Interior wall coverings

Some walls lack in style, show blemishes which we would like to hide or simply look bland. Why not highlight them? When it comes to wall coverings, the choices are limitless: decorative panels, veneered panels, MDF or HDF panels, wainscot, stone, cork. So many products, so many solutions which will enchant you!

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Decorative panels

Are you dreaming of a country setting with warm paneling for your bedroom? Or a washroom with metallic walls to attract attention and at the same time be water resistant? A kitchen with wall tiles to liven up the bottom of the cupboards? You won’t find anything better than this vast choice of decorative panels, which are introduced to you in a variety of models, colours and prices. If you think this will be a long and arduous job, think again! The truth is decorative panels are for everyone, even the least experienced. In fact, the most difficult part is to restrain your imagination and settle on the best choice for your room, decor and size of your walls.

There is a vast assortment of decorative panels. To help you find your way, we introduce some of the ones most popular with clients.

Thermoplastic panels with metallic effects

When thinking of walls in a room, two things must be considered: colours will make a room luminous or soft, whereas textures will enhance the walls and create proportions. Looking for something original while staying practical? Why not try these thermoplastic panels offered in a large array of patterns and colours. Size of panes: 18 in. × 24 in.

Often used to enliven ceilings, they are also perfectly suited for wall spaces, backsplashes and humid spaces such as near bathtubs and behind faucets. The benefits are many: resistant to chemical products, stains and impacts, they clean easily with warm soapy water and are unbelievably easy to install.

Installation
To install, simply cut the panels to the desired size (with scissors), apply glue or double-sided tape and assemble the panels on the wall. No visible joints!

Wood veneer panels

These panels (Cedan) are a favourite amongst do-it yourselfers, who select these for their rustic appearance. They come in three sizes: 8 in. × 96 in., 12 in. × 96 in., and 24 in. × 96 in. Designed for various wall applications, they are available in 12 basic wood species and four exotic wood species.

Installation
If you choose pre-pasted panels, simply apply to the wall with a heat source, such as a low temperature iron (slide a piece of fabric between the iron and panel). If you choose non pre-pasted panels, simply use a carpenter’s glue and voilà! We strongly recommend applying a varnish or stain on the panels to stop them from turning yellow.

Decorative sheets with metallic effect

Those wishing to adorn walls without resorting to traditional ceramic tiles will appreciate these decorative sheets which are easily installed under kitchen cupboards or as decorative panels around the house. Available sizes: 48 in. × 96 in. or 60 in. × 144 in. These sheets, which illuminate a room and bring a customized look to any space, are available in stainless steel, brushed aluminum or decorative metal. They come in 45 different patterns.

Embossed tile panels

These ceramic or metallic style panels were designed for humid areas. Since their primary quality is water resistance, they are often installed in bathrooms. But, why not try the kitchen? The benefits of these panels are interesting: easily maintained, no grout to clean, they are quite “avant-gardiste” and are easily installed with glue.

Installation
Some easy steps for installation: first, apply a coat of waterproof adhesive on the wall with a regular trowel. Then cover with adhesive all the back of the panel using a notched trowel. Before installing the panel, wait 5 to 10 min. for the excess solvent to disappear and for the adhesive to be sticky but not dry. Install the panel and let dry overnight, then, apply a 100% silicone sealant for caulking of perimeter and the joints. Plenty of do-it-yourselfers will convince you of the many advantages of this method as opposed to installing ceramic tiles.

Prefinished panels

Prefinished panels offer an interesting choice of wall covering for those who love the look of wood (or even brick) without costly prices. These panels, which are made of a thin sheet of wood, print or sheet of paper glued onto a sheet of plywood or hardboard panels, constitute one of the most popular products amongst wall coverings. Price has a lot to do with it, but also installation, which only requires finishing nails and a hammer or construction glue. Size of panels: 32 in. × 48 in. or 48 in. × 96 in. Veneered laminated panels are offered with grooved finish, wood grain finish (red oak, maple, cherry, etc.) and imitation stone or brick. These panels need no maintenance as they are prefinished. Easy and economical does not equate with less attractive!

Fiberboards (MDF and HDF)

Medium density (MDF) and high density (HDF) fiberboards are commonly used for furniture making, but also for wall covering. They come in prefinished half wall wainscoting and in hardboard (available in smooth finish as well as in various patterns, some of which being elegant wood imitating surfaces). MDF and HDF panels owe their popularity to their interesting properties: resistant to scratches and abrasions as well as temperature variations and humidity. They can be installed on any type of wall and in every room.

Mur Design details for hardboard
Amongst decorative panels, those from Mur Design represent a highly appreciated leading product. Made up of high density pine fibres (HDF), they transform walls in a very simple, fast and economical fashion. Heavy duty and easy to handle, they come in full sizes (48 in. × 96 in.) and half walls (96 in. × 40 in. or 48 in. × 32 in.) and in a variety of patterns. Wall strips are available (11 in. × 96 in.) and can be paired with panels for a more sophisticated look.

Before installing the panels, remember to store them from 48 to 72 hours in the room where they will be installed so as to acclimatize them to the ambient temperature. After this, install the panels with a pneumatic nail gun using finishing nails and an appropriate adhesive. Panels can be directly installed on the frame without any gypsum. For finishing, choose a paint, stain, lacquer or varnish. If you prefer a wood grain effect on the panels, apply a gel or alkyd stain with a paint brush.
Details on wainscot panels
These panels are made of high density fibres (HDF) and are sold with an oak finish or covered with a primer which is easily painted or stained. They come in sizes: 32 in. × 48 in. (half wall) and 48 in. × 96 in. (full wall). They can be cut, formed and drilled with standard tools used in wood working. They can be installed with construction glue, screws, staples or nails. For a better finish, use mouldings with the panels.

Wood wainscots

Wood wainscots are made up of strips fitted into one another, producing a country or even Victorian look and assuring you of an elegant finish, everywhere in the house. They are also a perfect solution for hiding wall blemishes or electrical wires.

Wood species and sizes
Sold in packages, wainscots are offered in various species of wood and looks: cedar, clear pine, knotty pine hemlock. Boards are 5/16 in. thick, 3 in. wide and vary in length from 32 in. to 96 in. Assorted baseboards and rails are available for some models.
Installation
Wood strips can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally. To install them, first determine the total height of the wainscot and cut the strips if necessary. Then, mark the wall with two lines, one on the top of the wainscot, the other at the bottom of the wainscot. These lines will be your reference lines. Start installation from the most visible section of the wall. This way, if you need to cut the last strip lengthwise, it will be less visible. Nail the strips one at a time by spacing them evenly and taking care to always check the plumb line. Continue until you reach the opposite corner. Cut the spline of the last strip for a clean finish. To finish, cover the top with a rail (nailed and glued) then install a baseboard. This will undoubtedly result in a stylized and warm effect in any room.
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