PVC panels: types and application possibilities. How to choose plastic panels for the bathroom? Which company's plastic panels are better?

Updated: 01/27/2020 16:55:44

Expert: David Weinberg

*Review of the best sites according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

IN last years More and more Russian homeowners are giving preference to special panels when decorating walls. This building material allows you to revive the interior, perform installation work yourself, and save money during renovations. Today on the domestic market there are products different manufacturers. They differ in material, shape, price, etc. To choose the most suitable wall panels for a particular room, you should listen to the recommendations of experts.

How to choose wall panels

1. Types of wall panels. Most often, buyers encounter three types of wall panels. Lath products are produced in the form of slats 240-370 cm long, 12.5-30 cm wide, 8-12 mm thick. This finish is best suited for small spaces; the individual elements are connected using tongues and grooves. Tile panels are made in the form of squares measuring 30-98 cm. Such elements are fastened with glue or clamps. With their help, it is possible to create unique drawings. The largest are sheet panels. They reach overall dimensions from 1.22 to 2.44 m. It is best to use such finishing in large rooms; installation takes place in the shortest possible time.
2. Base material. All decorative panels consist of a base and a covering. PVC products have become the most popular. They are lightweight, affordable and moisture resistant. Fiberboard panels made from wood fiber sheets are considered easy to use. The outer surface is covered decorative film. MDF has become a popular material not only for making furniture, but also for decorating walls. Distinctive feature This material is heat and sound proof. Gypsum elements are considered one of the most environmentally friendly panels. They add zest to the interior, while also having affordable price. Exclusive design allows you to create a traffic jam in the room. This material combines lightness and environmental friendliness; it retains heat well and does not allow sound to pass through. Cork panels should not be installed only in damp rooms.
3. Installation methods. When purchasing wall panels, it is important to consider how they are attached. If the base has a perfectly flat surface, then you can use a special adhesive composition or liquid nails. A reliable mounting option is considered mounting hardware, however, often requires lathing.

We have selected 13 of the best manufacturers of wall panels for our review. Their products are widely represented in the Russian retail chain; they have received high marks from experts and positive user reviews.

Which is better, tiles or wall panels?

Rating of the best manufacturers of wall panels

Best PVC Wall Panels

PVC wall panels are widely used. Due to their moisture resistance, they can be used in all heated rooms, as well as in some buildings without heating. Experts highly rated the products of the following brands.

Forte

The leading European manufacturer of PVC wall panels is the Italian company Forte. Behind high quality products and a rich assortment, experts gave the brand first place in our rating. Advanced equipment, strict selection of raw materials and strict control at every stage of the production chain allowed the company to achieve stable quality. Domestic consumers can choose finishing materials from two collections, where there are about 20 different colors. In addition to wall panels, the company produces accordion doors, as well as sliding curtains for showers and bathtubs.

Users give flattering comments about the quality of wall panels, a wide range of decors, and durability. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• high quality;
• wide range of colors;
• durability;
• stylish design.

Flaws

• high price.

Venta

Operating on the European market since 1993 building materials Belgian company Venta. The brand has become a leading manufacturer of PVC wall panels. Among the company's clients are consumers not only from Europe, but also from the American continents and the countries of the former USSR. Since 2003, a branch of the Belgian company has been operating in the Moscow region, which is equipped with modern equipment and high-quality raw materials. Thanks to the location of the production site in our country, it was possible to find the optimal combination of price and quality.

Russian consumers praise the products for their affordable price and beautiful appearance. The brand failed to surpass the leader in the rating due to the fragility of thin panels. Therefore, cutting the material must be done with extreme caution.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• simple installation;
• beautiful appearance;
• color retention over time.

Flaws

• thin panels break easily.

Deceuninck

Another Belgian concern made it into the top three in our rating. The Deceuninck Group was founded in 1937, having won the trust and loyalty of consumers from different countries. Today the company has 14 production sites, 22 warehouses and 3,600 employees. In our country, the interests of the manufacturer are represented by the Deceuninck Rus Ltd division. Experts highly appreciated the socially responsible approach to release PVC products. The brand is associated with environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and innovation. In 2018, the concern's products became a laureate in the "Energy Efficiency" category at the "Innovations in Construction" exhibition.

