Plastic kitchens: pros and cons. Review of new designs + 150 photos of ready-made solutions for a modern kitchen

In the modern world, plastic is becoming more and more popular, displacing natural materials. This trend is quite understandable: plastic is easy to care for, does not require such careful treatment as wood or stone, and the choice of textures and shades is quite wide. Therefore, kitchens made of plastic are increasingly attracting the attention of housewives.

Such kitchen sets fit equally easily into the interior of a large apartment and a small studio. Thanks to the choice between matte and glossy surfaces, the kitchen looks modern and stylish, allowing you to implement the most daring design solutions.

But when choosing plastic, you should carefully study the issue. After all, the methods of manufacturing the material directly affect the life of the headset.

Some specifics

Beautiful and shiny plastic panels for the kitchen are made of polymer material; there are several types of them. These coatings are distinguished by their water resistance, ductility and durability.

But absolutely the entire facade cannot be constructed from this wonderful material; a base is required, since it is not particularly hard and highly reliable.

This type of application is ideal for the top layer; the furniture looks modern and attractive. It is quite easy to take care of all the products that have come into use by the owner; it will not take much time to clean.

• Wood shades

Finishing nuances

Before buying a plastic kitchen, it is worth clarifying the type of application of the polymer material on one of the bases. The following groups can be distinguished:

1. Rolled.
2. Leafy.

In the first version, the surface will be covered with a film; you should not hope for high quality; the low price may indicate this. In the second case, special hard blanks are used, the wear resistance of which remains at a high level.

One of the disadvantages can be safely called the inability to use application technology on curved surfaces; corner furniture will cause a lot of difficulties.

To better understand the essence of the matter, it is worth considering all possible types of design and drawing a conclusion at the end of the familiarization process.

• Stones

There are also disadvantages

The film itself, like a plastic ceiling in the kitchen, tolerates temperature changes well, but the glue on which the material is attached cannot boast of such advantages. This leads to the fact that the ends located next to the stove or sink begin to gradually peel off and spoil the overall appearance of the product.

At this point, the base becomes susceptible to external irritants and may begin to crack and swell, which will inevitably lead to the replacement of one of the parts. Based on numerous reviews from people, we can safely say that the headset is not very durable.

If there is a plastic window to the kitchen nearby, then exposure to ultraviolet radiation will cause the color of the coating to fade.

Repairing damaged areas will be problematic, and in some cases this opportunity will not arise at all. It is impossible to carry out restoration work at home.

• Unusual textures

Undeniable advantages

An incomparable plastic kitchen countertop with an acrylic surface repels water well and protects the base; it is chemically inert. The fastening method used is very reliable and forms a good adhesion to the facade material.

During operation, peeling of the protective coating is quite rare, which allows you to be 100% confident in the quality and durability of the furniture in the food preparation room.

High humidity and temperature changes inherent in the room are unable to have a detrimental effect on the base. A distinctive feature of acrylic panels and films can be safely called different options for the degree of gloss, which has a positive effect on the appearance.

There are several options:

1. Matte.
2. Pearl.
3. Glossy.

Thanks to the compatibility of shades, owners can enjoy a wide range of possibilities; the “chameleon” effect can captivate the eyes of guests and all family members. The impossibility of introducing a design will not make you sad for long; color solutions can be chosen to suit every taste.

The thinness of the film will not in any way affect the furniture’s ability to withstand mechanical damage. And the ability to use coating on radius-shaped parts will only complement the list of positive features of acrylic.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting too noticeable scratches on the glossy surface; a plastic kitchen hood installed carelessly can lead to disastrous consequences and it will not be possible to repair everything at home. The cost of all components of a single ensemble in the work area will be noticeably higher.

• Plain

Modern HPL plastic

A similar material is made by pressing multilayer paper, which is impregnated with thermosetting substances. The qualities of this coating are truly outstanding, which is why it attracts the attention of more and more people.

Heat resistance is excellent, moisture resistance is excellent, and the ability to withstand oil, dyes and even gasoline produces a stunning effect. Plastic blinds for the kitchen can complement the interior; they will harmoniously combine with other elements and bring joy. The durability of a product made of HPL plastic is unlimited; everything will depend on operational aspects and care.

The coating can withstand temperature fluctuations of simply unimaginable numbers from +50 to -60 degrees, which makes it in demand. Mechanical damage causes minimal damage to plastic, and this indicator is complemented by the low flammability of the substance; it belongs to class G 1.

The choice of shades will pleasantly please you at the moment of selecting the desired color; applying a pattern of stone, wood or metal is also possible. Action enhancers in the form of various textures are in demand; glossy, matte and imitated samples are available for combination.

An important disadvantage is the possibility of application only on flat surfaces. Bent or paneled furniture doors cannot be made using this technique. It is impossible not to pay attention to the cost, it is quite high, this is due to good durability indicators.

Technological features

The technology for the production of plastic facades involves gluing chipboard or wood-fiber boards with thin plastic under a press. The edges of the canvases are glued on an edgebanding machine.

Plastic for facades comes in different types:

• medium and cold pressure roll plastic (CPL);
• high pressure cladding plastic sheet (HPL).

The color scheme is varied. These can be bright monochromatic or delicate pastel facades; doors imitating wood, stone, leather or fabric, with a pattern in the form of drops of water, leaves, fruit, grass. Entire paintings can be applied to plastic.

