For the past decades, the wall panel has beyond its role as a mere interior design element. It has evolved from a lavish decorative component of elite houses and establishments to functional and structural use.

Due to innovation, many cost-effective and durable wall panel materials have been available to people at an affordable price. Today, acoustic wall panels are commonly seen in Singapore offices, establishments and homes.

Chic and elegant wall panels remain in the market, including the stainless steel and metal engraving plates in Singapore– ideal for modern contemporary and industrial interior design for most companies.

If you are planning to get one for your home, workspace or commercial establishment, here are the things you need to know about wall panels.

Wall Panels and Wall Panelling

Wall panels are board materials that are used to cover and protect the walls. Wall panels may serve two roles: decorative purpose and functionality.

Wall panels come in different styles, designs, materials and types. It adds an aesthetic element to the interior and exterior of the space and provides a uniform look.

Wall panels also provide a functional purpose. Acoustic wall panels in Singapore are the best soundproofing tool. For countries that experience harsh climates, they are wall panels that provide extra insulation.

Wall panelling is the process of installing wall panels. Houses, commercial and industrial buildings do interior and exterior wall panelling for aesthetic and structural purposes.

Most Common Materials Used For Wall Panelling

1.    Wood

Wood is one of the oldest and most common materials used for wall panelling. Wood, in the form of shingles, boards and planks, had been used as a raw and partition wall for old houses and cabins centuries ago.

With the availability and advancement of the wood cutting service in Singapore and globally, timbre panels have become more prevalent as plasters to concrete and brick walls, incorporating fancy woodwork and craftsmanship.

Several wall panels designs are made of wood. The old yet chic flat panels remain one of the favourites wood wall panelling. Shiplap is a type of wood wall panelling that mimics the appearance of an old wooden voyage ship. The wooden grooved-board runs horizontally across the wall. You can buy shiplap boards from a wood cutting service in Singapore.

Chipboard wall panels are engineered wood boards made up of wood chips, synthetic resin and binder.

Wood panels are durable, easy to source and install, and have natural insulation.

2.    Medium Density Fibreboard

Similar to chipboard, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood panel made up of chips, resin and was. There may be a wood cutting service in Singapore that offers MDF wall panels.

Because of the flexibility of the material, the MDF is mostly used as decorative wall panels.

It is easy to cut and paint on. There are textured and customised MDF in the market. You can request your chosen wood cutting service in Singapore to cut this wall panel to your ideal size and shape.

3.    Fabric

Fabric wall panels are simply wood boards that are covered in fabric. There may be a wood cutting service in Singapore that also creates fabric panels.

The best example of a fabric wall is the acoustic panel in Singapore. Fabric acoustic panels are a natural soundproof tool. Music studios, theatres, events halls and even offices use the acoustic fabric panel in Singapore.

This wall panelling is perfect for a noisy environment, eliminating unnecessary sounds and echoes.

4.    PVC

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride panels are made of high-quality and durable plastic material.

Because PVC wall panels are highly flexible, manufacturers created several PVC wall panelling designs. 3D Panelling is the most popular variant of PVC panel. The embossed design and texture add an aesthetic element to the interior.

Compared to timbre panels you can buy from a wood cutting service in Singapore, PVC wall panels are cheaper. It is also highly durable, water-resistant and low maintenance, perfect for the kitchen, bathroom or places with high humidity levels; however, it is not suitable for saunas and steam rooms.

5.    Metal

Metal wall panels are now growing in popularity globally. Many residential and commercial buildings use metal wall panels. It is for both interior and exterior use.

Metal is also a flexible material, allowing the panels to have curved edges and sharp angles.

Like the PVC, metal wall panels also have 3D designs. Metal engraving in Singapore enables companies to incorporate their brand name or other aesthetic 2D artworks into the stainless steel wall plates. CNC cutting service in Singapore can create popular geometrical shapes and designs.

Metal wall panels can withstand heat, making them fireproof. It also acts as a rain barrier, making the material ideal for exterior use. When it comes to aesthetic, companies that aim for a modern contemporary, vintage, rustic and industrial look prefer metal wall panels. Designers also seek metal engraving in Singapore for the added style and design.

Types of Wall Panels

Portable Wall Panels

Portable panels are temporary wall panels that are used to divide or isolate a space, separating and giving privacy to the specific spot. It is commonly used as temporary room dividers. It is moveable and can be wall-mounted from floor to ceiling.

Since this panel is moveable and temporary, it uses lighter materials. Vinyl, PVC, and metal are the commonly used material. In some cases, portable panels use Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and chipped board materials. CNC cutting service in Singapore can produce portable wall panels.

Schools, offices, workspaces and sometimes commercial establishments use portable wall panels. Some companies request their chosen CNC cutting service in Singapore for customised portable wall panels.

Modular Wall Panels

Modular wall panels are free-standing walls suitable for outdoor use. It can be described as high fencing or privacy walls. Unlike interior wall panels, modular panels may require a post as a foundation.

A wood cutting service in Singapore can provide timbre for modular walls. Modular wall panels also use laminated vinyl and lightweight PVC. Metal wall panels are commonly used in houses and buildings near the coastal area. A CNC cutting service in Singapore can provide customised high-tensile steel and aluminium for modular wall panels.

