It seems that repair is a fairly simple task and difficulties can arise only with the work itself. Especially if the experience is not that great. But a lot of problems emerge at the preliminary stage. The fact is that there are many types of finishing materials on the market that could not have been imagined ten years ago.

Wall panels for interior decoration, which have a wide range of textures and colors, have earned enormous popularity. They are very easy to install, which allows you to carry out all the work without the involvement of unauthorized persons.

Currently, there are three main modifications of this material. They differ in their technical characteristics. Each specific type is selected based on the room and has individual advantages. Naturally, the choice of panels for the walls will determine the final interior of the facility.

On a note! Wall panels are often decorative, but there are products that are considered structural elements. They are used inside houses and apartments, but their main task is to create partitions and walls.

Stacked slatted panels

These products have the following properties:

• The length of the slats ranges from 2.4 m to 3.7 m.
• Width – from 12.5 to 30 cm.
• Thickness – from 8 to 10 (12) mm.
• Manufacturing materials – chipboard, MDF, fiberboard and PVC.

Slat panels are most often used in small rooms or when the property has many internal and external corners.

For the highest quality installation, the technology of creating lathing is used. The material for its creation can be a wooden beam or a metal profile. Clamps are used as fasteners, as well as self-tapping screws that are screwed into the groove. Decorative panels for interior wall decoration, made in the form of slats, create a special flavor of the house.

Fixation between each other is carried out in two ways:

• Tenon + groove.
• Groove. But you additionally need to use special tabs.

For ease of use, the line of these products includes additional elements that are used to hide joints and create uniform transitions.

Finishing panels in sheet form are the largest among this type of material. Their size is: 122*244 cm, with a thickness of 0.6 cm. They are made of PVC or fiberboard, which is pre-impregnated with various resins.

This product has a structure that is multi-layered. A pattern or imitation of a natural material (wood, stone) is applied to the front surface. Glue is used for installation. They are very convenient because they allow you to carry out work on a large area at once.

Plates

These products have a square shape and two standard sizes:

• 30*30 cm;
• 98*98 cm.

They allow you to implement the most daring design solutions, because it is the slabs that make it possible to lay out various combined patterns (reliefs). They are attached using glue or clamps to the sheathing. They are connected to each other using a locking method. The materials used are MDF, chipboard, PVC.

On a note! As you can see, wall panels are made from similar raw materials. Therefore, different types can easily be combined with each other to decorate a house or apartment.

Advantages and disadvantages

One cannot ignore the wide range of advantages that decorative wall panels have.

1. Long service life. In principle, if you follow the rules for their installation and care, they can be considered literally “eternal.” Most often they are changed in order to update the interior.
2. Easy to care for. There is no special set of measures that is required to maintain their original appearance. They practically do not react with chemicals. But something else is very important - to choose high-quality material.
3. Safety. Decorative panels are environmentally friendly. They do not contain substances hazardous to health, so they can be used even in medical and educational institutions. Products made from wood fibers are especially valuable.
4. Easy to install. Indeed, all work is literally done with your own hands. And you don’t need to purchase an expensive tool. Of course, with a complete lack of construction skills, the process may seem complicated and incomprehensible.
5. Diversity. You can choose the best option.
6. Versatility of use. Modern versions of these products will find their application in all types of premises. They allow you to create additional sound and thermal insulation, which makes them indispensable in many situations.
7. Economic component. Almost all types of wall panels are moderately priced. And if you take into account their durability, then the costs become minimal.

The list of advantages is impressive, but there are also some disadvantages. In most cases, they are associated with the notorious human factor. Namely:

• Before use, be sure to keep the material in the room where the repairs will be made. Ignoring this action is a direct path to reducing service life.
• PVC products are very demanding in terms of transportation and installation. On the one hand, the cellular structure of the material is the key to their excellent qualities, and on the other hand, it creates the possibility of mechanical damage.
• Plastic options, when burned, emit suffocating smoke.

Panel material

Everyone wants to see in their home only the best options for finishing products, which undoubtedly affect the overall atmosphere of the home. It is already clear that cladding panels can be made from completely different types of raw materials. This can be modern plastic, as well as wood that has earned its reputation.

On a note! There are options when several types of raw materials are combined. This was done for one purpose, to give the products additional qualities that are necessary.

Natural wood

This classic material has been popular for centuries. But, if earlier wood was used due to the lack of competitors, now it is solely due to the fact that it has many positive qualities. And the first of them is naturalness. In addition, only wood can create a truly warm atmosphere in a room.

The raw materials for decorative wall panels are the following types of wood:

• Maple.
• Cedar.
• Alder.
• Bamboo.

Many people believe that wood is quite demanding to use. This is true. But we must not forget that recycled material is used to produce facing elements. And often - veneer. This greatly simplifies all the requirements.

Such panels for finishing walls in an apartment are available in slatted and slab configurations.

On a note! This option is considered the most expensive. Especially if you take into account products that are made from valuable veneer. With bamboo, it turns out to be a different interesting story; it is attached to the parts manually.

Particle boards

To be honest, this material is a waste product from wood processing industries. But, using pressing, it is possible to obtain a chipboard slab, which becomes an indispensable construction and finishing material. Probably every person is familiar with chipboard. Therefore, a logical question arises: how can you get decorative panels for walls from it? It seems that their unattractive appearance can no longer be corrected. It's simple though. They are simply covered with plastic (see photo).

This method allowed us to make a breakthrough in the production of wall panels. After all, it became possible to create a wide range of options that will differ in their structure and color.

There is an opinion that such stoves emit a harmful substance that adversely affects the general well-being of all residents of the house. Indeed, the adhesive composition that holds the fibers together cannot be called completely safe. But there is no particular reason for concern.

1. Firstly, the content of all components meets strict international standards. Of course, if you buy decorative wall panels from a reliable manufacturer.
2. Secondly, there is a layer of plastic. It serves as reliable protection.

That is why chipboard-based panels are used everywhere, except in rooms with high humidity. If natural wood is coated with varnish and wax, then in this case this approach is useless.

