susceptible to rust, withstand temperature fluctuations and are resistant to moisture.
Inside the metal profile, MDF panels, glass products and chipboard can be placed. The colors of the frame itself can be varied if stained. Most users prefer to choose a natural silver color profile.
Glass
Glass inserts are used on face shields of any material. Sometimes manufacturers offer full glass facades. They have the following characteristics:
- tempered glass or triplex is used for production;
- material variations: color, matte, corrugated and decorative items;
- for an additional light source inside the cabinets add backlight, which can be seen due to the transparency of the material;
- The one-piece glass facade is framed in an aluminum frame.
Glass panels are durable and harmless, however, it is impossible to restore chips, in which case it will be necessary to completely replace the facades.
The nuances of choice
To choose the right facades for a kitchen set, use the following tips:
- decide on the color of the products - most likely, you will have to start from the tone of the wall and floor finishes. Also pay attention to the color of the apron - all three positions should be combined with each other;
- choose the style of panels - these can be headsets with radiused facades, products of strict forms, or decorated elements;
- surface type - it is necessary to decide: we need glossy or matte products. In the first case, a thorough cleaning of the surface is required, the matte options are less whimsical;
- product material - after a detailed study of the information presented in the article, you can safely go to the salon and make the right choice;
- budget - decide on the amount you can spend on the headset. If small funds are allocated, give preference to furniture made of chipboard.
The selection of facades is an individual process and is carried out taking into account all the nuances of the kitchen layout.
Care Rules
A fundamental principle in cleaning facades is the use of non-abrasive detergents. Before you start cleaning, pay attention to such nuances:
- wooden massif products do not like household chemicals: here it is better to limit yourself to warm water and a soft cloth;
- MDF and chipboard panels are cleaned with gels and liquid products that form a small foam;
- to give gloss to glossy and opaque surfaces - apply furniture polish;
- glass facades are cleaned through the use of special profile means;
- do not use formulations containing bleach or solvents;
- Wipe the plane at least 1 time per week, as well as as it gets dirty.
The best way to keep the facades clean is to take regular care of them. Do not forget to wipe the panels in the evening with a cloth slightly moistened with water.
The durability of the furniture set will depend on the proper operation of the items. When choosing, give preference to high-quality, well-established manufacturers and then the result will appreciate its practicality.
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