Facades for the kitchen: types, materials, design and selection

Facades for the kitchen are a kind of showcase by which the aesthetics of the kitchen interior are assessed. But cabinet doors do not only serve as an external finish, they also carry a practical load and must meet the expectations of the owners. Before choosing your own finish in the manufacturer's catalog, you need to carefully study all the features, advantages and disadvantages of various materials.

A detailed overview of the materials used in the manufacture of furniture will help to understand the features of kitchen furniture facades. In this article, we will also talk about the advantages of acrylic and glossy MDF facades for a headset, we will tell you about whether it is worth choosing frame, aluminum, other types and which ones are more practical; whether solid wood is relevant today in the production of kitchen furniture and what options should be preferred.

Facades for the kitchen are ready-made structures that are installed on the front surface of the cabinets. In the manufacture of furniture sets, its base - the body structure - is made of heavy, massive slabs that can withstand significant loads. In some cases, natural wood is used for this. Without fronts, kitchen cabinets are just open shelves and cabinets with a back wall.

Most often, kitchen front panels are made in the form of swing doors, single or double, with different types of opening - folding up or down, with side opening. On the facade there may be additional inserts or decorative elements, accessories required for opening. It is often complemented by a metal frame.

Kitchen facades always consist of a base - a board made of composites, wood shavings or solid wood and a decorative coating that protects the structure from external influences and determines the appearance. Most often, the outer panel is finished with foil, plastic, veneer, special glass or metal.... In addition, there may be option with painting the surface of the material.

Consider the requirements for kitchen facades. Among the most important points that furniture manufacturers must take into account, the following can be noted.

• Moisture resistance. It is not only the ability to withstand direct contact with drops or splashes of water that is considered. The material should not deform under the influence of hot steam. If this requirement is not met, the product will lose its aesthetics rather quickly.
• Heat resistance. Facades for the kitchen must be resistant to heat, especially if there is a stove or oven nearby, or other sources of heat.
• Resistant to dyes. Flying tiny drops of liquids, splashes of juice of vegetables and fruits should not leave marks on the surface. It is better to choose facades on a finely porous basis so that they can withstand such pollution. Materials with large pores, such as soft woods, require additional protection.
• Resistant to grease and oil. Some materials under the influence of such substances can radically change their appearance. This should be taken into account when choosing film facades - sometimes it is better to place them only in the upper row of kitchen cabinets, and choose more practical plastic or acrylic down.
• Hygienic safety... For kitchen facades, it is recommended to choose materials that are not subject to rotting, mold formation. Otherwise, the beautiful front panels of the cabinets over time can turn into a real source of bacteriological danger.
• Ease of cleaning. It is best to choose facades for the kitchen that do not require complex cleaning. It is worth considering that dirt eats into matte surfaces faster, it is more difficult to maintain them in order than glossy ones.

All existing types of furniture facades for the kitchen can be divided into 2 categories - solid and frame or prefabricated, composed of several materials. In addition, there are sliding, louvered, bent types of structures. All of them deserve special attention and detailed study.

Frame-type kitchen fronts are composite structures in which there is a prefabricated frame and an internal contrasting insert made of material with a different texture, structure or degree of transparency. Sometimes such options are also called paneled, according to the assembly method. The insert into the frame is called the panel. The base strips themselves are made of molded material - MDF or sawn wood.

Also popular are options with aluminum frames - they are quite lightweight, durable, look presentable, go well with modern plastic, acrylic, glass inserts. Glass, metal, polymers are used as panels in ordinary facades made of MDF or wood, and options from artificial stone can also be used.

The panels are made of solid board or solid wood, do not have joints and inclusions. The most rare option is solid wood products. In addition to the high cost, such products are heavy and create a serious load on other structural elements. Most often they can be seen in the premium kitchen segment.

