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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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

Source: Pinterest

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:

Source: Pinterest

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