Advice! It must be taken into account that such products have significant weight and are produced in the form of slabs. Therefore, it is quite difficult to work with them; it is better to do it together.

Fiberboard

Not to be confused with chipboard. These materials are similar, but have different raw material structures and differ in production technology. Therefore, fiberboard is a completely safe and environmentally friendly material. From it it is possible to obtain decorative cladding panels, which can be of any type. This explains their popularity. In addition, they have a very low cost, which ensures their widespread availability.

Wall mounting method:

1. On the frame. It makes no difference what it will be made of.
2. For glue. The surface must be carefully prepared and dried.

Fiberboard panels have a number of undeniable advantages over other materials:

• The connection occurs depending on the selected option (lock or groove). You can choose the one you prefer.
• Installation is done quite quickly. In addition, the decorative wall panel may need to be replaced if it is damaged. With other species, this is difficult to do.
• Light weight, but resistant to various impacts.

The following types of finishes exist:

• laminated;
• covered with fabric;
• covered with veneer;
• painted.

On a note! There are many advantages of this material, but there is one significant drawback - the fear of moisture. But, unlike chipboard, it does not show up so much.

MDF

At first it may seem that MDF and fiberboard are brothers. But the first option is even more modern and also more expensive. The facing panel obtained from such material acquires the following properties:

• Excellent sound insulation performance.
• Increased thermal insulation.
• Fire resistance.
• Resistance to moisture.
• Resistance to mechanical stress.

MDF is covered with the same types of finishing raw materials as fiberboard.

PVC

More recently, this option was the most common, until it was replaced by MDF and fiberboard. Now that new technologies have arrived, PVC wall panels have once again begun to take their place in the finishing products market. Why are they good:

• Do not collapse under the influence of moisture. They can be used for dressing rooms and bathrooms. Great for public places that have air circulation from the street.
• Very durable. It is quite difficult to spoil such a product.
• Can be decorated. They are also covered with various designs.
• They have a low price. It is lower than that of other species.

PVC wall cladding products have opened up a new world of possibilities for designers. Now you can build houses and decorate them inside so that it will seem that everything is made of natural wood or stone. But, in reality, everything will be made of plastic.

Other types

Wall types of panels do not end there. They are also made from other raw materials:

1. Glass. This is a great option when you want to make the most picturesque drawing or photograph. There is no need to be afraid that such elements for wall cladding can be easily broken. Although, they need better care.
2. Plaster vinyl. Structural elements made from such material are characterized by excellent reliability and a wide selection of textures.
3. Metal. Decorative metal panels are a new word in modern design. It is possible to obtain a surface that resembles something fantastic.

A little about the selection rules

• Wooden types - suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms. They will be able to emphasize the richness of the interior, especially when the room is furnished with good furniture.
• The glass option is a rather unusual solution. But great for creating a picturesque accent. Looks good in kitchens.
• Plastic elements feel great everywhere. But it’s better to avoid them when you want to create a classic version.
• Metal products are simply created for something cosmic, free, but cold. Although shades allow you to create different feelings.

Knowing what types of wall panels there are, you should remember the main thing. It lies in the fact that there is no need to chase newfangled trends, it is better to create something that will delight you with its individuality.

In search of original solutions for decorating walls and ceilings in a residential area, some opt for decorative panels. Such material can serve both as a decorative element and as a main decoration. There are many types of decorative panels, which in most cases are characterized by high moisture resistance, heat resistance and sound insulation.

If you have not yet made your choice, then it is worth knowing some of the advantages of this wall cladding technology. Decorative panels for interior wall decoration perfectly hide all unevenness. This allows you to save money when carrying out finishing work, namely on leveling the walls with plaster mixtures. This article will look at various options for decorative panels, which can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, hallway and even living room.

Types and characteristics of decorative wall panels

Wall cladding panels, unlike other finishing materials, have many advantages. There is no need to level the base for their installation. In a short period of time, you can treat a large area of ​​the wall. They are available on the market in many different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Thanks to this, you can choose exactly those panels that best suit the chosen style of the room.

There are three main types of decorative panels:

1. Rack and pinion.
2. Leafy.
3. Tiled.

Rack and pinion. They are secured using special brackets. The width of the product can vary between 13.5–30 cm, length 0.9–3 m, and panel thickness 8–12 mm.

Tiled . The tiled panel is square in shape. Standard tile sizes are 30×30 and 90×90 cm.

Leafy . It resembles sheet plywood with a pattern applied on top. The thickness of such a panel ranges from 3 to 6 mm, and the dimensions are 1.22 × 2.44 m.

Different materials are used for their manufacture:

• Polyvinyl chloride.
• Wood fiber board.
• Chipboard.
• Cork.
• Tree.
• Plaster.

If we talk about the positive aspects of decorative panels, we can highlight the following:

• Fast and easy installation. When fixing wall panels, there is no need to carry out preliminary preparation of the walls. To install them, it is enough to have nails, glue, wooden blocks, a stapler and other fastening materials.
• Versatility. In addition to their decorative role, they can serve as thermal insulation and sound insulation.
• Easy to care for. It is enough to wipe the surface of the decorative panels with a damp cloth from time to time.
• Saving. Unlike the use of other finishing materials, wall cladding with panels is an economical option.
• Design solutions. Decorative panels can be glued in different directions, for example, vertically, horizontally, diagonally and even in a diamond shape.
• Durability. The surface of the panels is resistant to mechanical stress.

Wooden panels

Decorative panels for wall cladding made of solid wood are one of the popular finishes. Although there are many alternative options, this material remains in demand. This is explained by the fact that it is environmentally friendly, and the texture of the wood conveys a special mood to others. Moreover, no material can successfully imitate the structure of wood.

They can be installed in almost any room: residential apartment, living room, restaurant, office. Plus, their installation is quite simple.

It is worth noting that the appearance depends on the method of processing the top layer. There are several methods for processing decorative panels:

1. Varnishing. Varnish allows the wood to become more moisture resistant and have a more attractive appearance.
2. Lamination. The surface of the wood is glossy, plus it acquires additional protective properties.
3. Veneering. Veneer of valuable species of natural wood is applied to the wood. Such panels have a beautiful appearance.