Solid wood panel facades - a simple and affordable solution for the kitchen... The coating for such products is laminated film, plastic, natural wood veneer, enamel. Most often, chipboard or MDF is used to create such facade structures, but there are other board materials with a sufficient degree of hardness, for example, moisture-resistant plywood.

Such facades have a curved design, are made exclusively of MDF or plywood - thin wood veneer, connected in layers. Radius facades are made to order and usually fully correspond to the configuration of the kitchen. They can have glass or metal inserts, different bending intensities. Not only convex, but also concave versions are produced. This shape can be found both in the upper row of front panels and in all headset cabinets.

They differ from all other facades in the way of fastening (on a special guide) and opening like a compartment. The sash moves to the side, while the second part of the cabinet remains closed. This solution is used most often in suspended modules, since it is not very convenient in floor pedestals. Sliding doors provide the necessary ergonomics in small kitchens, especially when combined with narrow, non-standard headsets.

A popular alternative to classic fixed doors. Such facades have come into fashion with the trend for retro and eco-style, they are made of solid wood or on the basis of a frame structure and planks horizontally located inside it. This effect of blinds looks interesting and unusual.

Kitchen fronts made of different materials differ in thickness, weight and other parameters. These data should be studied in advance in order to take into account the size and weight when choosing accessories, closers. The following widths are set for swing facades of kitchen furniture:

• 396 mm;
• 570 mm;
• 713 mm;
• 900 mm.

The length will be 296, 396, 446, 496 or 596 mm. Pull-out modules are equipped with facades with a width of 140 or 283 mm, the height is the same as for suspended ones. This applies to the standard size range; for structures made according to individual drawings, the dimensions can be practically any.

Thickness also matters. It is she who determines which fittings will be installed on the facade. For example, board materials are usually standard. The thickness of MDF facades reaches 16-25 mm, but for chipboard it will be 16 or 18 mm, mortise handles cannot be built into this type of facades.

The ease of use of the kitchen set largely depends on the choice of the base material. Basically, panels are made of plywood, solid wood, MDF, laminated chipboard. Each option has its own pros and cons. For example, wood allows you to create the most practical and durable, but heavy facades. MDF makes it possible to implement a variety of design ideas - almost all unusual and decorative frame options are made from this particular plate.

The slab category of medium density is well suited for the manufacture of facades.The service life of such products reaches 15 years, there is no edge in the material, and radial structures can be made from it. It is possible to mill the surface, as well as to produce frame fronts in combination with different materials.

The external finish is also quite diverse - it is veneering, laminate cladding, painting, plastic coating. Laminated options can imitate almost any coating, the surface texture varies from glossy to matte and pearlescent.

Among the pluses:

• the material is suitable for non-standard facades;
• amenable to restoration;
• it is highly durable.

Of the minuses - the material is of artificial origin; if used incorrectly, it breaks down faster than the estimated time.

In terms of decorativeness of the coating, laminated facades are much inferior to ultra-glossy plastic. But the most effective in combination with MDF is the enamel coating. - there are more than 300 color options, the surface can be restored, polished.

It looks interesting in combination with MDF eco-membrane - an artificial material that allows you to maintain natural air exchange. Eco-veneer or fine line is chosen by lovers of natural wood texture.

Veneering of facades under a stone is made using thin plates cut from natural minerals or polyester resins, this decor looks very realistic. Moisture-resistant panels and inserts for amber are made of epoxy resin. Ceramic facades based on MDF are also popular - this option belongs to the premium class, you can make mirror or matte coatings for stone, concrete, metal.

Combined options are made in different combinations. Popular milled facades with painting, stained-glass windows, panels imitating stone and leather.

Such facades are characterized by low density - pressed wood chips simply do not provide the necessary strength and durability. To improve the quality characteristics of the material, finished structures are made on its basis. Typically, acrylic chipboard facades covered with foil or TSS cladding with different textures. The last option is the most expensive and effective, made of pressed craft paper, it allows imitating expensive leather or solid wood.