An interesting new product is acrylic-based plastic. This material looks impressive. All beauty is associated with the pattern, combining a matte background and glossy patterns or vice versa. The photo below shows samples of plastic facades.

And this is not the entire color palette

HPL plastic for facades

The price of sheet laminate is higher than that of rolls, but the quality of the facades will be impressive. The material is rigid and hard sheets that hold their shape well and have excellent technological characteristics. They are labeled as HPL (high pressure laminate). This is an environmentally friendly material. Consumer reviews about it are positive.

In the photo: HPL plastic looks pretty nice on the headset

Sheet plastic is produced by pressing special grades of paper. The sheets are impregnated with an absorbent to absorb polymer resins. They turn paper into a durable multi-layer material.

CPL plastic for facades

Decorative plastic CPL (Continuous Pressure Laminate) resembles leatherette in its structure. Rolled material has lower technological properties, but its price is also significantly lower.

In the photo, the kitchen doors are lined with CPL plastic. It looks pretty good too.

Rolled plastic is made from polyvinyl chloride. You can find reviews online that it is less resistant to damage and in some cases can fade in the sun. But externally this decoration looks harmonious.

Acrylic coated panels

It is quite difficult to find differences from film in appearance, but the properties of the two materials are different; the plastic plinth for the kitchen will be manufactured in several stages.

Initially, a design with a certain color is applied to MDF; a printer is used for this. Then the entire plane is covered with acrylic and exposed to ultraviolet light after each stage; this is necessary for high-quality fixation of all components of the product.

Among the advantages, it should be noted that it is absolutely resistant to vapors and high temperatures; moisture and dampness cannot damage the structure of the base. The material does not fade when exposed to sunlight and copes well with various soot, grease and acids.

Photos of a plastic kitchen in this design look beautiful, and based on positive data, the service life is quite long.

Color solutions, of which there are a huge variety, will not force you to think long about your choice. Gloss is quite popular; facades with this solution have remained favorites for many years.

The ability to change the degree of gloss, up to mirror-like, pleasantly surprises buyers. One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of repair; only a thorough replacement of the part can save the damaged part. The sheets cannot be attached to the radius part of the structure, and not everyone can afford the price.

Corner kitchen design

Corner kitchens provide an opportunity to approach interior design creatively. If you choose the content of the modules wisely, then the corner sets will have many useful functions. The color is chosen based on your own preferences.

In the photo - black and white corner set

For wall cabinets, MDF framed facades are often used, and the color of the lower modules may differ from the upper cabinets. This design solution will allow you to achieve an interesting effect.

A budget replacement for plastic is PVC film. Corner kitchens with film facades give everyone the opportunity to express their individuality. But the film will not be able to withstand the load, which plastic cannot handle. Only acrylic can compare with it. But suitable fittings will perfectly decorate corner kitchens, even if PVC film, rather than plastic, was used for the facades.

Particular attention to the ends

A self-constructed plastic kitchen should last a long time, otherwise all the work will go down the drain. The ends must be protected first of all, because the front part of the facade does not require such a reverent attitude. Moisture getting into places accessible for this will certainly damage the entire part, gradually penetrating inside.

The edge for the facade can repeat the color of the finish or be well selected from other contrasting shades. In order to secure everything as securely as possible, postforming is used. The sash on which the material will be applied is grasped so that the upper and lower edges are completely closed.

Another option for protecting the ends is an aluminum profile; it is durable and reliable. Such a part wears out for a very long time, and is practically considered eternal. It does not rust after prolonged exposure to steam or moisture. The device also serves as additional support against deformation of one of the doors.

Application in some cases may be impossible due to the harmony of the connection or limited space between the parts; it is worth thinking through all the nuances in advance.

Models with photo printing

They help create unique interiors. In addition to ready-made options, you can order any design from the manufacturer or apply your own photo to the cabinets. The set will automatically attract attention, which will allow you to ignore the decoration of the rest of the room.

Classic photo printing options include:

• photos of fruits and flowers, landscapes and abstractions - with a plain tabletop;
• black and white variations - when using the classic style;
• images of flora and fauna, various hieroglyphs - for adherents of the Japanese version;
• photographs of birds, plants, cities or coffee are used for Art Nouveau.

The basis of photo printing is acrylic film. It is quite moisture resistant and practical.

Corner set with facade photo printing

Photos of plastic kitchens

Care Tips

To increase the service life and visual appeal of a furniture set, it is necessary to follow a number of rules:

• eliminate sudden temperature changes - the product easily tolerates temperatures from +10 to +40 degrees;
• do not expose the set to the open sky;
• protect it from exposure to direct sunlight;
• quickly remove any spilled liquid - if the base is of poor quality, it will swell over time;
• Of all types of frames, give preference to aluminum - it is considered a durable option;
• get rid of contaminants in a timely manner;
• When washing, use special polishes for plastic surfaces and soft fabrics;
• remove fat from the facade with ordinary liquid soap or dishwashing detergent;
• use a hood with sufficient power so that fumes do not settle on light-colored cabinets.

Manufacturers of the kits do not recommend using aggressive or bulk care products, alcohol compounds, solvents, acetone or turpentine. When washing, do not use hard brushes or sponges - they can scratch the coating.

A kitchen set made of high-quality plastic is considered durable, beautiful and comfortable. Before purchasing furniture, you need to really evaluate the room (size, illumination and sun exposure) and only then choose matte or glossy options. Proper care of your headset will prevent it from quickly aging and becoming shabby.