In search of original solutions for finishing walls and ceilings in a living space, some people 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.
• Fiberboard.
• 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 baseboards, 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 ones. 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 rooms. 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 pattern 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.

Method 4: 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 noise 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 facing 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 a finish: 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 resistant to moisture, 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.

Plastic wall panels are also a recent material made from rigid polyvinyl chloride with a minimal amount of softener. The panels can be safely used in almost any room, even in showers, because... they have a number of significant advantages: waterproof, fireproof, hygienic, with a long service life. Plastic panels are the most popular variety among their “classmates”. This comes with a number of benefits. Let's take a closer look.

Properties of plastic panels

1. Environmental friendliness. It is worth noting that polyvinyl chloride is used for the production of food packaging, pipes, and medical equipment. According to the rules of the SES, finishing PVC panels are recommended for schools, sports and medical institutions.
2. Fire resistance. It turns out that the ignition temperature of the panels is +370 degrees, while panels made of fiberboard and chipboard ignite at +250 degrees. But that’s not all: as experiments show, PVC panels emit 2 times less smoke when burning than panels made of chipboard and fiberboard. And when tested for toxicity, it turned out that the combustion products of chipboard and fiberboard are one and a half times more toxic than their “classmate”. Also, do not forget that finishing panels belong to the category of self-extinguishing materials.
3. Moisture resistance. Wall panels, due to their flat surface, do not retain moisture at all, and the absence of pores means that germs and mold cannot grow on the wall surface. That is why the material is often used in the bathroom and kitchen.
4. Easy to install. It's no secret that installing panels is not difficult; even a not very experienced craftsman can handle it. The material does not require any preparatory work or surface leveling. Moreover, the damaged part of the structure is easily replaced.
5. Decorative abilities. Plastic panels have a wide selection of colors and shapes. There are options with a pattern applied to the surface using thermal film. The material can decorate any surface, making it considered the most popular finishing option.

Size of plastic panels

The thickness of the panels can be divided into two subtypes - 5 mm and 8,9,10 mm. The second subtype (size 8-10 mm) includes moldings of the same size.

1. Lining. The length of the panel is 3 m, width – 10 cm and a rarer one – 12.5 cm (has a double profile). The most popular are “European” with a wide lock and another less popular option with a narrow lock is “polka”. Produced mainly in white, less often found in color.
2. Panel. The most popular lengths of plastic panels are 260, 270 and 300 cm; the width can be 15 - 50 cm, but the most common size is 25 cm. The panel can be painted, varnished or coated with thermal film. An almost invisible seam when assembled is the main difference between the panel and the lining.
3. Sheet. PVC sheets can also be called PVC plates. The sheet width can be 80-203 cm, length - from 150 to 405 cm. The most popular sheets are made of foamed PVC, while the top layer of the panel can be impact-resistant and smooth.

Advantages of using wall panels

Using wall panels as a finishing material, you can avoid such preparatory issues as leveling the walls, as well as removing old plaster, wallpaper and paint, i.e. pre-finishing of walls. In addition, installing wall panels does not require special tools or equipment, nor does it require special qualifications of a craftsman. All you need for this is a stapler, nails, blocks of wood and the panels themselves. Among other things, wall panels will provide excellent sound and heat insulation in the room and masking of computer, telephone and other electrical cables. They do not need special care either; all that is required is to wipe them once a month with any detergent or just a damp cloth. And if necessary, damaged elements are easily replaced. But usually wall panels have a long service life, they are durable, hygienic and resistant to mechanical stress - all this will eliminate the need for annual cosmetic repairs.

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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 facilitates 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 at 250. When burned, they emit half as much smoke as their “competitors,” and 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. Most often they are 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. It is 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.

Visitors to the OBI hypermarket order goods for construction and home renovation online. Decorative panels made from strong and durable materials are constantly presented in the electronic catalogue. There are more than 200 products from trusted manufacturers in stock. The cost of goods ranges from 50 to 4500 rubles per unit. All products are provided with long-term warranties and are sold wholesale and retail.

When purchasing decorative panels, you must carefully select products according to the following parameters:

• . Material of manufacture.
• . Dimensions.
• . Shade.
• . Invoice.

