When it comes to choosing materials for interior walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The most common materials used for interior walls are drywall, plaster, brick, concrete, stone, and wood paneling. Each material has its own unique properties and benefits that make it suitable for certain applications.
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Drywall
Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is the most common interior wall material used in modern construction. Drywall consists of a paper-faced gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper. Drywall is relatively inexpensive and easy to install compared to other wall materials. It can be cut to size and attached directly to wood or metal studs using screws or nails. Drywall provides a smooth, durable surface that can be easily painted or wallpapered. It is not very soundproof on its own, but adding insulation between studs can help reduce noise transfer.
Here are some key advantages of using drywall for interior walls:
- Low cost material
- Easy to install and work with
- Takes paint and wallpaper well
- Smooth and consistent surface
- Widely available
Drywall is suitable for most rooms, including bedrooms, offices, and living spaces. It is not recommended for high moisture areas like bathrooms or laundries unless treated with a water-resistant coating. Drywall can be damaged by impacts and may require occasional repairs over time.
Plaster
Plaster is a building material used for coating interior walls and ceilings. Traditional plaster consists of lime, cement, sand, and water applied wet and allowed to dry into a hard, durable surface. Plaster provides a smooth, solid feel compared to drywall. It is more labor intensive to install as it requires a base layer of wood or metal lath attached to the wall studs before multiple coats of plaster can be troweled on.
Some benefits of using plaster for interior walls:
- Very hard, durable surface
- Smooth, seamless look
- Good soundproofing
- Fire resistant
- Doesn’t require painting for finish
Plaster is well-suited to traditional homes and rooms where a textured, classic finish is desired. It can be prone to cracking over time and repairs can be tricky. Plaster application also produces a lot of dust during installation compared to drywall. While plaster walls are still constructed in some new homes, drywall is much more common in most modern construction.
Brick
Brick is a classic interior wall material valued for its durability, fire resistance, and decorative appeal. Bricks are small, baked clay units that are bonded together with mortar. Creating brick walls involves stacking rows of bricks into the desired pattern. Brick surfaces can be left exposed for a rustic look or covered with plaster and painted over.
Key features of brick interior walls:
- Very strong and long lasting
- Natural fire resistant properties
- Traditional, classic appearance
- Can be used to add visual interest and accent walls
- More labor intensive installation process
Interior brick walls work well in dining rooms, dens, kitchens, and basements. Keep in mind that bare brick can create dust and be difficult to decorate. Brick walls are also prone to cracking due to settlement and age over time. Using brick for entire rooms or homes can be expensive compared to drywall or plaster.
Concrete
Poured concrete or concrete masonry blocks can also be used to construct interior walls. Concrete provides exceptional strength and durability. Concrete block walls leave a slightly rough, industrial aesthetic. Poured walls create a smoother finish. Concrete allows very little sound transmission, making it a good noise barrier. Unfinished concrete lacks insulation value, so additional insulation may be needed in colder climates.
Benefits of concrete interior walls:
- Extremely strong and durable
- Good noise blocking properties
- Fire, rot, and insect resistant
- Minimal maintenance required
- Contemporary, industrial look
Concrete interior walls work best in modern homes or commercial spaces seeking an urban vibe. The material can be leftunfinished for a raw look or covered in plaster andpainted. Concrete also pairs well with other finishes like wood or tile. Forming and pouring concrete walls requires expertise, so installation costs are high. Concrete can also make rooms feel cold unless properly insulated.
Stone
Natural stone is a high-end option for adding beautiful, durable walls to interior spaces. Granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone are commonly used. Stone brings unmatched elegance,visual interest, and artisan quality to any home. However, it is also one of the most expensive wall materials to install due to the weight and cutting process involved.
Benefits of stone interior walls:
- Extremely durable, lasts lifetimes
- Unique natural colors, patterns, and veining
- Conveys prestige and luxury
- Can be cut very thin while maintaining strength
- Adds aesthetic interest and warmth
Stone walls are often seen accent walls or fireplace surrounds to add flair to rooms without the higher cost of cladding entire rooms in stone. Natural stone pairs beautifully with wood beams, tile, or polished concrete floors. Granite, marble, and limestone polish to a high sheen, while sandstone is often used for a rougher, rustic look. Stone is very heavy and installation is complex, so costs are prohibitive for many buyers.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling offers a warm, organic look in home interiors. Panels made from solid woods like oak, cherry, cedar and pine bring natural pattern, color, and texture to walls. Wood paneling comes in different thicknesses and quality grades. Thinner panels are attached directly to studs or backing material. Thicker wood planks can be mounted on battens to stand off from the wall.
Benefits of wood panel interior walls:
- Warm, welcoming natural look
- Can use a variety of wood species
- Adds texture and visual interest
- Easier to install than tile or stone
- Variety of panel thickness and grades
Wood walls add personality and coziness to rooms like offices, libraries, and dining spaces. The panels can be stained, painted, or left unfinished. Wood paneling does require occasional maintenance through refinishing or re-staining over time. Moisture can also damage wood over time, so it’s best avoidedin kitchens or bathrooms.
How to Choose Interior Wall Materials
When selecting interior wall materials, here are some key factors to consider:
- Usage: Consider the room’s purpose and traffic. Entryways, hallways, and family spaces need more durable surfaces than formal living rooms or bedrooms.
- Moisture: Avoid porous materials like wood in damp areas prone to mold growth. Use water-resistant products in bathrooms or basements.
- Maintenance: Some materials like unfinished wood or brick require more ongoing seals and touch ups than low-maintenance drywall.
- Insulation: Uninsulated surfaces like concrete or brick may require additional insulation underneath to control energy costs.
- Fire rating: Public spaces may require materials that meet certain fire code regulations.
- Weight: Heavy stone or concrete walls require specialized installation processes.
- DIY skills: Choose user-friendly prefab panels or drywall if not hiring professional installers.
- Budget: Prices per square foot vary greatly, from $1-3 for drywall or $25+ for intricate stonework.
- Aesthetic: Choose the look that fits your style, from sleek modern concrete to cozy traditional wood panels.
Conclusion
Interior walls set the tone for rooms through their texture, finish, and overall appearance. Drywall is the standard go-to material for most of today’s construction, providing an affordable, neutral backdrop for decorating. Plaster and brick offer traditional, elegant finishes at a higher cost. Concrete and stone bring modern durability and visual interest. Wood paneling contributes warmth and natural design. Carefully weigh the factors of use, maintenance, installation, and budget to select the best interior wall materials for your space and style.