Those consumers who purchased the systems exterior finishing, note the beauty and functionality of the finish. Users cite the high price as a disadvantage of the product.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• energy efficiency;
• beautiful appearance;
• ease of use.

Flaws

• high price.

PVC panels Century

The largest Russian manufacturer of PVC panels is Vek LLC. The company specializes in the production finishing materials For interior spaces. Plastic is environmentally friendly and does not emit toxic substances. The production chain uses German, Italian and Russian film, which has been certified and has the necessary qualities. To give an aesthetic appearance Imitation printing is used, and the uniqueness of the interior is ensured through the author's designs.

Experts highly appreciated the two-layer varnish coating of the panels, which is resistant to mechanical stress. Users liked the affordable price and elegant appearance. But the fragility and persistent smell did not allow the brand to take a prize in the ranking.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• beautiful appearance;
• wide selection of colors and textures;
• ease of maintenance.

Flaws

• no significant ones were found.

One of the most high-tech enterprises in the world that produces PVC panels is the Chinese company Shanghai Zhuan. In the company's catalog you can find sandwich panels, blinds, aluminum products, etc. Russian consumers are already well aware of PVC wall and ceiling panels, as well as their components. Experts were surprised by the variety of colors and wide range of standard sizes. In this way, the manufacturer tries to satisfy the requirements of any client. At the same time, the model range is constantly updated; today panels with 3D images, with holographic pictures imitating mosaics, have appeared on the market.

Advantages

• high-tech production;
• spectacular design;
• constant update model range;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• smell of plastic;
• inaccurate dimensions.

Green Line

In the Russian city of Kolchugino, the production of plastic panels with the Green Line trademark is located. The combination of many years of experience and modern equipment allows us to create high-quality products. The manufacturer uses only environmentally friendly raw materials from Europe and the USA, which do not support combustion. TO strengths panels, experts attribute 100 percent moisture resistance, good sound insulation, a wide range of. Using UV printing technology, unique designs and logos can be applied to products.

Users speak flatteringly about the reliability and quality of workmanship. There are complaints about the tone of panels from the same series; it is not always possible to find the required sizes.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• moisture resistance;
• UV printing;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• the tone of panels from the same series is different;
• limited range of standard sizes.

Aquatone

The production company Aquaton has been working in the domestic construction market for more than 16 years. The company produces a wide range of finishing materials from PVC and fiberboards. At the plant in the Kursk region, moisture-resistant panels, plastic products with acrylic coating, 3D effect, etc. are made. The manufacturer managed to achieve a combination of lightness and strength through PVC foaming technology. The presence of modern equipment allows you to accurately imitate stone, tile or wood. To prevent the image from being washed off for many years, the surface is covered with a protective layer of waterproof varnish. Wall panels can be mounted using glue or staples (in the case of lathing).

Positive consumer reviews allowed the brand to get into our rating.

Advantages

• rich assortment;
• ease;
• strength;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• unpleasant odor;
• inaccurate dimensions.

Vivaldi

The history of Vivaldi began 30 years ago, the first production site was built in Taiwan. In 2010, products bearing this brand began to be produced in Russia. Experts included the brand in our rating for the unique design of textured films, fire safety and durability. Wall panels have a Russian certificate of conformity and meet strict hygienic requirements. The advantages of Vivaldi finishing material include moisture resistance, versatility, ease of installation, and affordable price.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the panels, stylish appearance, and ease of operation. The brand's disadvantages include a modest color palette, a small range of standard sizes, and the lack of additional items for sale.

Advantages

• installation versatility;
• moisture resistance;
• durability;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• few colors;
• small selection of standard sizes.

The best MDF wall panels

The scope of application of MDF wall panels is limited to dry, warm rooms. With their help you can make the room warmer and quieter. Experts liked the products of one brand the most.