Plastic products are characterized by minimal price and maximum resistance to moisture. Elements made of wood, chipboard and MDF are not recommended for use in rooms with high levels of humidity (bathroom, kitchen, toilet, toilet). Products made from natural and artificial stone are characterized by increased strength and complexity of mechanical processing.

PVC panels usually have a single neutral color. They are often used for wall cladding when performing economy class renovations. Decorative elements made from MDF have an attractive appearance. During installation, they are protected from the destructive effects of moisture with a protective layer of paint or varnish. Mosaic elements are more expensive than other analogues; they are often used in the design of premises.

Buyers of the OBI hypermarket, when placing an order and selecting goods, benefit from free consultations from trained employees. Additionally, our resource has built-in services. Services and operations operate around the clock.

Payment and delivery methods

1. Buy goods online with delivery

• . You can pay for your order in cash or by bank transfer.
• . You will agree on the date and time of delivery with the operator by phone when confirming the order.
• . The conditions for the free provision of the service depend on the city, amount and weight of the product.
• . Unloading of goods, lifting and carrying are considered additional services and may be paid separately, check with the store operator.

Detailed information about intervals and zones by city, conditions for unloading and picking up orders is located, where you can independently calculate the cost of your delivery in advance, indicating the postal address and parameters for unloading.

1. Order and pick up where you want

• . When filling out the order form, indicate the date and time convenient for you to visit the hypermarket.
• . You can pay for your purchase in cash or by bank transfer at the store's cash desks.

Purchased goods can be picked up independently at any of the OBI stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ryazan, Volgograd, Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Krasnodar, Surgut, Bryansk, Tula and Volzhsky.

PVC panels are a practical and durable material, and therefore are widely used in. They are suitable for any room, and the variety of textures, shapes and colors allows you to make the interior not just cozy, but also very stylish. The fastening technology is quite simple, so decorating walls with plastic panels is an excellent option for a novice craftsman.

Selecting panels for finishing

The range of plastic panels is so large that it is very difficult for an inexperienced buyer to understand. To avoid mistakes, you should familiarize yourself in advance with the characteristics of this material and its varieties. You should only consider certified material, because low-quality panels do not have the required strength and quickly fade.

The main advantages of plastic panels:

The disadvantage of this material is its low impact resistance, so the panels should be handled with care during transportation and installation. Depending on the coating, the panels are divided into matte and glossy, and according to the technology of applying the pattern - into film and printed.

Standard sizes:

• width from 200 to 350 mm;
• length from 2700 to 3000 mm;
• thickness from 8 to 10 mm.

The strength of the material depends not only on the thickness of the walls, but also on the number of stiffeners located inside the panel. To check how durable the material is, you need to press your finger on the surface - if the plastic bends, the panel will not last long.

Besides, You should not buy panels if:

Comparative table of characteristics of PVC panels (for comparison, plastic panels with a flexo printing coating type, 0.25 m wide and 3 m long are taken)

Prices for popular finishing wall panels

Preparatory stage

Preliminary calculations

You need to start by calculating the amount of finishing material so that you don’t have to overpay or go to the store for an additional batch. The panels can be mounted both vertically and horizontally, depending on the wishes of the apartment owners. When mounting vertically, the number of panels is calculated as follows: measure the length of the perimeter of the room, subtract the width of the openings and divide by the width of one panel. To the resulting number add 2-3 lamellas in reserve.

For horizontal installation, measure the area of ​​the room minus door and window openings and divide by the area of ​​one panel. Here the margin should be at least 10%, since the consumption of material for trimming increases. Additionally, you need to calculate the number of slats for the sheathing and fasteners. First, the height of the walls is divided by the sheathing pitch, which is usually 0.5 m, and multiplied by the perimeter of the room. The resulting number indicates the length of the slats in linear meters. By measuring the height of the corners and multiplying it by their number, we obtain the total footage of the corner profiles; to this number you need to add the perimeter of window and door openings.

Methods for attaching lamellas

There are three ways to fasten the panels to the wall - using glue, self-tapping screws and clamps. The first method is suitable for very even and smooth walls; glue is used special for PVC, universal “Moment-installation” or “liquid nails”.