Transparent acrylic coating, applied over the film or painted surface of the chipboard sheet. Does not lend itself to restoration, does not tolerate shock loads... The film is the cheapest option for finishing the facade, it does not give a high-quality glossy shine, but it can have almost any pattern.

The advantages of this choice are obvious:

• low price;
• wide availability;
• the choice of textures for linen, matting, wood, concrete, metal, stone.

There are also disadvantages - it is impossible to make a radius facade, environmental friendliness and wear resistance are the lowest. Such structures always have an edge that makes the appearance cheaper, but you can use an aluminum profile, which somewhat corrects the situation.

Solid wood facades are made both in one piece and in the form of frames with veneered MDF inserts. Used mainly wood of hard and valuable species - cherry, oak, beech, ash. Birch facades are impractical because cracking at temperature extremes. Pine and other conifers are soft, absorb moisture more easily, but are better processed.

Among the obvious pluses of an array:

• long service life - from 25 years;
• can be textured - brushed, patinated, stained;
• completely eco-friendly, natural material.

The disadvantages include the high cost of solid wood facades, high weight and the susceptibility of wood to changes in geometric parameters.

Frame kitchen facades allow you to effectively combine different textures of materials. Among the most interesting combinations are the following.

• Leather and wood... The frame made of solid wood or veneered MDF board is harmoniously combined with a textured decorative insert. You can use a reptile skin pattern or get by with the classic imitation of dressed bovine skin. The frame is made of lacquered glossy or matt wood.

• Gloss and wood... The veneered insert matches well with the simple enamelled façade. This technique makes the interior less boring and flat, gives it volume and liveliness. To enhance the effect, you can insert a glossy decorative panel into the frame made of brushed solid wood.

• Relief and gloss. In a facade with 3D milling, a neutral monochromatic frame with a plastic coating or film looks stylish. It is also better to make milled inserts monochrome or two-color.

• Stone and wood. The combination of natural textures looks good in the interior. Most often, they combine solid wood fronts for the bottom row and ceramic panels on hanging cabinets.

• Metal or glass combined with wood... This combination of textures makes it possible to brighten the pattern of wood or veneer, emphasizes the expressiveness of the design solution.

• Gloss and dullness. You can use combinations of different textures to emphasize the versatility of the design or the complexity of the facade milling.

You also need to combine colors correctly. Traditionally, light shades are chosen for the facades of small kitchens - white, beige, cream, ivory. They can be combined with more strict black, gray, dark chocolate. If you want to combine more than 2 colors, you need to follow the rule: a neutral background occupies 60% of the facade area, 30% is given to an additional tone and 10% is accounted for by accents - ornaments, paintings or inserts of bright colors.

In style kitchens modern colored facades are allowed. It is dominated by bright reds, juicy greens, oranges and yellows. In addition to them, choose neutral white or gray, as well as shades one tone darker or lighter than the base.

Herbaceous, olive shades go well with brown tones. It can be baked milk, cappuccino, earthy or chocolatey tones. Blue and cyan colors require support in the form of white, gray. Lavender, cherry, wine tones can be combined with a noble monochrome range.

Shades of natural wood are best combined with other natural tones. Green, beige, gray and yellow can emphasize the rich texture of the material.

Black facades can be diluted with metallic shades. To get a domino effect, just add contrasting white inserts. Gold decorative elements with black front panels are installed in kitchens made in Baroque and Art Deco styles.

In order for the kitchen facade to be harmoniously combined with the overall style of the interior, when choosing its design, it is worth adhering to certain rules.

• Glossy finish suitable for modern styles. Modern, hi-tech, minimalism - mirror-shine coatings can be used everywhere.

• Pearlescent coatings support classic motifs in design well. It can be neoclassic, baroque, art deco.

• Matte textures harmoniously fit into the style of a shaker, loft, minimalism. Ceramic coatings that imitate stone facades, concrete, plaster, and rusted metal look interesting here.