Connection method

There are two known methods of fastening:

1st method- groove-ridge. In this case, tight joining of all elements is ensured. Also, this connection method allows you to create a single pattern.

2nd method– groove-groove. With this joining method, the colors and patterns will not match.

Additionally, wooden decorative panels are decorated with skirting boards, slats and fillets.

Types of wood

For the manufacture of such panels, the following tree species are used: pine, cherry, beech, ash, spruce, cedar, alder, oak, maple. Each wood has its own unique texture. You can combine several types of wood in one panel, laying it in layers. For this purpose, there is a special technique where layers of different types of wood are reliably bonded under high temperature and pressure.

Types and differences

Today, several methods for manufacturing decorative wooden panels are known, which are presented in the table:

Advantages:

• Great appearance.
• Environmental friendliness of the material.
• Promotes heat conservation.
• Durability.
• Easy installation.
• Easy to process.
• The ability to hide certain communications.
• After a while you can repaint it.

Among the disadvantages are:

• Low level of moisture resistance.
• High risk of fire.
• High cost of decorative panel.

MDF and chipboard panels

The material chipboard and MDF differ in production technology. Unlike chipboard, decorative MDF panels are of much higher quality. This is explained by the use of high-quality binders in the production of MDF.

To make it easier to make a choice, taking into account all the features of the material, we will compare MDF and chipboard according to several criteria:

Features of decorative MDF panels

MDF panels are obtained by dry pressing of sawdust. In this case, the material is processed under high pressure and temperature. To make the material very high quality and resistant to wear, urea resins are added to it.

Panels made from MDF have the following advantages:

• Easy installation.
• They do not require special care during operation.
• There is no need to seriously prepare the surface before installation. The condition of the walls does not in any way affect the quality of the finish.
• Possibility to mount panels in any direction: diagonally, across or along the wall.
• The resulting under-panel space after installation work can be used for laying communications, for example, electrical wires, the Internet and other things.

It is worth highlighting 3 types of MDF panels:

• Whole pressed.
• Laminated.
• Moisture resistant.

They differ in production method, technical characteristics and decorative properties. For example, solid pressed slabs have a smooth surface on both sides. Laminated ones are distinguished by the fact that the front surface is covered with a thin polymer film. Thanks to this, resistance to mechanical stress, moisture, etc. increases. In this case, the film can have a variety of colors and designs.

As for moisture-resistant MDF panels, they are produced from denser material. The basis is high-quality wood species. As a result, such panels are used for finishing bathtubs, loggias, balconies and other rooms with high humidity levels.

Decorative MDF panels also differ in the method of front side design:

• Painted. The rough surface is treated with a special paint, which smooths out all the irregularities and gives the product a glossy or matte appearance.
• Glossy. The front side of the product is laminated with a transparent polymer film.
• Veneered. They have the texture of real wood. This effect is achieved by applying a thin layer of wood veneer, up to 3 mm thick, to the MDF surface. In this case, you can use ash, oak and other tree species.

Features of decorative chipboard panels

Chipboard is obtained by pressing chips that are mixed with thermosetting resins. Its main advantages:

• Resistance to mechanical stress.
• Strength.
• Low rate of sound and heat insulation.
• Easy to process.
• Low cost.
• Easy installation.

Chipboard sheets are covered with veneer or laminated with special plastic. Several varieties are known:

• Matte coating. A design inspired by natural stone, wood textures or textiles is used.
• Glossy surface. The design is used to imitate wood, stone, tiles, marble and even plant patterns. A special finishing film coated with varnish can be used as a coating. It is resistant to scratches and abrasion.

It is also worth highlighting several types of decorative chipboard panels:

Chipboards are produced with different markings and quality classifications:

• E1. Such boards contain at least 10 g of free formaldehyde per 100 g of dry chipboard. Such indicators are allowed for the production of furniture for a children's room.
• U2. Such material may contain from 10 to 30 mg of free formaldehyde per 100 g of dry chipboard. In this case, the use of such slabs for furniture production is prohibited.
• Super E. The stove of this classification is extremely safe. They are recommended for use in finishing residential premises, children's rooms and in the production of furniture.

Fiberboard panels

Fiberboard means fibreboard. Its production is carried out on the basis of wood waste. Various components are necessarily added to the composition of the material. In appearance they resemble ordinary pressed cardboard. There are 2 types of decorative fiberboard panels:

1. Tough.
2. Soft.

Rigid fiberboard

They cope well with mechanical loads and resist abrasion. Based on these technical characteristics, they are mounted on the balcony, toilet and corridor.

The presence of a polymer film on the panel allows for wet cleaning, even using detergents containing chlorine. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the color of the panels does not change. Therefore, after time, the fiberboard panels will remain unchanged.

Based on the design idea, decorative fiberboard panels can have different coatings: gloss, matte and textured.

Soft fiberboard

Visually, these panels are no different from hard panels. The difference is in the method of their production, as well as in the technical characteristics. They are made exclusively from coniferous wood. Lignin, a special polymer composition, is used as a binder. This substance is extracted from the sap of resinous wood. Such panels are considered environmentally friendly.

Although this type of fiberboard is soft, it has excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation properties. A panel thickness of 12 mm is equal to a wooden board of 450 mm.

The soft layer of cladding can be different:

• Vinyl covering reminiscent of wallpaper.
• A layer of natural reed or linen covering.
• Acrylic waterproof coating.

There is a huge opportunity to choose any colors, imitations and designs of decorative fiberboard panels.

Installation is performed in the following ways:

• For fastening to the wall - special glue.
• To the wooden sheathing - using staples and small nails.

Video comparing MDF, fiberboard and chipboard panels

PVC panels

Decorative PVC panels are the most practical and in demand. This material is used for cladding the walls of bathrooms, verandas, saunas, balconies and other premises. This panel contains vinyl chloride polymer. Due to this, the material is resistant to chemical influences such as solvents, acids, alkalis, and mineral oils.

There are several types of PVC panels:

Among the positive aspects of this type of finishing are the following:

• Moisture resistance.
• Durability.
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• UV resistance.
• Safety during operation.
• Soundproofing.
• Easy installation.