The use of this method simplifies and reduces the cost of the installation process, since there is no need to attach the sheathing. Disadvantages: it is impossible to replace a damaged panel; during subsequent repairs it is difficult to remove the covering from the wall.

Fastening with self-tapping screws is a reliable and convenient option that does not require a perfectly flat surface. To screw in the screws, you definitely need a screwdriver, otherwise the installation process will take a long time. Disadvantages of this method: a wooden frame is better suited for self-tapping screws, so additional time is spent cutting the timber and processing it

The third option is the most optimal. The clamps are conveniently and quickly attached to the sheathing and securely fix the panels to the wall. The lathing is mounted from a metal profile, the assembly of the covering is carried out effortlessly. A damaged lamella can be easily replaced with a new one; dismantling the finish also does not take much time.

Tools and necessary materials

During the work, everything should be at hand, so materials and tools for installation are prepared in advance. You will need:

• fine-toothed hacksaw;
• pencil and tape measure;
• level;
• square;
• plastic panels;
• slats or plastic profile;
• dowel-nails, screws or clamps;
• screwdriver;
• perforator;
• antiseptic composition;
• sealant;
• ceiling plinth.

Preparing the walls

Before covering the walls with panels, you need to clear the old coating, seal every single crack, noticeable defects and treat the surface with an antifungal agent. Thanks to this, dust will not accumulate under the plastic and mold will not develop, which negatively affects the microclimate in the room. If the installation will be carried out on a frame, it is not necessary to additionally level the surface.

Prices for mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Installation of plastic panels

Step 1. Marking the walls

The sheathing should be fastened strictly according to the level, this will help to avoid distortions. In order not to measure out each rail, you should make markings on the walls. The bottom row of the sheathing should be located 1-2 cm above the floor, so mark a point at this height on the wall with a pencil, and then use a level to draw a horizontal line along the entire perimeter. Exactly the same line is drawn under the ceiling or along the edge of the trim if the walls are not sheathed to the full height. Next, measure 40-50 cm upward from the bottom line, place a beacon, and so on until the very top. Strictly parallel lines are drawn through the beacons along the perimeter of the walls. The marking is ready.

The panels must be attached to the sheathing perpendicularly, so the horizontal frame is sheathed vertically, and vice versa. To make markings for vertical sheathing, the first line is drawn in the corner from ceiling to floor using a plumb line. Next, mark the second corner, and then draw the remaining lines in increments of 50 cm.

Step 2. Installation of the sheathing

If wood is used for the sheathing, all slats must be primed with an antiseptic agent in advance. Along the marking lines, holes for dowels are drilled with a hammer drill at a distance of 50 cm, then slats are applied, leveled horizontally and secured to the wall. Where the walls are uneven, wooden wedges are placed under the sheathing. If wiring runs along the wall, it must be hidden under the trim. To do this, take measurements, drill holes in the wall and secure the wires with clamps so that they do not protrude beyond the plane of the sheathing.

Step 3. Attaching the slats

The first lamella is installed in the far corner from the entrance, which is considered the most noticeable.

Take measurements and, if necessary, cut the panel to length with a hacksaw. One edge of the panel is inserted into the side molding, applied to the corner and secured to the sheathing from the back.

The second lamella is inserted into the mounting groove of the first, the joints are pressed tightly and fixed to the frame slats.

To achieve maximum sealing of the joints, the side edges are lightly coated with silicone before insertion. All subsequent elements are mounted in exactly the same way.

Holes are cut out in the panels for switches and sockets with a sharp knife, and after installation, these areas are covered with plastic boxes. The last lamella most often requires cutting in width, so first try it on the wall, mark the cutting line with a pencil and cut off the excess with a hacksaw.

Step 4. Installing moldings

After installing all the elements, the surface should look monolithic and smooth, without gaps at the seams and around the perimeter. To do this, all corners, joints and connections are covered with special plastic moldings. Their design allows you to carefully insert the edges of the panels on both sides, making the corners look much more attractive.

Finally, decorative molding is installed around the perimeter of the ceiling, and plastic molding is attached around the perimeter of the floor. At this point, finishing the walls with PVC panels is considered complete. With careful use, the panels do not lose their attractiveness for a long time and do not require repairs.

Video - Wall decoration with plastic panels