Aplast

A wide range of finishing materials is produced by the production and trading company Aplast. Domestic consumers are offered products made from PVC, MDF, HDF. The experts were particularly interested in MDF wall panels. Decorative sheet materials They are distinguished by an accurate imitation of wood, brick and stone masonry. The manufacturer managed to achieve this effect through embossing. There are special overlays to connect individual panels into a single composition. Interior MDF panels will help you decorate your kitchen in style. The brand's new products are high-gloss kitchen aprons with embossing and shimmer effect.

Users are satisfied with the combination of quality and affordable price, impressive appearance, ease of installation and operation.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• unique decor;
• affordable price;
• ease of care.

Flaws

• low moisture resistance.

Best Gypsum Wall Panels

The high popularity of plasterboard finishing has made gypsum-based wall panels in demand in our country. Durability and reliability are complemented by environmental friendliness, which is what experts noted.

Artpole

A new extraordinary project in the world of design is the 3D Artpole panels. The company focused its efforts on the production of gypsum wall coverings. They attract users with their seamless connection, environmental friendliness and non-flammability. Today, the consumer is offered different design options; accessories are developed specifically for order. High product quality is ensured by strict control at each stage of production. The products were appreciated not only in our country, but also in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The brand is included in our rating for its high-quality and stylish products, which are sold at affordable prices.

Since 1999, the Portuguese company Egen has been producing finishing materials. Cork wall panels are of particular interest to domestic consumers. But the range is not limited to one type of finishing materials; the company produces ceramic tiles and sanitary products. Experts note the high level of quality that meets the requirements of international standards. Among the consumers are serious companies from central and eastern Europe. The brand was included in our rating not only for its excellent quality, but also for its wide selection of textures and colors.

Users praise Egen cork wall panels for the warm and cozy atmosphere in the room, unique design and environmental friendliness. The only disadvantage is the high price.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• environmental friendliness;
• unique design;
• a wide range of textures and colors.

Flaws

• high price.

The best fiberboard wall panels

Low cost and ease of installation attract the attention of consumers to fiberboard wall panels. The sheets can be attached directly to the base or to the sheathing. But experts do not recommend using them for wet rooms. Here best manufacturers in this segment.

DPI

The American brand DPI is well known all over the world. The manufacturer specializes in the production of fiberboard wall panels. The company managed to take a leading position in the domestic market due to high consumer properties and affordable prices. The assortment includes panels with original interior solutions, which allows you to implement the most daring designs of designers. Thanks to the unique technology, the consumer is offered relief surfaces like stone, imitation brickwork and the fibrous texture of wood. Experts gave the brand first place in our ranking.

Users praise DPI wall panels for Beautiful design, high quality, practicality and reasonable price. Among the disadvantages, getting wet during prolonged contact with water is mentioned.

Advantages

• original design;
• variety of textures and colors;
• practicality;
• quality production.

Flaws

• low moisture resistance.

The Skano concern sells decorative fiberboard panels on the domestic market under the Isotex brand. Special attention The manufacturer pays attention to the safety of its products. Therefore, only natural raw materials are used in the production chain, which are combined into one whole using Finnish technology. Soft fibreboard, which is the basis of the decorative material, plays the role of heat and sound insulator. The surface of the panels is covered washable wallpaper, they are distinguished by a variety of colors and textures. Gluing is carried out using water-soluble glue.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• good thermal insulation;
• ease of care;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• fragility.

PVC panels - comparatively the new kind finishing materials. They first appeared on the construction market in the 1990s and were extremely popular in the era of the first “European-quality renovations”. Due to such demand, the market very quickly filled with thousands of types of domestic and imported products. Including samples of very dubious quality. It can be assumed that it was the overflow of the market with cheap, low-quality products with poor performance characteristics and harmful environmental indicators that was the reason for some decline in the popularity of PVC panels.

But PVC panels are really very practical material for interior decoration. Simply, as when choosing any other finishing material, you need to give preference to quality products from reliable manufacturers. Modern manufacturers of PVC panels pay a lot of attention not only to the design of their product, but also to its quality and compliance with all environmental standards.