When purchasing PVC panels, be sure to pay attention to their appearance. The design must not be damaged, and the panels themselves must be solid without any chips.

As for the fastening method, several methods are known:

1 method: on glue.

Method 2: on screws or nails.

Method 3: clamps.

4 method: staples.

As for the first method, it is mainly used for mosaic PVC panels. Plus, this installation method is considered the fastest and cheapest. In all other cases, it is necessary to construct a metal or wooden frame. If the room has high humidity, the wood should be treated with special compounds, however, it is recommended to assemble a metal frame.

Mosaic panels are often used to decorate bathrooms. You can watch a prepared video about wall cladding with plastic wall panels in the bathroom:

The thickness of such a panel is about 1 mm. If the interior of the room has columns, then such bending panels will easily give them a finished look. They are used for finishing ceilings, walls and work surfaces.

The table below lists several types of mosaic panels and approximate prices:

PVC panel sizes

Depending on the type of decorative plastic PVC panel, they differ in size:

Connection type

The panels are divided into several groups:

• Embossed.
• Seamless.
• Having a chamfer or rust.

Seamless PVC panels are ideal for ceiling decoration. Due to the special connection, the joint is almost invisible. Chamfering is reminiscent of the method of joining seamless panels. However, there is a chamfer in the end part. Rustication means a decorative recess. They are used for finishing ceilings/walls.

Relief panels are used mainly for walls. In appearance they resemble lining; the cost of embossed lining is much higher.

Choosing a quality PVC panel

Considering that a large number of low-quality materials have appeared on the market among PVC panels, it is important to know what to pay attention to. Even the most expensive product is not always the best. There are a number of requirements in this area, which are presented in the table:

Gypsum panels

Gypsum decorative panels replaced gypsum stucco. Moreover, they completely replaced stucco, since this method of surface finishing is suitable exclusively for classic design. The use of this material allows you to create corrugated surfaces, giving a particular room a beautiful appearance.

Among the advantages of gypsum decorative panels are the following:

• Easy to install. Gypsum is easily fixed to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. During production, the strict geometry of all parts is observed, thanks to which the resulting result will delight the eyes of aesthetes.
• Long service life. Gypsum itself is resistant to various types of mechanical and other types of influences. Moreover, gypsum panels can easily cope with a small amount of moisture that gets on them. They can easily cope with sudden temperature changes.
• Light weight. Lightweight gypsum is used in the production of gypsum panels. As a result, the installation process has no additional complications. In addition, walls or other surfaces do not experience additional load.
• Environmental friendliness. The production of gypsum panels completely eliminates the use of harmful substances. Therefore, this facing material is suitable for residential premises, including children's rooms.
• High level of sound insulation. Extraneous noises from neighbors or from the street will not disturb you.
• Economical. This material can imitate quite expensive analogues, such as wood, stone, brick, etc.
• Heat saving. The existing heat inside the room will be better retained if the walls are lined with gypsum panels. Moreover, if the walls are thin, then the use of this material improves the quality of insulation, and a pleasant microclimate will be created inside the room.
• Low flammability. There are no flammable elements in the composition of gypsum panels. Therefore, their use is safe.

Thanks to the availability of modern equipment, today it is possible to produce gypsum panels of various shapes, designs and sizes. For example, oval, round, square, rectangular and other panels are known.

Depending on the type of gypsum panel, they may have different sizes. For example, the size of square panels can vary within the range of 0.2 × 0.2 m – 0.9 × 0.6 m. The thickness of such elements also varies from 18 to 36 mm.

One of the main advantages of gypsum panels is the possibility of repeated painting. Therefore, if the walls in your room are treated with gypsum panels, after a while you can change their color without much difficulty.

Video about gypsum panels

Cork panels

Cork decorative panels are a lightweight and durable material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. In appearance, the material is presented in the form of a dense compressed mass with two polished surfaces.

This type of finishing has its clear advantages and disadvantages, which are presented in the table:

Cork wall decorative panels are used in a wide variety of rooms:

• In the office.
• In the living room.
• In the children's room.
• In the kitchen and other rooms.

Although its cost is high, it is completely justified, since such wall decoration will last for many years.

Types and classification of cork panels

There are several types of cork coverings:

• Rolled.
• Leafy. They can have the shape of a square or rectangle.

As for sheets, they come in two types: typesetting and tiled. In the case of typesetting, they have a width of 100 mm and a length of up to 6 meters. Tiled ones also have different sizes from 300x300 mm to 980x490 mm. Given this variety, you can create a variety of interior design elements that will delight your eye.

Also, cork panels have different classifications according to use. For example, they can be used to finish floors and walls. There are insulating panels made from agglomerate. In order to increase sound insulation properties, cork is used as a technical coating.

Some cork panels are made to be moisture resistant. They are lined with double-sided laminated coating based on PVC, fiberboard, MDF. Cork panels based on chipboard are not moisture resistant.

Today, 3D wall panels are widely used to quickly and effectively decorate walls. Thanks to this, you can create a variety of scenes, combinations, etc. You can combine the decoration with furniture or other interior elements.

3D wall panels have a lot of advantages, unlike their counterparts. All the positive characteristics of this facing material are presented in the table:

Types of 3D panels

A variety of materials are used to make 3D wall panels. Each of them has its own technological features:

• Plaster. The material is relatively fragile. After installation, all joints are filled with special putty. The surface of the panels can be painted in any color. If the room has high humidity, it is not recommended to attach 3D panels to the walls. Gypsum itself increases the heat and sound insulation properties of the wall. In addition, this material is not subject to combustion, so they are often used for lining fireplaces.
• Metal. In addition to their decorative properties, such panels are characterized by high strength, reliability and safety. Such panels are mainly made of aluminum and its alloys. Using the perforation method, a planned three-dimensional pattern is applied to them. The workpiece is treated with a protective polymer film. Thus, we can highlight several positive properties of such finishing: moisture resistance, anti-corrosion resistance, fire safety. The panels are installed on a pre-fabricated frame.
• Glass. In this case, glass 0.5 cm thick is used. The glass is quite durable. If it breaks, it does not form sharp fragments. The glass structure of a car is similar.
• MDF. The products are highly moisture resistant, since the front side is covered with a special polymer film. It also promotes long-term use.

