3d decorative wall panels are a fashionable and
trendy type of wall finish that has recently been taking over other classes of
wall finish, such as wallpapering, cladding, and painting with tiles. There are
a number of reasons, ranging from durability to hygiene and the cost. Wall
panels are cheaper than the wallpaper and high-quality tiles or paints. Another
pro of wall paneling is being able to conceal flaws, and unsightly features
such as cables and exposed wiring say the commercial renovation contractors in Toronto. At the same
time, this is not possible with wallpapering, cladding, or painting with tiles.
This article will help you choose the right material for your wall panels by informing you of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of material and their prices. The wall panel materials we will discuss in the article are chipboard panels, wood panels, medium-density fiberboard, PVC panels, fabric panels, and vinyl-covered gypsum boards.
Chipboard Panel
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Chipboard panels are created by bonding the chips
of wood and adhesive together under heat and pressure until it turns into a
stiff board. Other than being economical, it is also widely available and
pretty easy to find.
There are three different types of chipboard panel varieties you choose to work with—regular, medium, and high density. The standard variety is cheap and easy to work with, but it is also somewhat fragile and thin. The high-density version is thicker and more robust. They cost from $10-$50\ depending on the quality.
Panels Made of Natural Wood
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Panels made of natural wood are not just
beautiful but also offer excellent acoustic and thermal insulation. Unlike the
tile cladding, there are no grouting lines that collect dirt or discolor. One
of the advantages of wooden panels is that it is easy to repair and replace. Wood
panels can be sanded and resealed to regain its shine and appearance if its
surface gets damaged. Even if the damage is extensive, the wall panel can
easily be replaced without disturbing the remaining wall.
Some other advantages of using wood panels for
walls is that wood adds to the resale value of your house. It makes a home look
sophisticated and elegant. With that said, maintaining the wood panels is a
huge task. Wood is a pest-magnet and needs regular treatment with varnishes and
other finishes to keep the termites and other pests away. Additionally, wood
panels are not fire-resistant.
As for the cons of using wood panels, they are not waterproof and will begin rotting if they come into direct contact with water. If you notice any rotting, you should immediately sand down the panel or consider replacing it if it can not be renewed. Remember that there will be a lot of maintenance work with the wood panels. Wood tends to lose its natural moisture, especially in air-conditioned rooms, so you need to have a seal frequently applied to keep the moisture in. The prices vary between $12-$45.
Medium-density Fiberboard
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Medium-density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is
a type of composite wood product made by binding the small wooden fibers
together with resin under extreme pressure and heat. The key advantage of using
MDF is that it is cheap, and it can be made to look like wood by staining it.
Hence, you can get a natural woody look you have been dreaming about for a
fraction of the price you would pay for the real wood panels. However,
medium-density wood is weak as compared to the wood, so it can crack or split
when under pressure. It is why you need to be very careful when you are
installing it. They cost somewhere between $18-$50.
Another con of MDF is that it needs lots of nails to be installed, but at the same time, it does not take the nails very well. If you do not put sufficient nails, the board can bend in the middle. However, when you nail into MDF, it creates a bump that you require to sand down to ensure it holds the nail well. However, the installation process for MDF takes more effort and time as compared to other materials such as wood or chipboard panels.
Fabric Panels
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If you prefer something on the soft side, there is an array of incredible fabric wall panels to opt from. Fabric panels are considered ideal to be installed onto hard and smooth walls. They make a room comfier and have a casual feel. However, if you are looking for acoustic insulation, then opt for upholstered walls, which give you the same soft effect, but with excellent insulating properties. Upholstered walls are more expensive, though, but can be worth the investment if you're going to maximize its use. They range from $30-$100 and more
PVC Panels
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PVC panels are long-lasting, fire-resistant,
hygienic, durable, and easy to maintain. They are ideal to be used in shower
rooms, bathrooms,
and kitchens as they are waterproof and easy to clean.
Panels made with PVC are sealed together with a
protective lacquer that can be matte or glossy. The surface does not attract
dust, so it is a great idea for a children's bedroom, or for someone who is
allergic to dust. The price varies between $14-$60.
One more pro is that the installation process for PVC panels is relatively fast and easy. It is mostly because the material is easy to cut according to your desired size and shape.
Properties of Plastic Panels
Environmentally Friendly:
It is noted that polyvinyl chloride is used for
the production of tubes, food packages, and medical equipment. According to the
rules of SES, finished PVC panels are recommended for the schools, sports gyms,
and health facilities.
Fire Resistance:
A study found that the ignition temperature for
PVC panels is 370 C degrees, while the panels of fiberboard and particleboard
burn at 250 degrees Celsius. But that is not all: as shown by experiments, PVC
panels emit two times less smoke when burning than the panels of fiberboard and
chipboard. And when they were tested for toxicity was found that the products
of fibreboard and chipboard combustion are considered one and a half times more
toxic as compared to their mates. Always remember that finishing panels are
classified as self-extinguishing materials. Its ideal to be used in office renovation.
Moisture Resistance:
Wall panels, because of the flat surface, are
resistant to the moisture, and the no pores contribute to the fact that the
bacteria and mold can not survive on the surface of the wall. It is why the
material is often used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Easy Installation:
It is not a secret that the installation of such panels is not too hard; it can manage even a not very experienced person. The material does not need any preparatory work and does not require leveling the surface. The damaged part of the structure can easily be replaced.
