Ireland has always been a country with a deep connection to nature. From ancient times ‘till now, we’ve cherished our emerald grasses, roving forests, and glassy loughs. But did you know that there’s a new trend sweeping the nation? A trend toward biophilic design. Biophilic (love of the living world) design is all about bringing the outdoors inside.
Today, we’re looking at two alternative ways to bring the natural splendour and health benefits of real wood into your home, without shelling out a fortune or having to worry about the upkeep.
We’re talking WPC wall panels and Wooden Wall Panelling (MDF wooden wall panels) – let’s take a look!
What is WPC Panel?
WPC stands for “wood plastic composite”. They are created through a fusion process between wood fibres and thermoplastics, making them lightweight and extra durable.
In Ireland, WPC is often used to make outdoor decking, owing to its natural water-resistance, but more and more commonly it can be found in the feature walls and wainscot panelling of Irish interior design projects.
We stock an extensive and diverse range of WPC tongue and groove panelling – sometimes also called PVC cladding – available in different colours, from pale and dark oak, to anthracite and walnut.
What is MDF Panel?
MDF stands for “medium density fibreboard”. MDF is composed of numerous hardwood and softwood fibres, compressed tightly together and sometimes reinforced with wax. MDF has been in use for decades as a sustainable, heavy duty yet affordable alternative to natural wood panels, and can be found in most homes: usually in the form of wardrobes, desks, and other affordable furniture.
In the case of Tile Merchant’s Wooden Wall Panelling (MDF slatted wall panels), the wood fibre structure is further reinforced with a foil wrap, and finished in either matt or gloss. We stock a curated range of MDF wooden wall cladding panels, selected for the designer and DIYer with an eye for contemporary style.
Pros and Cons of WPC Wall Panelling
Helping our customers find the perfect materials and products for their home renovations is what drives us, at Tile Merchant. That’s why we want to walk you through the pros and cons of both WPC wall slats and MDF wall panelling in Ireland – so that you are armed with all the info you need to make an informed decision. First, we’ll start with the pros and cons of wood-plastic composite (WPC) cladding sheets.
Pros
WPC is naturally waterproof, and thus won’t warp or swell with exposure to moisture.
● WPC can last up to 50 years, making investment in this type of wall panel long-term.
● WPC is cost-effective, with prices at Tile Merchant starting at just €50 per m2.
● WPC wall panels are super easy to install.
Cons
● Certain toxic gases can sometimes be released during the manufacturing of WPC wall panelling kits, such as chlorine.
● You can’t paint directly onto WPC slat wall panelling; instead you have to apply a putty to the material first.
● WPC wall panels don’t have the natural texture of real wood.
Read more about "Comparing MDF Slatted Wall Panels to WPC Wall Panelling: 8 Key Observations" on our blog site.