• Plastic. It is based on polymer materials. In terms of their functions, such panels are similar to aluminum ones. Thanks to them, you can create different pictures, as well as select different color schemes. Plastic 3D panels are resistant to sudden temperature changes. The material itself is plastic, lightweight and durable. Moreover, plastic allows you to implement the most complex patterns.
• Wooden. These are the most expensive 3D panels. However, their high cost is fully compensated by their beautiful appearance. They are distinguished by their exquisite design and at the same time complex execution. At the same time, the panels are quite heavy.

Video about using 3D wood panels

Acoustic

Special soundproofing material is used as acoustic panels. It is installed in apartments, cinemas, and professional studios. They are made from a wide variety of materials, each of which gives the product special technical properties.

Among the positive aspects are the following:

• Variety of sizes.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Efficiency.
• Excellent sound insulation.
• Variety of colors and styles.

They are made from various materials, both hard and soft. Very often they are based on MDF, fiberglass, plastic, wood, foam rubber, etc. They can be installed on the ceiling and walls. The surface of the panel can be corrugated or smooth. In professional studios, corrugated ones are mainly used. They help absorb all unnecessary and extraneous noise. Such panels improve recording quality.

How to choose

Mainly, it is necessary to determine the place of use of certain panels. For example:

• Glass ones will look great in the kitchen or bathroom.
• Wooden in the bedroom and living room.
• Plaster in the large hall.

Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to the size of the panels. Thin and long panels visually expand and lengthen the room. If the panels are large, they will look beautiful in large rooms.

Important parameters must be taken into account:

• Toxicity.
• Smoke formation.
• Ignition.
• Flammability.

You should choose those products where the level is the lowest and is designated “1”, for example, flammability G1, toxicity T1, etc.

Among other things, pay attention to the integrity of the packaging and panels without it. There must be no defects or any damage. Edges, corners and surfaces should not have any flaws. The protective coating should not have scratches or blisters. If one batch is purchased, then the color of all panels must match.

Prices

Of course, the main selection criterion has always been and remains price. Most people who start renovating look at their budget first. The Russian market offers various finishing options in different price categories. You can see the most common models of wall decorative panels in the table below.

Having planned cosmetic renovations in your country house or apartment, you are faced with the question of choosing a finishing material for the walls. And if 15 years ago the choice of materials was limited, today a fairly large number of them have appeared. One of these modern finishing materials is wall panels. They are easy to install, have a wide selection of colors and textures, and are created on the basis of both artificial and natural raw materials. How to choose wall panels, what material they are made of, and the advantages of this or that type of panel will be discussed in this article.

Types of wall panels

Today, wall panels are produced in three main modifications, which differ in size, shape, structure and installation method. Having a choice of one or another type of wall panels provides certain advantages when creating an interior. The final appearance of the walls depends on what type of wall panel will be used. The following types of wall panels exist:

This type of wall panels consists of planks with a length from 240 cm to 370 cm, a width from 12.5 to 30 cm and a thickness of 8 - 12 mm. Due to their size, slatted panels are most popular in cases where it is necessary to cover a room with a small area or a large number of corners. Installation of slatted panels requires the creation of a sheathing made of metal or wood. To connect each other, the panels have a tongue and groove, or only grooves. In the second case, tabs are used that connect two panels to each other. With this connection option, a small gap remains between the panels. The panel is fixed to the sheathing using special brackets or by fastening it into a groove with a self-tapping screw. Slatted panels are made from Fiberboard, Chipboard, MDF And PVC. In addition to the panels themselves, various corners, skirting boards, plugs, etc. are produced.

Unlike slatted panels, tile panels are made in the shape of a square with sides ranging from 30 cm to 98 cm. Such panels are attached mainly to the wall surface with glue or using clamps. Another important difference between tile panels is that only grooves and inserts into them are used to connect each other. Tile panels are made from Fiberboard, Chipboard, MDF, PVC. Perhaps the main advantage of tiled panels is the ability to combine multi-colored panels at different angles, which creates a unique pattern on the wall.

Among the three main types of panels, sheet panels are the largest. They are produced in size 1.22x2.44 m and 6 mm thick from Fibreboard impregnated with resins, or PVC. The working surface of the sheet panel is a multilayer structure with a printed pattern or imitation of tile, wood and stone. Sheet panels are mounted with glue, and the seams between the panels are hidden using moldings. The main advantage of sheet panels is covering large areas in the shortest possible time.

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that in addition to the decorative panels used to decorate the walls, there are also structural wall panels, from which internal walls and partitions are erected. It can be PS wall panel from various concretes, as well as modern panels for modular houses - wall sandwich panels. If the above types are decorative, then sandwich panels are essentially ready-made walls with insulation, vapor and moisture insulation inside. When searching and selecting such wall panels, you need to pay attention to the markings. For example, wall panels PS 30.9.3.0-6l deciphered as follows:

PS- wall panel;

30 - length in dm;

9 - height in dm;

3,0 - width in dm;

6l- serial number and material (in this case, lightweight concrete).

In addition, the photo shows sandwich panel marking:

Such panels are used in the construction of a country house or cottage, which is why they stand apart from the main types of wall panels. A prominent representative of sandwich panels on our market are Ventall-Ruuki wall panels, which are distinguished by their high quality and affordable price. Ventall-Ruuki wall panels are produced in Russia using Finnish technology and meet all GOST requirements.

Material for wall panels

It's no secret that the materials used in decoration directly affect the atmosphere in the house. A large number of different raw materials are used in the production of wall panels. Starting from ordinary wood and ending with glass and plastic. Most often, panels combine several materials. But you can find panels made of only one, for example, wood, PVC or glass.