What's happened?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) chemical composition is a compound of ethylene (43%) and chlorine (57%). Despite the slightly scary scientific names components, PVC panels are completely harmless to human health. Provided, of course, that we are talking about high-quality products from a reliable manufacturer, during the production of which all technological standards are observed. Bound lead is used as a stabilizer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride products. It, like combined chlorine, is absolutely harmless, since it is in a stable chemical compound.

Where are they used?

Decorative plastic panels are used for interior decoration for various purposes. Particularly popular this type finishing material for the design of bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, hallways, balconies and loggias. And also when arranging utility rooms, basements, garages, country houses. Door and window slopes are often covered with plastic panels.

Advantages and disadvantages

PROS

• Easy to install. Perhaps this main advantage plastic panels. PVC panels are installed very simply and quickly. You can easily finish walls and ceilings with this material yourself, spending a minimum of time on it. Installation of plastic panels does not require any large-scale preparatory or messy repair work.
• Practicality. Under plastic panels you can easily hide all defects and “unflattering” features of surfaces: unevenness, damage, wiring, insulating materials. Their installation does not require any preliminary leveling of walls or ceilings - everything will be hidden behind the panels.
• Moisture resistance and hygiene. Plastic panels are not afraid of moisture, are not subject to rotting and deformation. They are very easy to care for and keep clean - the plastic surface does not absorb dirt and is easy to clean with water or soapy water. That is why PVC panels are especially popular for finishing rooms with high humidity.
• Big choice design. The modern market offers a wide selection of PVC panels in design, decor, color scheme. Unlike the panels of the 90s era, today's products are distinguished by a wide variety of shades, patterns, and various imitations.
• Affordable price. PVC panels are one of the most economical finishing materials. Firstly, the material itself has a very affordable price. Secondly, installation costs will be minimal.

MINUSES

• Low resistance to damage. The surface of PVC panels is easy to damage. A strong blow, pressure or other intense mechanical impact may cause a crack, dent, or chip to form on the plastic panel.
• Specific smell of new panels. For some time after installation, a specific smell of plastic may be present in the room. But it disappears quickly enough and subsequently no longer bothers you.

Thickness and length

The thicker the PVC panel, the stronger it is. And the less the risk of accidentally damaging its surface. In the plastic panels market, you may encounter their division into wall and ceiling panels. In appearance they are no different. The difference is in the thickness and length of the panels. Ceiling panels can be very thin - from 3 to 5 mm. Whereas the thickness of the wall panel must be at least 6 mm. It is allowed to install wall panels on the ceiling. But it is strictly not recommended to use thin ceiling panels for wall cladding.

Ceiling panels are also usually longer - 6 m or 12 m. Wall panels are usually shorter - 2.7 m, 3 m or 6 m.

Design

• Surface. Plastic panels can have a matte, semi-gloss or glossy surface. There is no particular difference in their operational characteristics No. This is a matter of purely individual aesthetic preference. It is true that glossy panels are easier to maintain and easier to clean, since an additional lamination layer is applied to their surface. But matte panels more realistically imitate some types of materials (wood, stone, textiles) and in these cases look more natural and natural.
• Color and pattern. The choice of colors for plastic panels today is wide and varied. For finishing ceilings, preference is usually given to classic white panels or light pastel shades. For walls, there are practically no restrictions in choosing a color - choose to your taste, guided by the peculiarities of the color scheme of your interior and your own taste. When it comes to patterns, the choice of patterns today is much greater than there once was. Today, designs of plastic panels are not limited to the usual “marbled” textures. Modern PVC panels can qualitatively and naturally imitate almost any surface - wood, stone, marble, textiles. There can be any designs, patterns, or ornaments on their surface.
• The seam. The most common type of plastic panels are so-called seamless panels. Of course, the surface covered with such panels will not be perfectly intact, such as a painted wall or suspended ceiling. But the seam will be minimal. Another type of plastic panels, often called “lining”, has a chamfer around the perimeter. Plastic “lining” is the optimal solution for buildings and premises where shrinkage of walls or any deformation of surfaces is possible. With small shifts and displacements, the divergence of the seam will be invisible due to the relief chamfer of the “lining”.

