What can be used on the kitchen wall instead of tiles? Practical and aesthetic solutions.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we spend a lot of time cooking, eating, and spending time with loved ones. That’s why it’s so important for it to be not only functional but also beautiful and cozy. Choosing the right material for the kitchen wall is crucial for its appearance and also for maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. When designing a custom kitchen, many people consider the appropriate choice of materials for the wall, which will not only meet their expectations in terms of durability and ease of cleaning but also add character and style to the interior. In this article, we will explore various options for the kitchen wall instead of tiles.
Natural stone (Thickness: 0.8-1.2 inches)
Natural stone is an elegant and durable material that will give your kitchen a luxurious look. It is available in many different colors and textures, allowing for the creation of a unique arrangement. Natural stone is resistant to moisture, grease, and high temperatures, as well as easy to clean. However, it is worth noting that it is a rather expensive material and requires professional installation. If you have decided on a natural stone countertop, it is worth matching it with other kitchen finishing elements, such as wall cladding above the countertop, flooring, or window sills. This will create a cohesive and elegant arrangement. The most popular natural stone used in kitchens is granite. Quartzite and quartz conglomerate are also increasingly used in kitchens. Although both materials are largely composed of quartz, they are artificially produced through a process of sintering or combining quartz with other materials. You can learn more about these materials from this article: https://meblechojnowski.pl/en/kitchen-countertop-made-of-stone-wood-or-imitation-wood-guide-to-materials-and-their-advantages/
Stone veneer (Thickness: 0.08 inches)
Stone veneer is thin tiles made of natural stone that are glued to the wall. It is a cheaper and lighter alternative to natural stone, yet equally impressive. Stone veneer is available in various types of stone, colors, and formats.
Types of stone veneer:
Marble: Elegant stone with beautiful veining and rich color palette. Available in many shades of white, beige, gray, as well as green and red.
Granite: Hard and durable stone with a wide range of colors and patterns. Popular colors include black granite, gray, brown, and white.
Slate: Stone with a characteristic slate-like structure and natural color. Available in various shades of gray, brown, and green.
Onyx: Translucent stone with characteristic stripes and veins. Available in various shades of white, beige, and brown.
Origin of stone veneer:
- Stone veneer is resistant to moisture, grease and high temperatures.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- It is an ideal material for finishing walls in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, as well as on the terrace or balcony.
Toughened glass Lacobel (Thickness: 0.16 inches)
Toughened Lacobel glass is painted float glass available in a wide range of colors. It is a highly elegant and modern material that works perfectly in minimalist kitchens. Lacobel glass is resistant to moisture, grease, and high temperatures, as well as easy to clean.
Lacobel glass surface finishes:
Gloss: The most popular finish that gives the glass an elegant and modern look.
Matt: A finish that suppresses light reflections and gives the glass a more subdued appearance.
Satin: A finish with a delicate sheen that is more scratch-resistant than gloss.
Structure: A finish that gives the glass a rough structure.
- Lacobel glass is available in thicknesses of 0.16 mm and 0.24 inches.
- They can be used both on walls and furniture.
- It is an ideal material for finishing kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, as well as offices.
- Lacobel glasses with prints are also available, e.g., with a photograph or graphic.
Compact HPL laminate (Thickness: 0.47 inches)
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) compact laminate is a finishing material constructed from several layers of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure and temperature. It is an extremely durable and resistant material that is perfect for demanding conditions. A wall panel made of HPL laminate is exactly the same material as a kitchen worktop.
This means that it is made from the same type of laminate and has all of its properties, such as:
Scratch resistance: It is one of the most scratch-resistant materials available on the market.
Impact resistance: It is resistant to impacts and fractures.
Chemical resistance: It is resistant to the action of most chemicals.
Moisture resistance: It is resistant to water and moisture.
High temperature resistance: It is resistant to high temperatures up to 180°C.
Ease of cleaning: It is easy to clean and disinfect.
Wide range of colors and patterns: wood-like, intricate, solid-colored, and stone-like.
If you have chosen an HPL compact laminate kitchen countertop, using the same material to finish the wall above the countertop is an excellent idea. HPL compact laminate is not only beautiful but also extremely durable and easy to maintain, making it ideal for kitchens.
Laminated panels (Thickness: 0.32 inches)
Laminate wall panels are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. They provide an excellent solution for those seeking a durable, easy-to-maintain, and stylish material to finish the wall above the kitchen countertop. The ability to create a wall panel in the same decor as the countertop allows for the creation of a stylish and cohesive kitchen arrangement.
Advantages of laminate wall panels:
- Resistance: Laminate panels are resistant to scratches, impacts, chemicals, and high temperatures. This means that a wall panel made of this material will be protected from damage for a long time.
- Ease of cleaning: Laminate wall panels are easy to clean and disinfect. Simply wipe them with a damp cloth with detergent to remove any dirt.
- Wide range of colors and patterns: Laminate panels are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing them to be matched to any kitchen style. You can choose from imitations of natural stone, wood, concrete, as well as other materials.
- Possibility of matching to the countertop: A laminate wall panel can be made in the same decor as the kitchen countertop. This allows you to create a cohesive and harmonious kitchen arrangement where all elements fit perfectly together.
- Attractive price: Compared to other materials for wall cladding, laminate wall panels are relatively inexpensive.
- Quick and easy installation: Installing laminate wall panels is easy and quick. It can be done by yourself or by a professional.
Summary
While the kitchen is the heart of the home, kitchen walls serve as a canvas for our culinary dreams and inspirations. The choice of suitable materials is not only important for aesthetics but also for functionality and durability. From natural stone to toughened glass, the world of materials for decorating kitchen walls offers an endless array of possibilities. Do you prefer the rustic charm of natural stone or the modern shine of toughened glass? Or perhaps you’re up for a bit of adventure with veneered stone or the extravagance of compact laminate? Whether you lean towards classic solutions or seek something entirely new, there is a material that perfectly suits your lifestyle and aesthetic.
In summary, the choice of material for kitchen walls is not only a matter of practical considerations but also an opportunity to express your creativity and personal style. Therefore, the next time you’re faced with a decision, remember that your kitchen is more than just a cooking space – it’s a space that reflects your personality and passions.