Natural wood panels

Those who want to create a healthy and welcoming atmosphere should opt for wooden wall panels. Wood is used as a raw material oak, maple, alders, cedar or bamboo. A room decorated with wooden wall panels looks especially attractive and cozy. Wooden panels are mostly produced as slats and slabs. The exception is mosaic wall panels, which are basically made of fiberboard and covered with pieces of wood of different species or shades.

For those who strive to create an expensive and respectable interior, Boiserie veneer wall panels are suitable. They are famous for their luxurious appearance. Those who love the exotic and want to decorate their interior in an oriental style should use bamboo wall panels. These mats, hand-woven from pieces of bamboo and impregnated with special glue, perfectly convey the entire atmosphere of Asia. Mosaic wall panels, made on a fiberboard base with pieces from various types of wood, will allow you to create a unique and attractive wood panel in your room. One of the brightest representatives of mosaic panels are Canfor wall panels. Their feature is a magnificent imitation of stone made from pieces of wood processed in a special way.

Unfortunately, wood has its drawbacks, which limit its scope of use. This applies to a greater extent to rooms with high humidity. But this flaw is easy to fix. To do this, wooden panels are coated with a layer of wax or special varnish.

Chipboard panels

Waste from the wood processing industry has found its application in so-called chipboards. As wall panels, they are in many ways inferior to wood wall panels, but ease of production and low cost compensate for this disadvantage. The chipboard panels themselves are unattractive and are therefore covered with plastic. This coating made it possible to realize a wide choice of colors and different textures, which is perfectly demonstrated by the Skif wall panel.

Despite the presence of harmful adhesives, chipboard wall panels are widely used in interior design. This popularity is due to artificial turf, which makes the scope of use of chipboard panels almost unlimited. But these panels have one serious drawback in their use - they are extremely poorly tolerant of high humidity in rooms. In addition, the large weight of chipboard wall panels imposes certain restrictions on the method of their installation, so they are produced only in slabs. It is best to cover rooms such as an entrance hall or corridor with such panels.

Fiberboard panels

Perhaps the most common are fiberboard wall panels. This material is obtained by hot pressing of wood fibers, which allows you to create wall panels of any type. Fiberboard is a material that combines modern technology and natural purity. And in combination with low cost and various options for finishing the working surface, it makes them leaders in the wall panel segment.

Fiberboard panels can be fastened either to the sheathing or directly to the wall itself. The main condition is the absence of large differences, a dry and clean surface. The panels are connected either by locking or using a groove connection. Regardless of whether it is slatted, slab or sheet, fiberboard panels can be easily installed and replaced if necessary. These advantages provide enormous opportunities for their use. As such, fiberboard has practically no serious disadvantages. The only thing that fiberboard does not tolerate well is high humidity. The slats expand under the influence of moisture, and the sheets and plates are twisted by a propeller.

Separately, it is worth noting the options for finishing the working surface of fiberboard panels. In addition to conventional lamination, the surface can be covered with fabric, wooden mosaic, veneer, or simply painted. You can see the huge selection of colors and textures by looking at Isotex wall panels. This company is one of the leaders in production in this segment.

MDF panels

The twin brother of fiberboard is MDF, but unlike the first, MDF has a lower density. MDF wall panels have a number of significant advantages over conventional ones. For example, Isotex wall panels made of MDF, or as it is also called soft fiberboard, have sound and heat insulating qualities. This versatility makes MDF wall panels very attractive for interior decoration. In addition to its insulating properties, MDF can be given other useful qualities during the manufacturing process, such as fire and moisture resistance, as well as resistance to biological attack. It is these qualities that owe their popularity to Soyuz wall panels, which are positioned as fire and moisture resistant. Unfortunately, the advantages of MDF over fiberboard come at a price, which affects the cost of these panels. But when compared with the enormous possibilities for their use, the price will be quite justified.

PVC panels

As a material, PVC is quite widely used in various building structures and products. And wall panels are no exception. Due to their performance properties, such as moisture resistance, durability, the ability to apply patterns and create different textures, PVC wall panels have a wide range of applications. Combined with ease of installation and affordable price, PVC panels quickly conquered the market, becoming one of the most used finishing materials. As for the release form, the panels are produced in all three modifications - slatted, tile and sheet.

It should be noted that PVC allows you to implement a huge range of design solutions. Thus, thanks to a large selection of colors and textures, you can create mosaic wall panels with an imitation of tile or stone. In addition, panels with a core of fiberboard or MDF, covered with a layer of PVC, can easily create an imitation of marble slab or wood. Prominent representatives of this segment are Dpi wall panels, which, in addition to classic fiberboard and MDF panels, can boast panels with imitation stone and wood. The only and most serious disadvantage of PVC panels is their artificial origin.

Glass panels

Creating long-lasting, unique photographic designs on wall panels requires a strong and durable base that can protect and preserve the design. Conventional MDF or PVC bases are not suitable for such requirements. The solution was to use glass in wall panels. Such panels have many of the disadvantages inherent in glass, but with careful use and proper care, glass wall panels will last quite a long time. In addition, manufacturers are striving to apply modern technologies to this industry, which is reflected in the strength and protection of the glass surface. The most prominent representative of this category of panels are Skinali wall panels.

Gypsum vinyl panels

Today, the popularity of drywall is difficult to underestimate. Walls, partitions and even ceilings are made from this material. With the development of technology, plasterboard has grown into a new generation of finishing materials - gypsum vinyl wall panels. In essence, this is the same drywall, but instead of a layer of cardboard, it is covered with vinyl. Initially, this type of panel was intended for public spaces with high traffic. But gradually gypsum vinyl wall panels migrated to ordinary houses. These panels compare favorably with conventional drywall. They are much stronger and more reliable, they have a ready-made working surface with a certain color or pattern. Durafort wall panels are among the most prominent in this rapidly growing market.

Features of choosing wall panels

The different types of wall panels and the materials from which they are made determine in advance where they will be used. For example, glass panels will fit perfectly in the kitchen and bathroom, while wooden panels are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. The same goes for panel sizes. Thinner and longer slatted panels will allow you to visually expand small rooms, while large slab or sheet panels, on the contrary, are suitable for large rooms. These simple rules have been known for a long time. Difficulties begin when, when looking at the description and labeling of the panel itself, even more questions arise.