Today, the Ukrainian market offers consumers a wide range of choices of plastic panels from various manufacturers from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and China.

The panels offered vary in decor, quality and, as a result, price offer. Many consumers, in order to save their family budget, often prefer cheap panels. However, you should remember that what is attractive in appearance and pleasant in price is not always of high quality! For example, most Chinese panels are made from low-grade raw materials, varnishes and adhesives, which emit toxic substances both during the production itself and during the further use of PVC panels. Such panels quickly lose their attractive appearance, very quickly collapse, and, most importantly, can provoke allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, TM Decomax in this article will answer the question that interests everyone: “How to choose high-quality, durable, reliable and “, most importantly, PVC panels that are safe for human health.”

Take your panel purchases seriously! When choosing, be sure to pick up the panel and look at it carefully! Pay attention to the following parameters of PVC panels:

- Panel connection: the two panels must fit tightly and rigidly into the joint groove.

- Weight: The higher quality the panel, the more weight it has, since weight is directly related to the number of stiffeners and wall thickness.

- Price: a very low price should alert you - it is impossible to make a high-quality panel very cheaply.

- Trademark: pay attention to the manufacturer's name: the more well-known it is, the higher the likelihood of buying a high-quality panel.

- Raw materials: pay attention to the chalk content in the panel - in a quality product its content should be low. The volume of chalk is quite easy to identify. To do this, you need to lightly press down the panel so that it bends by 30-50% and then evaluate the location of the bend. The low chalk content panel will not leave any dents!

TM Decomax hopes that this information will help you make the right choice!

TM Decomax held a small comparative analysis characteristics of PVC panels from different manufacturers according to the parameters described above. The results are shown in the table.

comparison table characteristics of PVC panels (for comparison, plastic panels with a flexo printing coating type, 0.25 m wide and 3 m long, were taken).

For reference: panels under the Decomax TM have been on the market since 1998. They are made from environmentally friendly raw materials and non-toxic adhesives; therefore, these PVC panels are safe for human health.

Although this division is quite arbitrary. Nobody prohibits the use of wall panels for finishing the ceiling, and ceiling panels for finishing the walls. And in general, due to the extremely low strength, it is not advisable to use plastic panels for wall decoration, except for very expensive panels or to sheathe walls on a balcony or loggia.

To test the panel for strength, it is enough to lightly press your finger on the front surface in several places; if dents remain, then such panels will definitely not fit on the walls, and the ceiling will need to be mounted very carefully.

The difference between wall and ceiling panels is only in size. Wall panels come in lengths of 2.7, 3 and 6 m with a thickness of 10 and 8 mm. Ceiling panels - 6 sometimes 12 m long, although in Lately Finding 12 meter panels on sale is difficult, but possible. The thickness of ceiling panels is constantly decreasing, first it was 8 mm, then 7 mm, now panels with a thickness of 5 and even 4 mm are increasingly being found (only for seamless panels).

According to the type of joint, plastic panels are divided into:

1. Seamless

the most common type of panels recently. However, a seamless joint is called quite arbitrarily. No matter how you join the panels, the joint will still be visible, especially if the panels are white and glossy, as in the photo:

Those. the surface, of course, will be quite flat and smooth, but it will not be possible to achieve the ideal, as when using seamless stretch ceilings or drywall.

In addition, plastic panels are sometimes deformed due to poor storage or transportation conditions, or they are simply of poor quality; it is almost impossible to join such panels without a seam. If several planes will be sewn up in one room (for example, the ceiling and walls) or one plane at a time (for example, the ceiling) in different rooms, then you can sort out the panels, selecting those curved in one direction. The fact is that the panels, as a rule, are packaged so that the front surface is in contact with the front, and the back surface with the back, thus reducing the risk of scratches (reduced, but not eliminated) and if the panels are curved, then one plane is taken for covering every second, i.e. half of the panels are from the pack, the rest are used to cover another surface. Moreover, the frame for seamless panels must be made with maximum precision. In a word, if increased aesthetic requirements are imposed on surfaces finished with seamless panels, then such panels must be selected with special care. If possible, it is better to check the quality of the panels immediately in the store by trying to join two panels from a pack.

