Wall coverings elevate interior spaces and play a significant role in how people perceive a home or business. They offer many advantages over other alternatives, such as paint, due to their low or non-existent VOC content, ease of application, and longevity.
However, choosing the right type of wall covering is just as important as selecting the style, patterning, and color. In order to do so, you’ll need to understand the various types and how they differ.
Here is an overview of the difference between type 1, type 2, and type 3 wall coverings, including their most common uses. Remember, commercial wallcoverings are best acquired from a trustworthy printer who can help you achieve a custom look for your space with the right type to suit your long-term needs.
What Do Types Mean in Wall Coverings?
A wall covering’s “type” describes its numerous attributes, including how thick it is and which activities for which it is best used. Commercial wall coverings described as type 1 are still sturdier than wallpaper in most cases, weighing between 12 and 19 ounces per linear yard. Most type 1 wall coverings are made from textiles or vinyl, which helps them to stand up to wear.
Type 1
Type 1 wall coverings are intended only for areas that see light or moderate traffic, with minimal risk of sudden damage (such as dents or stains). They have some resistance to humidity but should not be used in areas that frequently experience heavy moisture or high humidity for long durations. Because they are not as thick as other options, type 1 wall coverings may be less costly than alternatives.
Type 2
Type 2 commercial wall coverings are some of the most common, weighing between 20 and 28 ounces per linear yard. These are the types of wall coverings frequently seen in hotel corridors, educational facilities, and other areas that experience frequent traffic.
Type 2 wall coverings are more resistant to impact and are more easily cleaned, lending themselves to areas in which people may be touching the walls or where some minor spills are expected (such as restaurants). They may be crafted with a blend of vinyl and textiles to improve their longevity and are easily customized with colors and patterns to suit your business.
Type 3
Type 3 wall coverings are the most durable, at 33 to 36 ounces per linear yard. Hospitals frequently use this type of covering due to its unbeatable resistance to damage, as gurneys and other heavy equipment may frequently skim the wall and cause damage to lower tiers of covering.
Despite the thick material, type 3 wall coverings are still easily customizable to suit your needs with patterns, graphics, text, and more, depending on your goals for a space.
These thick materials can be installed on drywall that is imperfect and less smooth than the other options, but it is still best to finish your drywall before committing to a wall-covering project.
What to Look for in Wall Coverings
Before selecting a wall covering, you will need to determine which type is right for you. However, be sure to consider other elements that may benefit your business, such as:
Texture — Using textured wall coverings is a powerful means of improving comfort in your space without dedicating extra furniture or taking up space. For instance, texture can add visual appeal and even reduce noise by absorbing more sound waves than a smooth, glossy surface would. This decreases echo and ensures your customers or visitors can hear each other without the need to shout.- Customization — The best wall-covering companies will offer thorough customization options and work closely with you to achieve exactly the visual effect you are aiming for. Be sure to select a wall-covering provider who gets to know you and understands your vision. They should be able to assist with everything from educating you on wall covering types to helping you design a graphic file for custom printing and offering installation tips to make your wall coverings a success.
Get Custom Wall Coverings from Industry Experts
Whether you are ready to add new wall coverings to your business or are still in the consideration phase, be sure to partner with a printing company that is eager to learn about your specific needs and goals.
The experts at Tree Towns have provided customized wall coverings to dozens of businesses, art installations, and more, and we are ready to help you tackle your next project as well. Contact Tree Towns to discuss your options and get started on a custom print order for wall coverings that suit your business.