When considering the labels, please note that they indicate the characteristics and dimensions, as well as compliance with a specific SNiP wall panel. On the Russian market, all wall panels must comply with the following SNiPs:

• SNiP 2.08.0289 “Public buildings and structures”;
• SNiP 2.09.04-87 “Administrative and domestic buildings”,
• SNiP 31-03-201 “Industrial buildings”;
• SNiP 2.01.01-82 “Building climatology and geophysics”;
• SNiP 23-01-99 “Building climatology”;
• SNiP 21-01-97 “Fire safety of buildings and structures”;
• SNiP P-3-79 “Construction Heat Engineering” 1988

It will also be important to take into account such parameters as flammability, ignition, smoke formation and toxicity. The use of wall panels in interior decoration largely depends on these parameters. There are 4 levels for them, and the higher the indicator, the worse. Ideally, the label notes should look like this:

• flammability G1;
• flammability B1;
• smoke generation D1;
• T1 toxicity.

In conclusion, I would like to note that when choosing wall panels you should also pay attention to their appearance, with or without packaging. The surface of the products must be free of defects and damage, the edges must be intact without chips, cracks or irregularities. If the panels are multi-layered, then the protective coating must be solid, without bulges, deep scratches or damage. The color of the entire batch must match. If the batches are different, then the difference in color should be minimal. The locking joints must be intact and ideally match each other in shape. Following these simple rules will allow you to choose the right quality wall panels without any problems.

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Decorating walls with panels: 9 options for inexpensive but successful decor

One of the main issues of any renovation is the choice of the appropriate type of wall cladding in the apartment: a lot of ideas may come to mind - from wallpaper and paint to decorative plaster or stone cladding. But most of them require painstaking preparation of the surface for finishing work, are quite expensive and take a lot of time to install.

If such nuances discourage you from decorating your apartment, then maybe finishing the walls with panels is exactly what you were looking for?

The main advantages of wall panels

The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to wall panels is the huge range of this finishing material. You can find products with any texture and color.

Among the advantages I would like to note the following:

1. There is no need to prepare the base wall in advance. Wall panels for interior decoration by themselves will provide a perfectly flat surface, so you won’t need plaster.
2. Improving sound and heat insulation in the room.
3. The ability to conveniently and discreetly hide communications (pipes or wiring) under panels.
4. Affordable price that doesn’t put too much strain on the family budget.
5. Easy to install, significantly reducing the time spent on wall finishing.

In addition, decorative wall panels are a fairly strong, reliable and durable material. So the products can be considered a good investment.

Material classification

To satisfy the wishes of as many people as possible, wall panels are produced from various materials with different patterns and prints, colors and textures. They can have different shapes, sizes and properties.

By size and shape

I can distinguish 3 types of decorative panels, differing in their characteristics:

1. Type-setting rack. Many people call them “lining” because of their external similarity, even if this is not correct. Sizes range from:

• width – 10-30 cm;
• length – 250-600 cm;
• thickness – 8-25 mm.

As you can see, the length of some models of slatted panels is quite enough for vertical installation in small rooms.

Rack and pinion models are equipped with a tongue-and-groove fastening system, which greatly simplifies the DIY installation process.

1. Square (tiled). They are tiles with different patterns and colors, as well as sizes. They are mounted in the same way as slatted panels.

1. Leafy. Externally, they are very similar to hardboard layers with a wide range of sizes ranging from 122x244 cm to 260x490 cm. The thickness of the sheets ranges from 3 to 6 mm.

If the walls in the room are fairly smooth, then the cladding panels can be glued directly to them. Otherwise, you can’t do without lathing.

According to moisture resistance level

The material from which the panels are made directly affects their resistance to high humidity. So, when thinking about the type of finish for a bath or kitchen, it is worth clearly distinguishing between them.

Moisture-resistant panels have the following subtypes:

1. Made from natural wood, covered with wax or other special coating.
2. Made from cheaper materials, but finished with laminated film.
3. Plastic decorative panels.

Moisture-resistant materials include panels made of chipboard, MDF or fiberboard, as well as non-laminated models.

Ideas for arranging walls with panels

I would like to dwell in more detail on the features of the panels. After all, the material from which the material is created not only affects the aesthetic component, but also imposes some restrictions on the scope of their application.

Option 1. MDF panels

Decorative panels for interior wall decoration from MDF are made from wood waste using the hot pressing method. This makes it possible to exclude toxic phenol and epoxy resin from the material.

The absolute safety of the products allows them to be used to decorate not only the kitchen, bathroom or living room, but also the children's room. Decorative film with an original pattern or imitation of different textures will improve the aesthetic appearance of the material.

Laminated panels are resistant to dust and dirt. This in turn will greatly simplify the cleaning process. To clean, simply swipe the material with a damp sponge.

To mount MDF panels, auxiliary corners, trims, and strips are used, which are then laminated with a similar film and correspond to a single style direction.

Option 2. Based on fibreboards

Regardless of their shape (slat, sheet or tile), fiberboard finishing panels are made from wood fibers using the hot pressing method. They are slightly thicker and heavier than MDF models, but in terms of characteristics they are slightly inferior to them. But the affordable price and range of textures completely cover the shortcomings of fiberboard.

Despite the fact that this finish is quite environmentally friendly, it cannot be used in all rooms. So for the bedroom and kitchen it is worth choosing a different material.

Option 3. Based on particle boards

They are made in the same way as fiberboard, only shavings and sawdust are used as the main material. Due to the presence of binders in the composition, chipboard is considered a non-ecological material. They are susceptible to moisture, which is why they are not used to decorate a bath, kitchen, loggia or balcony, but can be used to decorate a corridor or hallway.

Option 4. Wooden

Decorative wall panels made of wood look elegant and aesthetically pleasing. They will add nobility and prestige to the interior.

Most often, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, linden or cherry veneers are used for cladding. Natural shades, carvings and gilding, and mirror inserts help achieve an additional effect.

