Internal Wall Cladding: What are the Types and Advantages?

Whether you’re constructing a new property or refurbishing your existing one, you’ll likely require internal wall cladding. Quality interior wall cladding is a great way to add character to a room by preparing it for decoration – adding the finishing touches to your property!

To fully prepare yourself before embarking on your cladding for internal walls project, there are various factors we recommend that you consider first. Trust us when we say you’ll want to take your time with this aspect of your project.

Throughout our article, we’ll share some tips and advice to help you construct the best interior wall cladding to optimise your building.

What to Consider When Choosing Interior Cladding

Let’s get stuck in with the various considerations when looking at the different options for cladding interior walls.

Before you begin with your project, we recommend listing out the potential building materials you’ll need to use. Doing this will allow you to compare the pros and cons of each material and help you select the best option for your property.

Top Tip: It will help to ensure that the cladding you choose matches your existing flooring and ceilings (or future ones). You may even also want to include additional insulation behind it.

Some of the important factors you must consider include:

• Insulation – Insulation is a significant factor when considering internal wall cladding. There’s even the option to choose wall cladding with a layer of insulation. It will be more expensive, but can help save you money in the long run whilst keeping your space nice and warm.
• Appearance – Pay attention to the aesthetic and interior design of your property. This will guide you when selecting the best inside wall cladding and help you create a truly amazing space. With a property that’s practical and looks fantastic, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to change them for many years.
• Budget – Various cladding materials can be used for your walls and it’s important to select one suitable for your budget. Instead of considering your interior cladding for walls as an expense, consider it an investment that can make your property more energy-efficient and comfortable.
• Lifespan – Different cladding for internal walls will have varying lifespans. This is important to consider when selecting the right one for your building. Most of us will want to choose a durable cladding material that’s low maintenance and fits within certain budget requirements.

Once you’ve considered these factors, we recommend looking for interior cladding ideas that you can use for inspiration for your property and determine which you prefer.

Internal Cladding Materials

Different types of cladding materials are suited to different locations. Each type of cladding material will have pros and cons that it’s wise to compare before selecting the internal cladding for walls that you’ll use in your workspace.

When cladding internal walls, some of the most common options of materials used include:

Plastic Cladding

Arguably the most popular type of cladding used in workplaces across the UK is made from plastic. Specifically? PVC (polyvinyl chloride). A cladded interior wall made from this material is highly durable and can last many years before needing attention or replacement.

It’s most suitable for extreme work environments such as hot, cold or damp spaces. This cladding is available with added insulation to help you keep your property at a comfortable temperature (despite what the weather might be doing!). Using PVC internal wall cladding will also make maintenance and cleaning simple. We also stock a variety of colours so that you can easily find something suitable for your workspace.

Wood Cladding

Many individuals consider wooden cladding when browsing interior cladding ideas. Wooden cladding offers a different aesthetic to your space and you can use various types of wood. With that said, a significant drawback of using this cladding material is that it requires much more maintenance than other materials (such as PVC).

Depending on the wood you use, you may also need a protective coating as not all wood is resistant to rot and decay. Whilst it might not be a material that you want to use throughout your property, it’s popular in bedrooms, bathrooms and family rooms.

Metal Cladding

When browsing internal wall cladding ideas, many people neglect metal cladding. In fact, it can be an excellent material to use in some spaces. Typically, metal cladding is made from aluminium or steel – materials that are easy to transport and install, simple to maintain and 100% recyclable. 

Areas that include this type of interior wall cladding include:

• Kitchens
• Factories
• Warehouses
• Train stations
• Airports
• Retail shopping centres

Metal is an excellent material for areas with high footfall, however, one drawback with this material is that it can start to look tatty with time. To combat this, you can treat metal cladding with various coatings to help preserve it. Plus, you can match it perfectly with the colour scheme of your commercial interiors.

Stone Cladding

Another option when contemplating which interior wall cladding material to use is stone cladding. Stone cladding is an organic material that you can use in your property to create a striking effect. It’s a versatile option suitable for installation in a variety of areas, including bathrooms, kitchens or as a focus point in an office, living room or dining room. It can give your space that ‘rustic charm’ and requires very little maintenance. 

Maintaining Interior Wall Cladding

Now you’ve decided on the material, it’s time to talk maintenance. This will depend on the type of cladding of interior walls you’ve selected. Regardless, there’s always a suitable way to clean and maintain your cladding to keep it looking fantastic:

• Avoid Abrasives – We recommend avoiding using abrasive materials when cleaning your internal wall cladding especially on plastic, woof or metal cladding. This is because you could scratch the surface and ruin the finish.
• Use Soft Cloths – When cleaning the surface of your cladding, try using a soft, microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surface. You could also use a mild detergent. If there’s a spillage, ensure it’s cleaned before it stains and leaves a mark on your walls.

• Maintaining Wooding Cladding – Wooden cladding will require a bit more attention. It must be treated yearly to prevent it from decaying. The wood can start to change colour, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight, and you may need a neutraliser to restore its original colour. Avoid using bleach as this can leave marks on the wood or consider changing the colour/finish to hide any marks or blemishes. A strain or varnish can be used to help preserve the wooden cladding.
• Maintaining Stone Cladding – When looking to maintain internal wall cladding made from stone, you may need to use a more aggressive technique. A soft-bristled brush with a mild detergent can often help to remove any marks and stains from the stone, cleaning the surface from much and grime. Please ensure that you do not use power washers, acids, wire brushes, paint remover or bleach on the stone as this can ruin the finish by leaving permanent marks. Another option is using a sealant for your stone cladding to prevent it from staining or having marks that are more challenging to remove.

Reputable Suppliers of Internal Wall Cladding

When cladding interior walls, ensure that you use a reputable supplier for your materials. We offer a wide selection of cladding materials to suit the needs of your project, with a team of experts on standby to offer advice and guidance whenever you need it. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require further information.

We also supply many other products to help you build or renovate your property. From doors to lighting, look no further than Workplace Interior Shop for all your commercial interior needs.