Commercial wall coverings types

Commercial wall coverings can be used in nearly any type of commercial environment. There are many different types on the market which can make it difficult to find the right product. Here are some ways to find the right commercial wall covering depending on your facility’s needs.

Key Considerations

One of the first things you need to do when selecting a commercial wall covering is to consider how much traffic the area experiences. Paper and natural wall coverings are more suitable for minimal-traffic locations, while vinyl and synthetic wall coverings are often used in sports arenas, schools, hospitals, and other high-traffic areas.

In many cases, residential wall coverings may be ideal to use in commercial settings to add comfort and set a tone. For instance, an assisted living facility may have one installed for a homey atmosphere.

Commonly Used Commercial Wall Coverings

There are several popular commercial wall covering options that are used specifically for facilities such as apartment buildings, hotels, retail outlets, office buildings, hospitals, and schools.

These coverings include:

  • Vinyl coated paper — a wall covering made with a paper substrate that has been sprayed or coated with a decorative surface made of acrylic type vinyl or PVC.
  • Paper backed and solid sheet vinyl — a wall covering constructed with a paper substrate laminated to a solid decorative surface. They are extremely durable and are both peelable and scrubbable.
  • Fabric backed vinyl — wall coverings that have a fabric or artificial substrate, which is laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface.

Specialty Wall Coverings

Certain wall coverings are used in specific circumstances for areas with light traffic. Many of these have been replaced by vinyl coverings that look similar with additional durability. However, these coverings are still frequently used for decorative purposes, including:

  • String effects — Thin vertical threads laminated to a paper type substrate, often used for offices and other areas with lighter traffic.
  • Natural textile wall coverings — These textiles are typically laminated to a backing for additional dimensional stability and to help prevent the adhesive from coming to the surface.
  • Acoustical wall coverings — for areas where sound needs to be absorbed and controlled, these wall coverings are ideal, and are often used in meeting rooms, theaters, auditoriums, and restaurants, among other locations.

These are some of the many commercial wall coverings that you’ll find when looking for the perfect materials for your facility.