Since even the use of special varnish impregnations does not help improve the waterproofness of the material, it is not used for wall cladding in the kitchen, bathroom or balcony. Even in ordinary rooms, to prevent the panels from cracking, it is necessary to maintain a standard humidity level of 60%.

Option 5. Cork

In most cases, cork panels are made of two layers. The bottom one consists of pressed cork chips, the top one is responsible for the decorative component and is made from chips with the addition of pieces of cork oak bark.

The cellular structure of the cork improves sound and heat insulation characteristics. Such panels are also quite strong, durable, and light in weight. Cork is not affected by fungus and does not attract dust, which makes caring for it easier.

Option 6. Plastic

For interior wall decoration, polyvinyl chloride panels can be successfully used. They are suitable for cladding any type of room due to their excellent characteristics:

1. Environmental friendliness. Plastic wall panels for interior decoration are absolutely safe for health; SES rules also recommend their use for finishing schools, medical and sports institutions.
2. Fire resistance. The ignition temperature of plastic sheets is 370 degrees, while fiberboard or chipboard sheets ignite already at 250. When burning, they emit half as much smoke as their “competitors”; moreover, do not forget that plastic is a self-extinguishing material.
3. Moisture resistance. The perfectly flat surface of the panels prevents moisture from accumulating on them, and the absence of pores makes the material an unsuitable environment for microbes and mold to live in.

1. Ease of installation. Decorating walls with plastic panels is not a labor-intensive process that can be handled without much experience. In case of damage to the structure, the product can be easily replaced with another.
2. Decorative abilities. The external aesthetic appearance of plastic panels makes it an important decorative element. A pattern applied using thermal film can create an imitation of any surface (for example, an imitation of brick).

Plastic panels can be divided into three groups, differing in some characteristics.

• Lining. The most popular size is 3mx10 cm. They are most often produced in white, but there are also color variations. They are a widely used material for exterior home decoration.

• Panels. The most popular length is 260, 270 or 300 cm, width ranges from 15 to 50 cm, but the most popular size is 25 cm. Products can be painted, varnished or applied with thermal film.

• Sheets. PVC sheets, also known as PVC plates, have a width ranging from 80 to 203 cm and a length of 150-405 cm. The most practical, in my opinion, are sheets made of foamed PVC, the top layer of which can be smooth and impact-resistant.

Option 7. Bamboo panels

Bamboo panels are one of the variations of wooden finishing materials. They are often used for interior decoration in African, ethnic or.

The main characteristics of bamboo materials include light weight, insensitivity to changes in humidity and interesting appearance.

Option 8. 3D panels

3D wall panels are a coating that has a very original volumetric effect. This model usually has a three-layer structure of:

• bases - gypsum with reinforcing stack, aluminum, MDF, etc.;
• a relief layer based on gypsum (plastic, aluminum, wood are less common);
• decorative and reinforcing layer used to give the structure greater strength. Most often, enamel or PVC film is used for these purposes; sometimes veneer or leather is used.

If initially 3D panels were created as a frame for walls, now the abundance of their textures, colors and patterns is widely used to decorate floors, niches and even furniture.

The three-dimensional texture of the material can be enhanced by using ceiling, wall or floor lamps.

Option 9. Glass

Glass finishing panels are a relative novelty on the building materials market. They have gained popularity due to their resistance to moisture and external influences.

Mounting methods

Despite the fact that all types of wall panels differ from each other in many ways, there are several common methods of fastening that are suitable for a particular material.

1. Glue. Used for fastening only if there are perfectly smooth walls and if the panels are light in weight. The glue is applied to the entire surface of the panel (for MDF and fiberboard in zigzag waves), after which it is applied to the wall.

1. Gluing to the sheathing. Let me note right away that this is not the most durable fastening method. Therefore, you should either abandon it or use mechanical elements as a supplement.

1. Self-tapping screws. This type of fastening to the sheathing is used exclusively in rooms with stable temperature and humidity levels. Despite its reliability, it has its own drawback - self-tapping screws prevent the natural expansion of the panels, which inevitably leads to surface deformation.

1. Clamps. They secure the panels to the base mechanically. The clamps themselves are attached to the sheathing using nails, staples or self-tapping screws.

Panel installation example

In this section, as an example, I will tell you how to decorate walls with MDF panels; this will prove that installing this type of cladding will not be difficult.

At the first stage of work, you need to stock up on everything you need:

• MDF panels (with reserve);
• wooden for sheathing with dimensions 20x40 mm;
• additional elements: corners, plinths, clamps, liquid nails.

After this, you can begin installation. First you need to make the lathing, which will become the basis for the wall panels. To do this, you need to find the most protruding section of the wall, from which you should “dance.”

Using a building level, drill holes at one end and the other of the wall and insert self-tapping screws into them so that they protrude slightly. Stretch a thread between the screws; it will serve as a guide.

1. Mark the places where the planks are attached, make sure that the distance between them is at least 40 cm and no more than 60 cm.
2. Attach the plank to the wall and drill holes on it in increments of 50 cm. Please note that as soon as the drill reaches the wall, you need to remove the plank and only then drill to the end.
3. Insert the dowels into the holes, install the strip and secure it with self-tapping screws.

We install other planks using the same scheme. Make sure that the block closest to the floor is as close to it as possible; it will also be useful for attaching the plinth.

When the sheathing is ready, it's time to start installing the MDF panels.

1. The panels should be fastened from the corner of the room, moving from right to left, perpendicular to the installed bars.

1. At the edge with the ridge, secure the element with self-tapping screws; on the other side, install clamps using a construction stapler or small nails.
2. The remaining panels are mounted in a similar way, each time joining the groove with a ridge.

1. The last panel on each wall must be cut to the required size.

1. After completing the installation of MDF, cover the corners of the room with special corners, simply gluing them to the panels.

Finally

So, to summarize: decorating rooms with panels is an inexpensive and convenient way to decorate. They are practical and can easily fit into any interior - from classic to country style. In addition, you can easily hide computer, electrical cables or USB panels from prying eyes.

You have read about the most interesting and popular options for finishing walls with panels, and after watching the video in this article, you will have the opportunity to clearly see the material. What type of coating did you like best? Send your answers in the comments to the article.