Wallpaper for commercial spaces is usually referred to as wallcoverings. Commercial wallcoverings are heavier and more durable than wallpaper designed for residential projects. These specialty coatings aren’t just decorative – they can benefit a commercial space in numerous ways.
The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Wallpaper
In certain areas and circumstances, residential wallpaper may be sufficient for use in commercial settings as long as they have an appropriate fire rating. But if your business needs something more durable that can hold up to heavy traffic, then using commercial grade wallcovering is recommended.
Commercial wallcoverings are more durable and require little maintenance outside of spot cleaning. Vinyl wallcoverings in particular are designed to hold up to daily wear and tear, high-traffic areas, and messy environments. This makes them an excellent choice for medical facilities, restaurants, daycare centers, recreational facilities, and other busy commercial spaces.
There are many types of commercial wallcoverings on the market. The Wallcoverings Association recommends that consumers consider several important characteristics when choosing coverings for their commercial properties. These include washability, scrubbability, and stain and abrasion resistance.
Many Wallcoverings Options Available
Wallcoverings come in nearly unlimited design options. Various colors, patterns, textures, and other aesthetic preferences are widely available.
1. Vinyl Wallcoverings
Vinyl wallcoverings help protect walls in high-traffic areas against impacts, shocks, scratches, and stains. Vinyls are rated as Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3, based on the weight of the material. These ratings help determine which is best suited for a particular area or type of facility.
Types 1 and 2 are typically used in hotel rooms, patient waiting rooms, and office spaces. Type 3 vinyls are used in heavily trafficked areas where greater wall protection is needed, including elevators, hospital and hotel corridors, and other spaces where abrasion from both people and equipment is likely to occur.
2. Acoustical Wallcoverings
Acoustical wallcoverings use a combination of artificial polyesters and olefin fibers to reduce sound transfer in interior spaces. Meeting rooms, offices, theaters, restaurants, classrooms, and other noisy commercial spaces can all benefit from acoustical wallcoverings. Acoustical wall tiles and coverings come in a wide variety of colors and designs allowing them to complement almost any interior style.
3. Cork and Wood Veneer Wallcoverings
These wallcoverings bring natural colors and textures into commercial spaces. They are often used as an accent or for a special finish in select areas of a building. Cork and wood veneers are not as durable as other wallcoverings so they are not recommended for use in high traffic areas.
4. Natural Textile Wallcoverings
Textile wallcoverings can be used on an accent wall in a room or can provide a soft visual texture to all of the walls in a space. Like cork and wood veneer, these products are not typically used in high traffic areas where scuffing, impacts, and stains are a concern.
5. Dry Erase/Writable Coverings
Made of vinyl and polyester, this is a popular wallcovering for classrooms and office conference rooms. The materials are laminated and can be written on with a dry erase marker. Dry-erase wallcoverings are available in several finishes including standard gloss, low glare, and magnetic receptive. The low glare model doubles as a projection screen which makes it ideal for classrooms and meeting spaces.
Advantages of Commercial Wallcoverings
Commercial wallcoverings offer a variety of textures, patterns, and styles that cannot be achieved by paint alone. Protecting your commercial property with a durable coating that adds a pleasing aesthetic along with maximum protection is possible with the use of modern wallcoverings.
According to the Wallcovering Installers Association, most vinyl wallcoverings retain their original beauty and performance characteristics for at least 15 years. Although the initial investment is higher than a commercial paint job, wallcoverings are cost-effective because they are long-lasting and require little maintenance.
How to Choose the Right Type of Commercial Wallcovering
When selecting wallcoverings for your commercial space, it’s important to consider a few factors:
- Traffic and Durability – Areas in commercial properties with heavy traffic need more durable wallcoverings. Hallways, employee break rooms, hotel elevator lobbies, waiting rooms, and building lobbies receive a lot of traffic and usually need the extra protection that Vinyl Type 2 or 3 wallcoverings provide.
- Maintenance and Sustainability – All types of wall coatings are designed to withstand things like sun exposure to prevent fading, but Type 2 and Type 3 vinyl products meet stricter guidelines for sustainability. If an area is exposed to a great deal of sunlight or other elements, you should select wallcoverings designed to resist fading and moisture.
- Appearance – Many property owners find that wallcoverings strike the balance between style and functionality in a way that paint alone can’t. Wallcoverings are a great way to add color, pattern and texture to any commercial property. Whether you are decorating a large corporate office or a small retail space, there is a seemingly endless variety of patterns and designs that can add style, functionality and promote your brand.
Hire a Professional Commercial Wallpaper Installer
It’s important to work with a professional installation company that can complete your wallcovering installation from start to finish. Removing old wallcoverings, preparing the walls, and installing new wallcoverings requires training and experience. Commercial installers must be adept at hiding seams, matching patterns, and following OSHA safety regulations.
The professionals at Adam Roe Painting work with commercial wallcoverings and can handle any size job. Our technicians are highly trained and keep up to date with the latest specialty techniques and materials. We offer a wide range of durable wallcoverings for commercial spaces. Our crews understand the importance of getting the job done right with minimal interruptions to your employees and customers.
Adam Roe Painting offers custom color matching, a residential exterior warranty of 5 years, and a one-year warranty on commercial and industrial projects. In business since 1985, we’ve served hundreds of satisfied clients in Treasure Valley and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with you.