Seamless plastic panels have approximately the following cut:

This allows panels to be joined virtually seamlessly:

The width of seamless panels is usually 20, 25, 30 and 33 cm.

2. Embossed

Such panels are often called “lining”, as they imitate wooden “lining” panels.

As a rule, this is the cheapest or most expensive type of plastic panels. The use of such panels is most preferable when installing ceilings on wooden structures and in general, if slight deformations of the load-bearing structures are possible. For example, in the private sector there are often cases when a house “breathes” due to an incorrectly made foundation, i.e. In summer, cracks on the walls increase, and in winter they decrease, or vice versa. In such cases, the panels may also diverge or converge slightly, but the raised joint will make such a divergence within a few millimeters almost unnoticeable.

Plastic panels - lining have approximately the following section:

Therefore, when joining the panels, a relief seam is obtained:

Sometimes the panels have a cut like this:

This allows you to speed up the installation of panels, which is important for large volumes of work. Plastic lining panels come in widths of 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33 cm.

3. With rustication

This is a cross between seamless and embossed panels. Panels with such a joint are not found very often, but they do occur. The surface finished with such panels will look something like this:

In cross-section, the joint of the panels looks like this:

The width of the rusticated panels that I had to work with is 38.5 cm.

Besides these important characteristics The choice is influenced by the following

Parameters of plastic panels:

1. Designer:

• Color. Everything here is purely individual and without any recommendations. But as a rule, if difficulties arise with choosing a color, then white panels are purchased. White and black are universal colors and go well with any other.
• Drawing. If the plastic panels have a pattern, then this pattern imitates some material or pattern. Almost always it is marble, granite, sections of rocks, but imitation of mats, fabric, as well as wood, leather, or an ornamental pattern are also possible. The more contrasting and multi-colored the pattern, the stronger the effect on the nervous system. In addition, sometimes it may be difficult to select a pattern; in this case, panels need to be purchased with a good margin for cutting.
• Gloss level.

Plastic panels can be matte, glossy, semi-gloss. There is no difference between them other than design preference. To obtain gloss, a lamination layer is applied to the front surface of the panels.

• 2. Operational and design: Surface texture. As a rule, plastic panels have a smooth surface. But expensive panels with a pattern imitating natural materials
• , the surface may be slightly embossed. On the one hand, this brings the appearance of the panel as close as possible to natural material, on the other hand, it is more difficult to care for such panels and therefore, in my opinion, it is not rational to cover the walls in the bathroom and kitchen with such panels, but again, there are no comrades according to taste and color.
• Strength. Of course, strength and plastic panels are poorly compatible concepts. It's easy to damage plastic panels. I think everyone has seen the disastrous results of using plastic panels for wall decoration in public places. However, the thicker the walls and partitions (stiffeners) of the panel, the stronger it is, although recently the thickness of the walls and stiffeners has only been decreasing.. Any plastic panels can easily withstand treatment with modern detergents, but it’s better not to take risks and use detergents with a minimum content of chemically active components.

3. Quality:

In addition to the fact that the panels may be “misbehaved,” the front surface of the panels may have scratches, dents, cuts, indelible stains, a poor-quality lamination layer and other defects that are quite easy to see when unpacking the panels. It’s better to do this right in the store, so as not to take the panels back later and not quarrel with the sellers.

Due to the nature of the bathroom, few finishing materials can be used when renovating this room. But if before it was only ceramic tile, then now the latest developments in this area allow you to have more choice materials that will help you realize any of your fantasies. And as an example, we will look at the use of plastic panels for the bathroom. They are also called PVC panels.

Today, they confidently occupy second place after tiles, since they have undoubted advantages, which we will discuss below, and also allow you to quickly and efficiently decorate a bathroom at minimal cost. Even if you are not a professional in this matter, you can completely cope with all the work yourself.

