If you’re just starting a new home and have a blank wall in your living room, maybe it’s time to think about getting a decorative wall panel. They’re an affordable way to add some pizzazz to your home, but whether you want cork or wood paneling, it pays to know the pros and cons of each before making the final decision. Cork wall paneling is trending again, but it’s no longer an exclusive choice for certain homeowners. You can find it in a variety of colors and patterns. The panels are usually made of cork, the same material that makes wine corks. It has a natural finish that can be sanded and painted to your liking, and it’s generally easy to install.
But cork isn’t the only option. You can also have decorative wooden wall panels, either on the wall or on the ceiling. In some cases, it’s made from reclaimed lumber, but typical grades of plywood are used for standard paneling. When installed correctly, wood paneling is a great choice because it’s easy to work with and install. Wood panels can be painted or stained to match your furniture or other room accessories. Regardless of which type of paneling you choose, it’s important to make sure your contractor knows exactly what you want. You can’t be too specific about it or you might wind up with something that isn’t as you expected. So think about how the new wall panels will fit in with your new home. Do you want to make it look like a country cottage or a more contemporary space? Go for a specific color scheme or just pick something that’s neutral. You can decide on the type of wood once you decide what kind of wall paneling to have installed.
Pros & Cons of Cork Wall Paneling
One thing that seems to be true about cork paneling is that it’s a bit pricey. It’s considered a luxury item, and it’s not surprising since it’s made from natural products. But you shouldn’t automatically assume it’s costly. While some cork paneling might cost more than other types that are made from wood, you can save some money the more panels you get installed. You can use more pieces of cork or choose to install fewer for the same price. For example, if you wanted to have 10 wall panels installed on one wall, your contractor could come up with a plan to do that and trim out the extra cost by offering you a discount. It’s the same way tile works, although it’s a lot harder to install more tiles on the wall than it is to cut panels of cork. As for what you can do with it, you can paint or stain cork wall panels, but they typically maintain their natural look. That also makes them a good choice for low maintenance homes.
The main concern with cork is that some installers don’t know how to work with it. Some people go with the wall paneling because it’s attractive and they don’t want to deal with woodworking, but when it comes time to install it, they find out that having professional help is the best choice. They might not even know what cork is or how to work with it. But when you hire a contractor who knows what they’re doing, you can be sure the workers will take good care of your precious wall paneling and in fact will do right by your home in general.
How to decide which wall to have Wall paneling done or have Wall Highlighter?
There are many things to consider when choosing wall paneling or wall highlighter for your home. It’s important to figure out what you’re looking for in your new design before you spend money on it. Wooden wall paneling, for example, can provide a rustic look to your living room while maintaining the more modern features like insulation and soundproofing. You might find that this is more appealing than an out-of-place wallpaper or paint job.
In addition to this, you’ll want to consider fabrics. Although wooden wall paneling can be a nice way to infuse a rustic look and feel into a modern room, there is also an issue with cost. Some companies use cheaper materials and poorly support the panels so they crack or break after time or with heavy usage. You may want to consider vinyl-covered wall paneling instead if this is an issue for you. Vinyl has come a long way as material technology has progressed. Most vinyl is not only easy to upgrade when it does start to peel or fade, but is also stain resistant and has a nice appearance.
For a more traditional look, you might be tempted by wallpaper. On the other hand, if your home is already equipped with wood paneling, you might consider this for a more uniform design throughout the room.