Wallcoverings are a great way to add color and texture to any room. When SOA worked on the renovation and addition to Columbia Public School’s Administration Building, a custom graphic vinyl wallcovering made for an engaging backdrop at the new reception desk.
Beyond just aesthetics, many wallcoverings assist in protecting the wall surface more than paint, and can have a life of 7 to 10 years. There are a multiple wallcovering types to consider for commercial interiors. It is important to find a solution that will provide the durability and aesthetics required for your facility.
First you need to understand the type of wear found in your facility and how the potential wallcovering needs to be cleaned and maintained. Wallcoverings can be used on all walls to provide some texture, pattern and depth that a paint might not be able to give or they can be used just as an accent to provide the sparkle or highlight you are looking for. Budget must be considered as well. Wallcoverings can be very economical or very expensive so it is important to know what fits to narrow down the search.
Like all interior finishes, installation is a critical component to a successful project. It is important to work with your design professional and contractor to find an experienced installer that will properly prep the wall surfaces, use the correct adhesives and installation materials needed. Each of the varieties mentioned below have a specialized installation method and of course the pattern and texture can add a degree of difficulty that needs to be considered when selecting an installer.
The basic categories of wallcovering include:
Vinyl Wallcoverings: One of the most commonly used wallcovering types and offering the greatest range of options. Vinyls are rated as Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 based on the weight of the material. These ratings can be used to help determine which vinyl wallcoverings are best suited for your facility.
Cork and Wood Veneer Wallcoverings: They are a beautiful way to bring natural colors and textures into a commercial building. These should not be used in a high traffic area since durability could be an issue. Cost might limit the quantity used as well. These products can be used as an accent or for that special finish that might be needed in a facility.
Acoustical Wallcovering: This wallcovering type is used where acoustical properties are needed to reduce reverberation and noise. Many of these are not scrub-able and need to be limited to areas that do not get direct contact with traffic.
Natural Textile Wallcovering: This wallcovering type can be a beautiful accent in a room or can provide a soft visual texture to all of the walls. Like cork and wood veneer, this product typically is not considered for high traffic areas. Natural textiles include silk, linen, grass cloth and sisal. Pricing varies with the fiber and quality, but typically these are more expensive than vinyls.
Polyolefin/synthetic textile wallcoverings: These wallcoverings mimic a natural fiber textile, but with a more durable finish for higher traffic areas. They are much easier to clean and often contain post-consumer recycled material, creating a nice environmental story.
There are many wallcovering options and each provide different strengths and looks for your facility. It is important to consider all of the attributes and costs as you decide what is best for your need. Reach out to SOA to learn more about how you might incorporate wallcovering into your space.