Materials for kitchen fronts

The choice of high-quality kitchen set must necessarily include the study of information about the materials used to assemble the furniture. Of particular importance in this case are kitchen facades: their characteristics, production conditions and features of care. Below we have considered the classic versions of materials, and modern raw materials used for the manufacture of cabinet doors, cabinets and drawers. All of them differ in operational characteristics, and also external submission. The description of manufacturing techniques for different facades, the rules for caring for them and variations of the decorative presentation will help you quickly and simply choose the best option and be confident in its high quality, long service life and original appearance.

Basic requirements for kitchen fronts

Selection of the optimal material of the kitchen facade should be made taking into account many criteria:

1. Resistance to moisture and steam (especially for cabinets located near the hob).
2. Wear resistance (to a greater extent refers to the upper layer of the door, which will be cleaned of dirt).
3. The strength of the base (reliable web over time should not be deformed, otherwise it will be impossible to guarantee a tight junction of the valves, in addition, increased strength will eliminate the problem of pulling out the hinges from the door after prolonged use).
4. Ease of maintenance (provides ease of cleaning the facade from dust, grease and other types of pollution).
5. Durability (depends on the performance and characteristics of the material of the canvas).

Forms and types of facades

According to the forms of kitchen facades are divided into the following categories:

• straight lines: they are a smooth canvas;
• corner: located in the corner sets at the joints of the L-shaped cabinets and pedestals, inside are equipped with auxiliary loops;
• radius: concave or convex facades installed for non-standard styling, require professional sizing to avoid problems with the operation of the model and reducing its service life.

According to the peculiarities of the filing and internal filling of the canvas, these types of facades are distinguished:

• solid: do not have decorative additions, are made of solid solid wood or wood board;
• frame and panel: additionally include a protruding frame around the perimeter, in the center can be placed a regular canvas of wood, MDF or glass;
• louvre and lattice: include frame and custom canvas, consisting of blinds or grilles.

Facade materials - advantages and disadvantages

For the production of kitchen facades used a variety of materials: natural wood, MDF, chipboard, glass. From the characteristics of the manufacture of such elements directly affects their service life and ease of maintenance. Also in the selection of facades do not forget about the characteristics of the base material. The higher its durability, the longer it will retain the original look and appeal. Veneer, enamel, various films and plastic are used as auxiliary materials for finishing the canvas. Such coatings for the most part are highly resistant to wear and mechanical damage. Also an important difference between used facades is their price category. Even short-lived materials with specialized coating or processing can be quite expensive. Having studied the description of each type of facade, you will be able to evaluate different types of materials and choose the best.

Facades from a natural tree

Wooden facades are manufactured using sophisticated technology using special equipment. Initially, an array is selected according to its quality, class. Then the drying of the tree is carried out, allowing to exclude its deformation during natural drying in the future. Harvested wood is sawn according to the desired parameters. In the manufacture of frame models, protruding decorative elements are cut out separately (the frame itself consisting of side parts and a pair of cross-beams). The main elements are pasted over with frame elements. To protect the treatment is antiseptic. If necessary, painting is carried out, and then finishing - coating with varnish, oil or wax. The advantage of wooden facades is the maximum service life, good resistance to adverse effects, increased strength and durability. For care, gentle household chemicals are used (not abrasive!). Also periodically recommended treatment with wax polish.

Veneered facades

For the manufacture of veneered facades as the basis used MDF or chipboard. The canvas is covered with a thin layer of wood (veneer) by gluing. After drying, the sides of the web are glued with a special edge (if the veneer itself was not glued on all sides). Additionally, the facade is varnished. Thanks to the use of thin wood materials, the finished product is very similar to counterparts from natural wood. But at the same time its value is available to many buyers. The only drawback can be considered the multi-layered nature of such a facade, which does not guarantee its long service life and appearance preservation. Therefore, ordering veneered facades is necessary only from trusted manufacturers: who comply with the entire production technology.