The advantages of modular wall panels are they are much cheaper than brick or concrete walls. Modular wall panels are easy to style; metal engraving in Singapore can incorporate 2D and even 3D design. They are durable and highly versatile. Boundary walls, retaining walls and corner blocks use modular wall panels.

Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic wall panels are excellent sound absorber. Acoustic wall panels use materials like wood, PVC or metal boards, covering it with fabric or canvas– an essential material for noise and sound reduction.

Apart from walls, ceilings also use acoustic panels to maximise soundproofing capability.

Acoustic walls are not limited to flat boards. A wood cutting service in Singapore can provide 3D acoustic walls for designs.

Even halls, offices, music rooms, recording studios and cinemas use acoustic wall panels.

Cinemas and recording houses benefit from the acoustic wall panel the most. It elevates the sound quality and cancels out outside noise. It is also great for privacy and confidentiality. It is easy to install, as well.

Faux Wainscoting Wall Panels

Faux wainscoting panels are popular decorative wall panels globally. Normally, faux wainscoting wall panels use wood as their prime material, but vinyl, PVC and medium-density fibreboard are the cheaper alternatives. You can apply these panels on the wall at chair height.

Faux wainscoting wall panels provide extra insulation and protect the lower half of the wall from foot and furniture damage and bumps.

Raised panel and overlay design for the decorative and aesthetic purpose of the faux wainscoting panels are available in shops or custom-made in a CNC service in Singapore.

Wainscoting wall panels have several advantages if you are aiming for an aesthetic interior design. Faux wainscoting wall panels are available in different and cost-effective materials. It is also a flexible wall panelling. A wood cutting service in Singapore can provide styled wainscoting panels, including sloped or sharp edges. This wall panelling can be cost-effective, depending on your chosen material.

Pressed-Metal Wall Panels

The pressed metal wall panel is the equivalent of the faux wainscoting wall panel. Both panels are for decorative purposes, and the only difference is the material. The pressed-metal wall panel uses mid-grade aluminium or stainless steel.

Pressed-metal wall panels can also have shape moulds, embossed patterns and textures, depending on the design of the metal engraving services in Singapore.

The pressed metal wall panel is also installed on walls at chair height; however, it is also applicable on ceilings.

The pressed-metal wall panel has several advantages, including fireproof quality and recyclability. You can install these panels in areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Wall Panel

Interior Design

The number one factor that you should consider when choosing a wall panel is your ideal interior design. One of the purposes of the wall panels is their decorative role. Here are the things you need to keep in mind when you are aiming for a specific design:

●      What era are you aiming for?

Although era and interior style does not restrict the use of wall panels, particular panels work perfectly on specific interior themes. For example, faux wainscoting is the darling of the Victorian period, while pressed-metal wall panels from a CNC service in Singapore can be used for modern contemporary design.

●      Are you going for a custom-made or manufacturer’s stock?

Some companies request metal engraving services in Singapore for custom-made metal panels. The brand’s name or emblem are engraved or carved on the metal sheets.

If your ideal design does not require a specific wall panel design, you can opt for an ordinary or mass-produced wall panel style.

Area of Installation

It is necessary to consider the area where you want to install your wall panels. There are wall panels that have weak moisture resistance like the chipped boards; therefore, you must avoid installing them in areas with high humidity levels.

Living rooms and bedrooms need extra insulation, and wood panelling is suitable for these areas. Faux wainscoting is perfect for places with heavy foot traffic where the walls are prone to damages caused by foot and furniture bumps.

Acoustic wall panels in Singapore are perfect for home cinema and office. Because of their noise-cancelling qualities, they are suited for environments that require silence. Board rooms and halls also use acoustic panels in Singapore for privacy and confidentiality.

Functionality

Although faux wainscoting wall panels are mainly for decorative purposes, they also serve as protection of the wall. Acoustic wall panels in Singapore are excellent soundproofing tools, perfect for offices and workspaces. If you want a quieter and more private room, you can also use Acoustic wall panels in Singapore for your home interior.

Apart from these qualities, your wall panelling should also be flexible and versatile when it comes to adjustments, especially when installing new outlets or hiding electrical wirings.

Maintenance

Generally, bare walls are more costly to maintain than walls with panelling. Exposed walls are prone to surface damage and need regular repainting.

Wall panelling also requires maintenance, although most wall panels are easy to clean and take care of.

The maintenance of your wall panelling will depend on its materials. Acoustic wall panels in Singapore may need vacuum cleaning. Metal and plastic panels such as vinyl and PVC will only require occasional wipes.

Material and Installation Cost

The cost of the wall panels varies depending on their material. Wall panels made of plastic such as PVC and vinyl are much cheaper than metal panels. The price of wood panels depends on the variety of wood material.

Custom-made panelling also adds some price. Personalised metal panels from a CNC service in Singapore can be costly. Extra fees may be added, depending on the size and complexity design of the wall panels.

You can always opt for recycled wall panels. Metal-pressed and faux wainscoting panels are known for their recyclability. Second-hand wall panels are cost-efficient than brand new boards and planks.

Cutting Edge provides the best and intricately designed decorative panels and signages in Singapore, making it the most trusted architectural and construction company in the country.

Cutting Edge is known for its impressive industrial expertise, its top-tier standard products and quality service in the architectural, interior design and building industries. Contact Cutting Edge today.