• Enamelled facades go well with neoclassicism, Provence style. They can also be used in a vibrant avant-garde or kitsch kitchen.

• American country style and related shabby chic, Scandinavian and eco-style require wood finishing. The natural texture of the facade can be natural (in solid wood) or created with veneer.

• Paneled, carved decors - an integral attribute of classic interiors. Facade bevels are appropriate in classic kitchens, Rococo and Baroque styles. Patina, decorative painting go well with frame facades.

Embossed facades made of MDF or solid wood are very popular in classic interior styles, neoclassical design trends. To obtain the desired decorative effect, it is enough to properly mill the surface. These works are performed on modern CNC machines. There are various options for milling:

• rectilinear, in the form of single and parallel stripes;
• frame, passing along all edges;
• double complex - curly, running in parallel;
• original with patina;
• baguette, repeating the frame of the picture;
• 3D - creating volumetric effects, waves, meshes, rhombuses.

Original and unusual ideas for decorating kitchen facades are at the peak of popularity today. It can be a trendy shaker style - with solid wood fronts, painted or covered with vinyl in monochrome.

If you want originality in decoration, it will do ceramic kitchen - such facades look unusual, have an original texture. Particularly stylish is the rustproof porcelain stoneware coating, which is now recommended by the best designers in the world.

A practical kitchen with a MDF front and a Soft Touch finish is ideal for a strict, minimalistic setting of a house or apartment. Enamel based on rubber lacquer creates a deep matte texture without glare, velvety to the touch. On such a coating, stains, fingerprints will not be visible, but it looks very impressive.

There are a lot of companies producing high-quality kitchen facades both in Russia and abroad. Among the popular brands are the following companies that have earned the trust of consumers.

European manufacturer famous for its textured MDF and chipboard. The brand produces a wide range of coating options - from smooth glossy and matte to imitations of textured natural stone and metal. There are also products in the collections that imitate natural wood. The company is popular in Russia, its products are affordable, environmentally friendly, and meet European standards.

Italian glossy facades created by the Acrylite brand appeared on the Russian market in 2015 and immediately gained popularity. The manufacturer offers ready-made acrylic panels for delivery in their original packaging, in the presence of 24 different options for decorative solutions. The glossiness of the facades reaches 100 gloss, while the brand manages to maintain realistic color rendition and protect the coating from fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Russian manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of solid wood products. Among the species used are oak, birch, including tinted and patinated. The collection "Neoclassic" presents facades from veneered MDF. The design of products is traditional, with bevels, frames, overhead elements.

Turkish manufacturer supplying MDF film facades to Russia. Reasonable pricing policy, a wide range of sizes and design solutions have made this brand one of the most popular on the market. AGT façade boards are often chosen as an alternative to more expensive acrylic resins. The high gloss finish looks impressive and is UV protected.

An Italian factory specializing in the creation of facades for premium kitchens. An array of natural wood is used as a basis - oak, birch, linden, acacia, ash. There are also veneered options, with a more noble decorative coating.

Austrian manufacturer of acrylic facades. The brand specializes in high-gloss coatings for MDF and chipboard, the finished coating is highly resistant to mechanical damage, safe, does not emit harmful substances when heated. In addition, Senosan has acrylic glass in its arsenal, which can replace classic glass fronts and add even more style and luxury to the kitchen unit.

The Belarusian factory produces a wide range of kitchen facades from solid natural wood. The main material is oak, which gives a special solidity to the decorative design of the headset. Arrays of alder and cherry are used to create facades in natural brown colors. The factory makes budget options from pine - a soft wood.

The Italian brand offers 3 collections of solid wood kitchen fronts at once - Primavera, Alta, Ingresso, made of hardwood: ash, alder, cherry. The lines include not only classic, but also design solutions - patinated, made using the decape technique. Budget solutions are represented by the Modena collections from brushed solid pine and Largo from chipboard with a high-gloss finish.

