Wallcovering vs. Wallpaper
What's the Difference?What’s the Difference Between Wallcoverings and Wallpaper?
Many people would shrug and say that there really is no difference, but the reality is that they are two quite different products.
What is Wallpaper?
Wallpaper is exactly what it sounds like: a coated paper that can be applied to the wall and is mainly used in residential homes. Most often, the widest width of wallpaper is 52cm, and they applied simply with wallpaper adhesive.
Why Use Wallpaper?
Wallpaper is best used in residential homes on feature walls that aren’t in a high-traffic area. They can be applied relatively quickly to overhaul the look of a room.
What is a Wallcovering?
A wallcovering is largely made from a fabric composition and is much more suitable for commercial use than wallpaper. This is because it is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways, corridors, meeting rooms, and anywhere that may frequently be brushed up against or knocked.
Wallcoverings are often far wider than a normal roll of paper, from 75cm to 140cm, and are prepared in specific batch numbers for hanging purposes. They are often found with no trimmed edges ad mostly doubled-cut in position on the wall using specialist tooling and knives with cutting strips to protect the wall behind it and prevent seams opening up.
Why Use Wallcoverings?
Wallcoverings are best used in commercial settings due to their durability. The designs of wide-width wallcoverings are endless, and manufacturers have complete design libraries full of effects and patterns, so anything is possible including bespoke options. If you’re looking to incorporate your logo to stay on brand, this is the best solution.
The only difficulty in wallcoverings is in the speed in which they can be installed because despite the square metres covered and fewer seams, they do need to be professionally installed and the manufacturer’s guidelines must be followed with precision. The walls must be prepared correctly and the right choice of adhesive used, which is absolutely vital when using large wallcoverings like this or you may violate your health and safety policies.
A major benefit of wallcoverings is that they are often completely washable and are often fire retardant, so they are worth the extra effort.
Whatever you choose for your premises, always contact manufacturers if in doubt on what to choose and how to hang your wallpaper or wallcoverings.