Glass facades

Furniture facades of glass are divided into two types: frame and frameless. The first are framed with an aluminum frame or enclosed in a frame made of wood, MDF. They are most popular due to the reliable protection of the entire perimeter of the canvas. The latter are completely glass cloth. They require special edge processing, which eliminates the risk of injury when in contact with the sidewalls, upper or lower part. By production such types of glasses are used:

• laminated: “assembled” from two or more layers by their combination when exposed to high temperatures, has increased strength, is additionally framed;
• hardened: produced under the influence of high temperatures, suitable for all types of facades, when broken it shatters into non-sharp fragments;
• Float glass (normal): produced from glass mass under the influence of high temperatures, has minimal impact resistance, is more often used for frame facades (with dividers between or without glass pieces).

Facades of MDF with enamel coating

Glossy enamel facades look favorably in any kitchen. Saturated color coatings in the amount of its attractive flow ensure the harmony of the interior. True, the production technology of such products is multistage and requires a professional approach. To make a high-quality facade with enamel, manufacturers carry out the following operations:

1. Prepare the base (MDF canvas) for painting by priming.
2. The enamel paint is applied in several layers. Mandatory aerosol spraying is carried out on special equipment. Each layer is completely dried.
3. An additional protective coating is applied (usually a varnish).

The advantage of enamel products is a long service life, the brightness of the color throughout the life of the product.

The formulations used are odorless. The disadvantages include the complexity of care: prints and dirt are clearly visible on the glossy surface. For the care, only soft sponges and gel household chemicals are used.

PVC coated facades

Covering MDF with PVC film ensures its additional protection against moisture and mechanical damage. The production technology of such elements includes the following steps:

1. Cutting plates according to specified parameters. Edging, milling patterns as needed.
2. Grinding and cleaning cloth.
3. Applying hot melt adhesive in several layers, drying the product.
4. Gluing PVC film using a thermal vacuum press.
5. Remove excess film.

Due to such production, the film is guaranteed to fit snugly to the base (regardless of the presence of filigree elements). The film itself will not peel off from the base when exposed to steam or high temperatures. For cleaning the finished facade is used sparing household chemicals. If necessary, update the facade (taking into account the integrity of the base) can be carried out using a new film. This ensures cost-effective recovery of products.

Facades of MDF and plastic finishing - postforming

MDF facades can have not only a film or enamel coating, but also be protected by plastic. Manufacturing technology is short, but it allows you to achieve high-quality protection of the base, to give it an original look. Work is carried out in three stages:

1. Application on MDF Kraft paper to increase adhesion between the base and plastic.
2. The connection of the plastic layer with the prepared base.
3. Applying a protective layer of melamine and acrylic resins.

The advantages of products include ease of care and the admissibility of surface cleaning with small abrasive compounds. A serious disadvantage is the high cost.

Postforming facades can be monophonic or be supplemented with patterns. Such models are optimally suited for non-standard styling of the kitchen.

Facades laminated

In the manufacture of furniture facades are often used laminated MDF and particleboard (LDSP). Production of materials is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Primer application and plate drying.
2. Drawing from 1 to 3 layers of special paper impregnated with resins to improve the adhesion of the base with the film. The procedure for joining MDF or particleboard with paper is carried out by pressing at high temperatures.
3. The application of thick transparent paper: in the process of heating and pressing it becomes a reliable film.

Thanks to this production technology, laminated facades are highly resistant to mechanical damage, burnout, and moisture. For their cleaning allowed the use of small-scale abrasive chemistry. Over time, the applied film will not flake off, which makes them durable. By cons include high cost.

Facades with acrylic coating

Facades with acrylic coating can be attributed to a variety of plastic products. The process of their production is quite similar: as a base, MDF or particle board is used, a thin sheet of acrylic is glued to it and the workpiece is pressed onto it. Additionally, the sidewalls are glued with acrylic edge. Due to the considerable thickness of the decorative layer, the finished facades look quite thick. At the same time drawing can be both unilateral, and bilateral. The second option allows you to get a facade that has the same design with the front and rear sides. Beautiful acrylic facades have a rich color and shine brightly in natural and artificial light. Another advantage of products is resistance to moisture, fading in the sun. The disadvantages include the need for constant care with gentle gel chemistry: any contamination can be clearly seen on glossy surfaces.