Decorative Abilities:
Plastic panels have a wide variety of shapes and colors. There are different
variants with the applied pattern on the surface using thermal film. The
material can decorate any surface, thanks to the creator. It is known to be the
most popular option for finishing.
The Size of Plastic Panels
Panel thickness can be divided into two main
types – a 5 mm and 8,9,10 mm. The subtype size 8-10 mm constitutes by the
moldings of the same size.
Lining panels. The length of the panel is 4 m,
width – 10 cm and 12.5 cm for the more rare kind (it has a double profile). The
most popular are "European" with a large lock, and the other option
is less popular with a narrow lock called "Polka." It is produced
mainly in white, rarer in colors.
The most popular length of plastic panels is 260,
270, and 300 cm, respectively; the width can be 14 up to 50 cm, but the most common
size of the 25 cm panel can be lacquered, painted, or can apply the thermal
film. It is an almost invisible seam of the assembled panel that is the key
difference from the lining panel.
PVC sheets can also be called PVC plates. The width of the sheet might vary in 80-204 cm range, length – 152 to 405 cm. The foamed PVC sheets are the most popular; the upper layer of the panel might be toughened and smooth.
Vinyl-covered Gypsum Boards
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Vinyl-covered 3d gypsum wall panels
are extremely durable and fire-resistant and are often used in public buildings
where fire resistance classification is needed. They also have excellent sound
insulation properties and are very easy to install. Gypsum boards are highly
versatile and meet a huge range of architectural design requirements. Their
prices ranges between $20-$80 and more depending on the design.
Laminate Panelling
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It is one of the most commonly used methods for
the panel walls. Laminates look the same as the wooden veneers but do not
contain the natural wood. They are mostly created using plywoods and other
structures. Laminates are available in various colors and finishes. You can
easily find your preferred texture and color to suit your home interiors. Their
prices vary from $30-$100.
Laminates are cheaper than wood veneers and are easy to clean. All you require is to wipe down with a wet cloth. Laminates are chemical resistant, weather-resistant, and moisture resistant. They are highly used in retail store renovation in Toronto.
Benefits of using Decorative Wall Panels:
Decorative wall paneling is available in a wide
variety of textures, grains, and finishes with mesmerizing patterns. Consumers
are spoilt for the choice– from plywood to fibreboard, hardboard, or engineered
wood. Decorative varieties are available in a wide variety of styles: finished
panels, wood grain, beadboard, limonite, wainscot, plank panels, and project
panels. Let us have a look at a few reasons why decorative wall panels are an
excellent choice:
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Ample Design Choices
When you are thinking about 3d wall panel designs, you will have several patterns and colors to choose from. Many of the options include the natural wood grain, while others use faux materials that can mimic the grains of granite, marble, stone, limestone, and even tree bark. You can also get your custom wall panels printed with 3d textures, leather, snakeskin, etc. With such versatile options, you can easily add a minimal or high-end sophistication to the home without using expensive materials that can be a burden on your pocket.
Available in High-Tech Materials
Even though contemporary materials are nothing
compared to wood, and it is the first option that comes to mind when thinking
about the wall paneling, it is not the only material available. MDF is known as
one of the most commonly used composite materials, as it offers various
designs, textures, and patterns. Melamine is another widely used material
option that brings modern wall décor designs and impressive models. Polyurethane
panels also offer the most creative designs available on the market these days.
Easy Installation
Quick and easy installation of the wall paneling makes them one of the best options amongst the local homes. While installing other types of wall paneling materials, you require to check the grout lines, uncovered adhesive and other leftovers during the installation process. As opposed to that, in the part of the wall paneling, you do not need to worry about these things. Most wall panels have a clip and rail system or tongue and groove joint system or which makes the installation super easy– almost as easy as joining two pieces of a puzzle. Tongue and groove systems work pretty great, even on uneven surfaces.
Better Durability
Wall panels are typically long-lasting and need minimal maintenance. So they can also help in extending the life of the walls by protecting them from wear and tear. Once you install them, they often last a lifetime, and you only require to change them if you are in for an interior renovation.
Minimal Maintenance
Wall paneling can make your walls appear neat and clean if they have patchy paint or holes. Wall paneling is an excellent option if you do not want to spend money or time to fix the walls. Wallpapers and painted walls might seem like an easy and quick solution for the walls, but more often than not, they require regular maintenance. With wall paneling, you do not require regular upkeep and can relax trouble-free without having to frequently repair your walls. They are highly suitable for commercial renovation.
Hides Electric Cables
Wall panels even offer the additional advantage
of concealing wires and cables that are best left covered. With precise cuts
and installation, wall panels can hide just about anything. Wall panels are
easy to install without the help of a contractor, but if you do not have time
or feeling uncertain, you can always hire one.
Reusable
Decorative wall panels can easily be removed
without damaging it. Hence, you can reuse the same wall panels in different
spaces of the house if you are redesigning it. If you are moving out, you can
even carry it along to your new home and install it there.
Wall paneling adds style and charm and brings in
luxury and sophistication to your home. Decorative wall paneling is versatile,
economical, and can put life into your walls. It is well-suited for every room
in your house. So it can also be placed on the walls below ground level. There
are a variety of choices you will never be at a loss for inspiration. You just
need to spend a little time looking for the best panels that suit your room
decor; it will help you make a practical yet aesthetically appealing choice.
Except for wall panels, wallpapers are also excellent options to decorate and cover your walls. Hence, they are also very easy to apply, come in a variety of design options, and can cover damaged walls and visible conduits.
For know more home addition read 11 Home Renovation Tips for a Dream House