Materials for kitchen fronts: photos, pros and cons

The modern level of comfort presupposes the presence of rational furniture in the kitchen, arranged according to the laws of ergonomics, and it is very important which materials for kitchen facades are used in its manufacture.

Incorrectly chosen material can spoil the most beautiful and thoughtful interior, and make the work in the kitchen not comfortable. Choosing the appearance of the future kitchen, you should pay close attention to the material from which the facades of the kitchen unit are made, and choose the one that suits you the most.

Characteristics of basic materials for kitchen fronts

In order not to be mistaken with the choice, it is necessary to have a good idea of what materials the facades are made of, what are their pros and cons. First you need to understand the technology of production of kitchen facades made of composite materials - the most common in the sale.

The basis of the facade, as a rule, is made of particle board (chipboard) or MDF (fiberboard). Then on this basis put the covering which is carrying out protective and decorative functions. Sometimes the base is made of plywood or even wood, but such kitchen fronts are much more expensive. The role of decorative coating is usually performed by plastic, but it is also possible to use wood veneer and other materials.

The choice of material for the kitchen is due to quite harsh operating conditions: high temperatures, high humidity, the content of particles of soot and fat in the air, the possibility of ingress of aggressive liquids - all this imposes certain requirements if you want the set to serve you for a long time.

MDF boards are by far the most in demand as a material for the basis of kitchen fronts, since MDF has a dense structure, similar to the structure of wood, which allows to mold any patterns. The properties of kitchen fronts depend, in the case of using composite materials for their production, on the characteristics of the coating, and on wooden properties, on the properties of the wood species.

Considering which facades to choose for the kitchen, it is necessary to pay attention not only to their decorative qualities and price, but also to the characteristics of the materials from which they are made. The more resistant these materials are to aggressive environments, high temperatures and high humidity - the longer the kitchen suite will last without changing its appearance.

Overview of the main materials for the kitchen

Laminated facades

The procedure for coating MDF (or particleboard) panels with melamine film is called lamination. Such a film is a paper that is impregnated with resins and varnished. This is the most economical option that does not look very attractive and does not last long. Sometimes, cases for kitchen furniture are also made from such panels.

Pros:

Low price;
Availability of various forms of facades while maintaining low prices for them.

Minuses:

Unattractive view of the headset;
Low resistance to aggressive substances;
Rapid loss of appearance;
The possibility of manufacturing only direct facades.

MDF facades for kitchen with enamel coating

These facades are made of medium density fiberboard panels, which makes it possible to give them any shape. From above they are painted according to the technology adopted in the automotive industry: to begin with, the surface of the panel is primed, then coated with paint in several layers, after which a lacquer coating is applied. Each applied layer is subjected to grinding, and the resulting coating is highly resistant to external influences and an attractive appearance.

Pros:

Use of various flowers and color combinations is possible;
The texture of the kitchen facade can be varied: matte, glossy, mother of pearl, pearl, "metallic";
Facades do not require complex care, it is enough to wash them with water and a mild detergent;
The material is resistant to external influences, long retains the original appearance;
Facades of any shape can be made - rounded, wavy.

Minuses:

A rather high manufacturing cost, as a result - a high final cost of the headset;
The glossy surface is sensitive to fatty contamination, and even fingerprints;
Paint can fade in the sun and under the action of ultraviolet radiation;
Poorly tolerated by mechanical effects, the appearance of chipping.

MDF facades for kitchen with PVC coating

In the manufacture of these kitchen facades are used all the advantages of MDF base, while the polymer film is used as a covering layer instead of expensive staining, which is much simpler and cheaper. The film may have a matte or glossy surface. The picture applied to the film can be made by anyone, for example, to imitate wood, stone, marble, ceramic tile, granite surface. The color of the film can also be any.

Pros:

A large number of options for drawings and colors of facades;
Budget cost;
High resistance to aggressive environments and abrasion;
Equal cost of both standard and non-standard kitchen elements.

Minuses:

When imitating the texture of natural materials, it is impossible to achieve an acceptable visual effect, the results obtained are very different from the original;
The coating of the film does not tolerate elevated temperatures, possibly detachment from the base;
The drawing applied on a film is subject to burning out on the sun.

Materials for facades of kitchen from plastic

HPL - paper laminate is also used as a coating for MDF panels. This unique material is made by special technology. The paper is impregnated with specially designed resinous compounds, folded and pressed at high temperature and elevated pressure. The result is a very high-quality and beautiful material for the kitchen.

This material is glued to the base plate of MDF or particleboard. In this case, the processing of the ends, as a rule, is carried out using the postforming method: the two sides of the plastic are folded over the ends, and the remaining two are pasted over with a special edge. There are also alternative methods of processing edges, for example, all ends can be closed with an edge of acrylic, edging made of aluminum, ABS or PVC. Edge may not differ from the color of the facade, and may be contrasted.

Pros:

Good resistance to mechanical stress, high humidity, aggressive substances;
Facades are not subject to fading under the influence of sunlight;
Long headset life without loss of appearance;
It is possible to make facades of any complex shapes.

Minuses:

The glossy surface is easily contaminated, fingerprints can remain on it;
The interior of the facade is white;
The matte surface is difficult to clean, it is difficult to remove dirt from it;
Possible appearance of geometric defects.

Frame facades based on MDF profile

The most popular combined facades - in the frame, made of MDF, insert another material, for example, rattan mats, glass, plastic. At the same time, the frame itself is covered with PVC film or covered with veneer (a more expensive option).

Pros:

Smaller weight compared to standard kitchen fronts, respectively - a longer service life of mechanical furniture components;
A variety of materials for inserts allows designers to create original, expressive kitchen projects that fit the various styles of interior design;
Custom sizes do not increase the cost of furniture;
Low price.

Minuses:

Low resistance to wear, high humidity;
The coating may peel off during operation;
Quite complex in the daily care;
The frame attachment may be weak.

Kitchen fronts with aluminum frames

Modern interior design styles dictate the choice of new, modern materials that should be considered when deciding how to choose facades for the kitchen. In particular, for high-tech style, facades consisting of frames assembled from aluminum are perfectly suited. Panels made of rattan, MDF, plastic or glass are inserted into these frames. It looks original, and in the case of using glass inserts, it also "facilitates" the furniture set, giving it lightness.

Pros:

The metal base increases the strength and durability of facades;
The combination of various materials opens wide decorative possibilities;
The price for standard and non-standard facades is no different;
Increased resistance to moisture and mechanical stress.

Minuses:

The need to use special fastening systems;
Low resistance to abrasive and chemically aggressive substances;
Metal fades over time and loses appearance;
Pretty great price.

Kitchen facades from a tree

When choosing a material for the kitchen, it is necessary to keep in mind that natural materials look solid and elegant, but they are also expensive. Wood as the most traditional material for the manufacture of any furniture, including kitchen furniture, will certainly bring warmth to the interior and create home comfort, but this kitchen is appropriate over a large area.

Wooden kitchen facades are of two types: completely made of wood, and paneled - a panel made of another material is inserted into the wooden frame, for example, MDF, chipboard, glass. Facades with a panel are a more budget option, and if the panel is veneered, it’s impossible to tell by eye from a completely wooden structure.