Frame facades based on MDF profile

At production of frame facades two main parts of a product are used: a frame and an internal cloth. If the frame itself is the upper and lower crossmembers and 2 sidewalls, then the filling can be made in different design variations. For example, in a frame glass, a cloth from MDF, a lattice, blinds can be established. In the process of manufacturing, a recess (groove) is sawed inside the profile, where the web will be installed. Frame components are fastened together with special brackets. The angle between the individual elements of the frame is 45 degrees. The advantage of this type of facade is the attractiveness, the ability to implement custom designs. To serious disadvantages include the complexity of care. In the presence of glass, the owners will have to wash the frame separately and separately remove dust, dirt from the glass. The cleaning of the frames themselves is carried out exclusively by gentle chemistry.

Facades with aluminum frames

The presence of aluminum edges ensures reliable protection of the sidewalls. Unlike conventional film, aluminum frames are resistant to mechanical damage and can be easily cleaned with fine abrasive compounds. In the production of this type of MDF or glass facades is aluminum edge, which has a U-shaped profile. Thus, on the very facade (along the perimeter of the doors) an aluminum strip will be located. The advantage of this type of product is reliability and durability. They will perfectly complement the kitchen, decorated in modern style or high-tech. They can be applied both to ordinary MDF canvases, and to canvases covered with veneer, plastic (glossy or matte). Such facades will not have to be updated soon due to the additional protection of the aluminum edge. The price category of doors with frames made of aluminum is medium.

Fittings - types of opening facades

According to the specifics of the facade itself and the department behind it, conventionally, all the accessories used for kitchens can be divided into the following groups:

• spring lifts and lifter lifters: used to raise the doors, while the gas lift ensures their most smoothly raising and lowering;
• applied hinges: used for single-door cabinets, provide accurate overlaying of the sash on the end;
• semi-folded: used for bicuspid thumbs, in which two sashes are superimposed on one end;
• double hinges: simple fittings consisting of two plates connected by a pin;
• Transforming loops: provide door opening up to 170 degrees;
• secret loop: it consists of two parts (a cylinder or plates with protruding parts), which, when closing the sash, enter and insert two into each other, guaranteeing a tight connection of the door to the end;
• guides: used for drawer opening, models with closers that provide a smooth drawer opening are considered to be the best.

Special attention should be paid to the overhead handles. They can be in the form of a bracket (classic version), a cylinder (rails), drops, rings or buttons (protrudes above the door). There are also mortise handles, which are deepened in the facade.

Color solutions of facades and compatibility with the interior of the kitchen

When choosing the color scale and format of the kitchen facade supply, one should not forget about its relevant look in the kitchen interior. Using our simple style tip, you can quickly find the perfect furniture:

• Provence: in this direction, solid doors in a light shade (white, light gray, light blue) or similar frame doors with grilles, frosted glass will be appropriate, well suited to the style and the kitchen with a patina;
• high-tech and modern: black, gray and silver or bright facades with glossy surfaces and aluminum edges will be the best option;
• classic and loft: frame and solid doors in light brown and dark brown will be a good option;
• modern and urban: light gray, light purple and lime models will harmoniously fit into these two directions.

Conclusion

It is necessary to choose a suitable facade for a kitchen unit, based on a variety of requirements: the quality of the materials used, the originality of the appearance and the style of the furniture. When familiarizing with the characteristics of the bases used to assemble the doors, as well as the technology for their production, one should not forget about the price differences of different solutions. Additionally, it is worth considering the complexity of caring for different surfaces. If MDF and wood are fairly easy to clean from dirt and dust, then glass and acrylic or plastic surfaces need careful daily cleaning. Therefore, before selecting a particular type of façade, we recommend that you study the samples, select the most practical option and only then begin to get acquainted with the color range of the products offered. Such a thorough search for solutions will help you find the perfect headset for your kitchen.