The Pros and Cons of Wall Panels

Paint isn't the only way you can transform the walls of a space, as there are plenty of modern options on the market. Changing or updating a room of your home can be done with various wall textures and finishes in the form of panels and boards, as homeowners are no longer limited to paint colours or outdated wallpaper.

Of course, like any wall covering there are pros and cons to installing wood panels or any other type of panelling. Factors to consider include installation, cost, as well as its versatility within the space. However, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your home by way of its walls, then wall panels are an attractive and cost-effective option, read on for the details regarding pros and cons!

Advantages of Installing Wall Panels

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Visual appeal of textured accent wall cladding

Of course, one of the main pros of installing panels is the visual aspect. Wall panels can be designed to suit the needs and tastes of any homeowner. Whether you choose wood panelling, fabric or faux stone, wall panels give any surface a pleasant look alongside a revamped aspect to a space.

Not only can they add unique focal points and visual appeal, but they can also work to hide any existing flaws on the walls. Wood panelling is an excellent tactic to hide flaws or unsightly marks, scratches, dents, or cracks that may have occurred over time in your home. The panelling of any sort can even work to hide cables from entertainment systems or electronic devices, whereas paint is not capable of this.

Interior acoustic insulation

Aside from adding visual appeal and depth to a space, wall panels (wood, PVC, vinyl, or brick veneer) also work to keep rooms insulated. Panelling is warm and provides both thermal and acoustic insulation. If you live in an apartment or home where noise easily travels, then panels should be considered to dampen the dispersion of noise.

Further, depending on the material, some models are flame resistant. So not only does wall panelling look good, and insulate your home, it has the potential to keep you safe and comfortable.

Wood Panelling Durability and Maintenance

One of the major benefits of panelling (not only wood planks) is its durability. Most are made of heavy materials, and can, therefore, handle their fair share of impacts, as well as last many years without needing to be replaced. Furthermore, unlike paint, wall panels can be easily cleaned and maintained. Wood or PVC models can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth and some household cleaners.

Fabric panels may be slightly more difficult to clean but if removable covers are an option, you can toss these into the washing machine. If damage occurs in your wall panels, you can easily remove, repair and replace them in a simple DIY job.

Wood panels can be sanded down and resealed to restore their former look and sheen. Peeling or old, faded paint is much more difficult to revamp, and will usually require the homeowner to re-do an entire room’s paint job rather than simply remove a single panel.

Cons of Installing Wooden Wall Panels

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Potential rotting

One of the major cons of installing panelling instead of giving your room a simple coat of paint is the potential rotting on the panels. Rot can easily occur on wood or fabric panelling if any form of water sets into the material.

Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done once rot has embedded itself, aside from replacing the entire panel. It's important to replace water-logged or rotting panels right away, as rot can spread and destroy nearby panels that are still in sound condition.

Warping

The potential of warping is especially true of wood panelling, as wood is very susceptible to warping and bulging when the temperature fluctuates or when panelling hasn't been correctly installed. Warping can occur with other materials as well but is less common in fabrics, vinyl, and PVC panelling surfaces. However, warping may still occur, so take the utmost care when installing your panels.

Lack of sustainability

Although it is slowly becoming more common to work with sustainable materials in our homes, most components used for wall panelling aren't yet sustainable. Even though there have been several steps forward in the field of degrading plastics, wood and vinyl, the production process is unfortunately not completely eco-friendly. 

However, one way to overcome this is to work with upcycled materials or look for those which have a green seal. These may cost more initially, but, over time, sustainable materials will greatly add resale value to your home!