PVC Wall Panels

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) wall panels are a durable and lightweight type of interior wall cladding. As they have waterproof qualities and are resistant to mold and mildew, they are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms that can become damp or humid.

PVC wall panels are not only a hardy wall finishing though, they are also available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. This makes them perfect for helping create a unique and beautiful design aesthetic.

The use of PVC wall panels goes back to the mid-1900s, when PVC was first introduced as a building and construction material. In the 1960s and 1970s, PVC wall panels became increasingly popular as a cost-effective and versatile alternative to traditional wall finishings, such as plaster, wood, and ceramic tiles.

PVC wall panels are now considered a highly on-trend interior design option, as they’re easy-to-install and come at a budget-friendly price. They’re a particularly good option for DIY renovations, as you simply use adhesive to place them on top of existing wall surfaces without needing special tools or expertise.

Advances in PVC wall panel technology means there is now a wide range of designs and textures available, including styles that mimic the look of natural materials like wood, stone, and marble.

Where are PVC wall panels used?

PVC wall panels are used widely in residential and commercial construction, as they offer durability and low maintenance. They lend themselves to a variety of uses throughout living and work spaces:

Bathrooms. PVC wall panels are water resistant, easy to clean, and mold and mildew resistant. This makes them ideal for use on bathroom or shower walls. You can even use adhesive to place them directly over existing wall surfaces, like ceramic tiles. They are so commonly used in bathrooms that they are also known as bathroom wall panels.

Kitchens. PVC wall panels have durability and are waterproof, making them resistant to moisture and stains. This makes them perfect for use as a backsplash behind your stove or sink, or to cover entire walls for a hygienic and easy-to-clean surface.

Living areas. PVC wall panels can be used in lounges, bedrooms, home offices, or rumpus rooms to create a striking accent wall that adds color, texture, beauty, and interest to your living spaces.

Commercial spaces. PVC wall panels can be used in a wide variety of commercial and retail settings, including restaurants, stores, schools, and hospitals. They are available at a competitive price and are easy to install, providing surfaces that are durable and hygienic.

Benefits to using PVC wall panels

PVC wall panels are increasingly being used as a cladding in place of conventional wall surfaces like tiles or wallpaper. Here are some of the benefits they offer:

Aesthetically beautiful. PVC wall panels are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. Their snap-together tongue-and-groove joints give a smooth, seamless look.

Lightweight and durable. PVC is a strong and highly durable material, and the panels are easy to transport, handle, and install at your residential or commercial site.

Cost effective. PVC wall panels come at an affordable price, offering a budget-friendly alternative to traditional wall surfaces like tiles or stone. 

Easy to install. PVC wall panels are quick and easy to cut to size and install, using adhesive and their interlocking tongue-and-groove joints. Plus, you don’t need specialist tools or expertise.

Eco friendly. Most PVC wall panels are made from recycled materials and they can be recycled themselves. This makes them a good choice for sustainable construction.

Why PVC is better than the alternatives

PVC wall panels offer a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-install alternative to other wall surfaces like Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), acrylic, tiles, and wood.

PVC vs FRP

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels are thin, flexible plastic panels made of polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. While they are a sometimes-popular option for wall surfacing, PVC wall panels offer several advantages over FRP.

Unlike FRP, PVC wall panels are completely waterproof, which means they can be used in areas exposed to high levels of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. PVC wall panels are also recyclable and non-toxic, while FRP is made of polymers that cannot be recycled. 

Additionally, PVC wall panels come at a competitive price compared with FRP and are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs, making them ideal for use in construction and DIY.

PVC vs Acrylic (aka PMMA)

Another available wall surface is acrylic, also known as PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate). It is a synthetic polymer engineering plastic that serves as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

While PVC wall panels are strong and durable, the acrylic alternative is prone to cracks and scratches. PVC panels therefore offer a longer lifespan, which can save you money in the long run. Price-wise, acrylic panels cost around double PVC wall panels, and PVC panels are easy to cut to size and install, saving you time, effort, and money.

Learn more about why PVC is superior to Acrylic.

PVC vs Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a traditional go-to solution for wall surfaces, particularly in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. However, on-trend PVC wall panels are fast becoming an interior design favorite, particularly for DIY renovations.

One reason for their growing popularity is that PVC panels are impervious to water, unlike tiles, which are porous and can absorb water, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. PVC panels are also lightweight and easy to install, without needing special tools or expertise. You can even install them over the top of existing surfaces, simply using adhesive. 

Tiles, on the other hand, require special tools and skills for installation, which takes a lot longer and costs more.

PVC vs Wood 

Wood wall panels have been a popular wall surface for years, but it is finding itself increasingly on the out as newer construction materials like PVC panels grow in popularity. One of biggest differences between wood and PVC panels is moisture resistance: PVC is completely waterproof, while wood is susceptible to water ingress and damage and it can warp and rot if it’s not properly sealed and regularly maintained.

Wood is also a lot softer than PVC wall panels, which means it can get scratched and dented over time. PVC, on the other hand, is extremely durable and long-lasting, while remaining beautiful in appearance. Wood is also generally more expensive in price than PVC panels, and PVC wall panels can be installed over existing surfaces, which reduces installation costs.

Consider PVC for your renovation!

PVC wall panels are an increasingly popular choice for interior wall surfaces, as they offer many benefits. They are extremely water resistant, cost effective, and simple to install when compared with other solutions. They are also beautiful in design, offering a wide range of colors and textures. Additionally, they are low maintenance and recyclable, making them a sustainable and planet-friendly construction material.