Italian manufacturer of facades with a thermo-structured surface. The bases are created by pressing laminated polymers onto wood-based boards (MDF, chipboard). The finished coating faithfully recreates the structural surface of natural wood with its pores and cuts. The collections include coverings that imitate textiles, as well as other materials, including three-dimensional three-dimensional facade solutions.

A domestic manufacturer that creates acrylic furniture fronts for kitchen furniture. Multilayer combined solutions differ high moisture resistance, not afraid of contact with steam or direct sunlight.

When making a choice in favor of a specific type of kitchen facades, it is important to understand that it is better to focus not only on the external design. The most durable and practical solid wood products are much inferior in decorativeness to their counterparts with a film or acrylic coating. To make the right decision, you should rely on the following criteria.

• The quality of the products. Facades of European manufacturers are made according to stricter standards and, in general, withstand any external influences better. The choice should be made in favor of Italian, German, Austrian brands. Domestic manufacturers have proven themselves in the production of solid wood facades.
• Compliance with the style of the interior. In an ultra-modern kitchen, the coating of the front panels of the cabinets made of metal and high-gloss plastic will look good. In the traditional one - solid wood, veneer, frame and louvered facades. For a country kitchen, enamelled options or veneered solutions are suitable.
• Budget. Inexpensive facades made of MDF and chipboard with a film coating and plastic are designed for the mass consumer. A frame construction combining 2 colors or different materials will help to diversify the design. If you plan to change the headset in 5-10 years or want to update the decor in the future, this option will be optimal. For cabinets, it will be enough to order new facades in a different color. In a country house, they usually order more expensive solid wood facades that can retain their attractiveness for decades.
• Glossy or matte surface... As a rule, coatings with high reflective properties are chosen to visually add spaciousness to the interior.Matte options look more noble and restrained, they are in demand when decorating large rooms.
• Practicality. The easier the material is to maintain, the longer the kitchen fronts will retain their visual appeal. The easiest to clean are enamel coatings and plastics. The film is the most capricious, with frequent contact with detergents it can come off.

Caring for kitchen facades is an important part of maintaining perfect order throughout the entire room. In fact, both matte and glossy facades need to be regularly cleaned of dirt and dust, but this must be done using an individual approach. What tools can be used, what should be avoided in cleaning surfaces, what to consider when there are different materials in the finish - general recommendations will be discussed below.

• Furniture made of chipboard must not be cleaned with alkaline, acidic, alcoholic and chlorine-containing materials. This is especially true for color options that can fade. The best option is to clean with a soft cloth and soapy water. It is better to remove the appeared dirt immediately, before they are absorbed into the surface.

• It is recommended to clean MDF film facades from dirt using plastic care products, but it is best to avoid very aggressive chemicals and hard brushes. Colored films cannot be treated with chlorine and alcohol solutions - stains may remain on the surface. A wet facade should be immediately wiped with a soft dry cloth, otherwise the coating may peel off under the influence of moisture.

• Glossy coatings are not recommended to be exposed to any impact in the first 30 days after installation and removal of the film.... In the future, care is possible with liquid degreasing agents for dishes or glass cleaning sprays and soft cloths. After cleaning, the surface is covered with a wax polish - it will reduce the rate of accumulation of dust and dirt on the surface.

• Facades made of MDF with plastic coating tolerate cleaning well with liquid detergent gels and sprays that do not contain harsh abrasive particles. Do not use alcohol and chlorine bleaches to remove stains, prohibited and wax polishes. Instead, you need to buy plastic protectors.

• Kitchen cabinet fronts made of solid natural wood allow the use of exclusively chemically neutral care products. Silicone-based compounds will accelerate the aging process of wood, it is better to refuse them. You can remove dust with a soft cloth, increase the shine of facades, and wax polishes will help to hide minor damage. To avoid discoloration of the wood, it is best to avoid using chlorine or acidic cleaners.

For information on how to choose the right material for a kitchen facade, see the next video.