When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your manufactured home’s interior, wall panels can be a fantastic choice, offering both cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. These panels provide various color and texture options, making them versatile additions to your home. Today, wall panels are gaining ground over popular decorative solutions like tiles, becoming a preferred option for homeowners and commercial establishments.

You might be surprised to learn that wall panels are a relatively recent addition to the market. But what exactly are they?

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Wall panels, often referred to as wainscoting, serve not only as a means of adding aesthetic flair to your walls but also as a method to enhance insulation and soundproofing. Originally, they were used as insulators between stone walls. However, their role has evolved to provide an appealing visual element to interior spaces.

However, the benefits continue beyond there. Wall panels can also serve to prevent wall damage, offer structural support, and even conceal unsightly electrical cables, making them multifunctional additions to your home.

Types of Wall Panels

Wall panels come in three main types, each differing in shape, size, installation methods, and structure. However your choice of panel type can offer unique advantages depending on your wall paneling needs.

Rack Typesetting Panel

Perfect for covering smaller wall surfaces, rack typesetting panels are planks typically measuring between 2400 to 3700 mm in length and 125 to 300 mm in width. In addition they have a thickness ranging from 8 to 12 mm. Featuring grooves and tongues that facilitate easy fastening, these panels can often be attached using self-tapping screws or staples. The materials used for these panels include chipboard, PVC, MDF, or hardboard, along with various accompanying skirting boards, corners, and stubs.

Tile Patterned Panels

Mimicking the appearance of regular tiles, these square-shaped panels range from 30 by 30 to 98 by 98 cm. Ideal for creating diverse patterns and combining various textures and shades, these panels require adhesive material or capping work for installation. The panels are attached through inserts and grooves, with chipboard, PVC, MDF, and MDF being common manufacturing materials.

Sheet Wall Panels

For broader wall coverage, sheet wall panels are the go-to choice. Ranging from 1.22 to 2.44 m in length, with a 3 to 6 mm thickness, these panels feature a multilayered structure that often imitates materials like stone, tiles, or wood. Glue is commonly used for installation, with seams concealed by meticulous moldings. Resin fiberboard is often impregnated into these panels, adding to their durability.

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Material Options

The material used in wall panel production significantly impacts their performance and longevity. Let’s explore some of the commonly used materials:

Natural Wood

Popular wood choices for wall panels include oak, alder, cedar, and maple. These woods are not only environmentally friendly but also versatile in their application. A wax-backed coating is recommended to repel water when used in areas prone to high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Wooden panels are often produced using the hot pressing process, resulting in a wood’s appearance and characteristics but may be susceptible to temperature fluctuations and high humidity levels.

MDF Panels

MDF wall panels are produced under high pressure and temperature. Because of this these panels offer strong support for moderate wall loads, making them suitable for shelves and lockers. With excellent waterproofing and sound and heat insulation, MDF panels are durable and fire-resistant, making them a hygienic and long-lasting option.

Glass Panels

Glass wall panels require a sturdy base due to their thin and sharp nature. They are an excellent choice for creating reflective photographic images on walls. However, glass panels are susceptible to breakage and shattering, although options like toughened glass offer increased resistance at a higher cost.

Vinyl Gypsum Wall Panels

Vinyl gypsum panels, also known as vinyl drywall, are gaining popularity for their durability and attractive finish. These panels’ smooth vinyl surface enhances their aesthetics and performance, making them an excellent alternative to traditional gypsum boards.

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3D Panels

For those seeking cutting-edge interior design, 3D panels are known for their aesthetic excellence. These panels, available in various materials, including glass and PVC, allow you to unleash your creativity and personalize your space. Often used for decorative purposes, these panels can transform your interior into a captivating visual experience.

PVC Wall Panels

Rigid PVC panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility, durability, and water resistance. These panels are ideal for bathrooms and other areas prone to moisture. With environmental friendliness, fire resistance, and easy installation, PVC panels offer a well-rounded solution for many interior spaces.