How to choose a screen for a gas stove?

The space where the gas stove is located is more prone to pollution than other surfaces. Therefore, wall protection is required. This could be a kitchen apron or a protective screen. They can be arranged over a gas stove, as well as completely on the entire tabletop. How to choose a screen for a gas stove?

The protective screen, to put it simply, is the same as an apron, only of a larger size. The main requirements for wall protection include:

• resistant to high temperature and humidity;
• have a high degree of wear;
• the ability to simply clean the surface;
• beautiful and aesthetic design.

Such products are made from PVC film, on which a decorative pattern has already been applied. These stickers are inexpensive, so if damage occurs, the surface can be refreshed. This is the most budget-friendly option for using the screen. If you do it for a long time, then you need to choose durable and high-quality materials.

Below are the most common materials from which screens for the stove are made. A laminated board made of MDF and chipboard materials is a budget option, but not so durable, the wear resistance of the protective film is quite low. The service life is up to 5 years.

A product made of these materials is highly durable: resistant to large amounts of moisture, easy to clean, and has been used for many years. The downside is that the surface is not entirely smooth, so dirt can get into the seams. Each type of composite material has its own individual properties.

• Artificial stone can be easily scratched with a metal object. However, this problem can be corrected quickly by sanding the surface with a power tool.
• Acrylic surfaces cannot withstand temperatures above + 80 ° C, so it must be attached as far away from the board as possible.
• It should be noted that porcelain stoneware and artificial stone will look aesthetically pleasing if the design and color of the countertop are in harmony with the screen.

The metal is usually stainless steel. It perfectly protects walls from fire. However, in other respects, there are more minuses than pluses. For example, such screens are thin, so they are easily deformed or squeezed. Traces of water or grease are visible on such a surface. Another problem is that sheets of metal are attached to moisture-resistant plywood, fixed to the wall. Such a substrate releases harmful substances for human health.

This is a rather expensive but stylish and durable kitchen solution. If you make it like an apron, then you need to order it for the individual sizes of your kitchen. For the screen above the gas stove, standard options from the store, already made with fasteners, are also suitable.However, such a part will still be quite expensive in cost, but the most practical of all the materials presented above. As a rule, for such screens, the standard thickness is 6-8 mm. Although these are small dimensions, the thicker the glass, the more it begins to "turn green".

Many housewives believe that a gas stove cover is an important part of a kitchen set. It can protect walls from splashing and dirt. Iron and glass lids are often used. Iron ones are distinguished by their wear resistance, withstand high temperatures, they can be cleaned with various detergents, even harsh ones. Glass lids are less resistant at high temperatures, but interesting pictures can be pasted on the glass, and they can be changed more often. You can make a glass cover yourself. To do this, you need an aluminum corner, two curtains for glass, you can buy them in furniture stores. The glass must be cut to fit the size of the cover and sanded. Then we temper the glass, the lid is ready.

Analysis of various sources on the installation of protective screens showed that these devices are practical to use, harmoniously combined with kitchen sets and household appliances. It is better to consider the pros and cons of the shields based on the materials from which they are made. The pluses include the following.

• Glass - resistant to liquids, has an average life, a large number of design options, resistant to high temperatures.

• Stone products - resistant to shock, high and low temperatures, special detergents are not needed, they look noble and luxurious.

• MDF - budget price, can be easily attached to the wall, highly resistant to liquids and damage.

• Plastic - inexpensive, even a person without experience can install.

• Metal - a high degree of resistance to various damages, responds well to temperature extremes.

The cons are as follows.

• Glass damaged by shock or high temperature. It is considered one of the most expensive materials and requires careful maintenance.
• Stone products are heavy, expensive, especially if the product is made of natural stone.
• MDF - wears out quickly, can deform, and is also highly flammable.
• Plastic - the material is toxic, it is badly affected by various liquids and fire.
• Metal - stains are often visible on the surface, therefore, it requires careful attention to itself, creates a cold tint in the kitchen.

How to install an MDF kitchen apron with your own hands, see below.