
How Contract Wallcoverings Can Enhance Your Building
Posted May 01, 2023 by Dave Scaturro

Walls may not be the first thing your customers or employees notice about your business, but they can set the tone for their overall impression of it. Whether you’re in a temporary or permanent space, wallcoverings can be a perfect way to convey your business branding and aesthetic and take your decor to the next level. Read on for tips on how to select the right wallcoverings for your space.
Consider the Traffic
The first step in selecting a wallcovering for your space is to consider the amount of foot traffic it will see as it will impact whether you should choose a residential or contract covering. For minimal traffic areas, like apartment buildings, residential wallcoverings are recommended. They provide durability but are slightly more delicate than those in higher-traffic areas.
Contract wallcoverings should be used for high-volume areas such as sporting arenas, schools, hotels, and hospitals. This type of covering provides durability, is easy to clean, and meets the federal guidelines required by commercial business owners for physical and performance requirements.
Widely used contract wallcoverings include:
Vinyl coated paper
Paper-backed vinyl/solid sheet vinyl
Fabric backed vinyl
Each of these wallcoverings includes Type I and Type II categories. Type I is a lighter-duty covering mainly seen in office areas, hospital rooms, and hotel rooms, while Type II is a medium to heavy-duty wallpaper for foyers, corridors, and lounges.
The Aesthetic
Once you’ve determined the appropriate type of covering for your space, it’s time to look more closely at the aesthetic. You want your wallcoverings to match the look and feel you’re trying to convey for your business, whether it’s warm and cozy, bright and inviting, or branded with specific colors. Keep in mind that the fabric of your wallcovering should align with the climate you reside in. Colder climates require heavier fabrics such as wool whereas warmer climates should use materials like cotton and silk in wallcoverings.
Getting Started
It’s important to consider that commercial buildings in particular have a variety of requirements, including Class A Fire Ratings, that wallcoverings must meet. Working with an experienced contractor, like Alpine, can help ensure you meet these requirements while keeping your wallcovering in line with what you’re looking for aesthetically.
Our experienced team has more than four decades of experience installing wallcoverings across the Tri-State area. We know how to ensure your wallcovering is durable and lasts for many years to come. Contact our team today to get started on your next project!