In addition, in any hardware store you will find a large assortment of plastic sheet panels that imitate not only all kinds of textures, but also a wide color palette and patterns. This allows the use of plastic panels in any room, regardless of its size, although designers recommend using light shades in small bathrooms to make it visually larger.

Plastic panels for bathroom

When purchasing plastic sheet panels, try to carefully inspect them so that they have as few protrusions and cracks as possible, since in the future moisture will accumulate in these places, which will lead to the growth of mold and mildew, not to mention dark spots, which are unlikely to decorate your bathroom. And if you still want to combine tiles and ceramics, then plastic sheet panels for tiles are suitable for you.

Installation

You have two options for attaching plastic sheet panels:

• using self-tapping screws;
• or glue.

In the first case, you will have to attach guides to the walls, which are also sold in hardware stores. The advantage of this option is that you will not need to perfectly align the walls in the bathroom, although leaving bumps or depressions is also not recommended. The downside is that you will have to spend a lot of time and effort to secure the sheet panels, and also drill a lot of holes for self-tapping screws.

The panels in the bathroom can be installed independently, without the involvement of outside force. Their standard height allows you to close the gap from floor to ceiling. The width is usually 25 cm. But when choosing, you need to look at the dimensions, since they may be different for some manufacturers. For 1 m of wall or ceiling, 4 panels are needed. It's quite easy to calculate the total amount of material per room. For fastening, you also need to purchase guides and corners, which are called profiles or moldings.

Advantages of PVC panels and bathroom finishing

Finishing panels have a number of advantages compared to other materials:

• excellent moisture resistance;
• low cost;
• rich color range;
• the ability to join parts vertically and horizontally;
• durability;
• wear resistance;
• ease of assembly.

Moisture resistance allows the material not to get wet or deform. Special locks form a solid canvas, through which water also does not penetrate. Plastic costs much less than tiles. Various colors allow you to create any design in the room. Holes should be cut for lamps and pipes. No special experience is required to work with panels.

The work of installing plastic is carried out in several stages:

• it all starts with preparing the wall;
• the fastening method is selected;
• panels are cut to length;
• a plastic corner is placed in the corner;
• the panel is inserted and secured to the sheathing;
• the remaining parts are installed.

First you need to clear the room of unnecessary things. Then removed old finish from the walls. If the wall is smooth and does not require repairs, then it is enough to get a good glue to which the panels will be glued. But this method is not the most common. It is better to make a small sheathing with your own hands from special guides or wooden slats treated against moisture. The sheathing elements are attached to the wall using dowels. The distance between the slats is 40-50 cm. The flatness is checked by level and rule.

When installing panels yourself, you most often have to cut them to width. This can be done with a sharp knife. After completing the main work, the joints and corners can be sealed with sealant to prevent moisture from entering. It is recommended to install plastic panels in a house older than 3-5 years. New house may cause precipitation and damage the cladding. If the bathroom has a heated towel rail, then a distance of 3-4 cm must be left between it and the lined surface, otherwise the plastic may be deformed due to temperature.

Lined surfaces are very easy and simple to clean, they drill well, and moisture does not pass through them. Tools and materials are required to complete the work.

Among modern finishing materials, plastic panels are very popular. And all this because they are light, hygienic, can be easily attached to walls made of any material, are not afraid of moisture and are not subject to rotting. Plastic panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are made by extrusion, which gives them required strength and rigidity. In this article we will define the main criteria for choosing this finishing material.

Today, the industry produces a huge selection of plastic panels produced in Turkey, China, Russia and Ukraine, differing in appearance, color, degree of gloss and other characteristics. In any hardware store, your eyes widen from their abundance and variety, and confusion sets in: so which panels to choose?

All panels are conventionally divided into ceiling and wall. There is no direct ban on the use of wall panels on the ceiling, and ceiling panels on walls, but a light test with finger pressure clearly indicates that, having low strength, these panels cannot be used for wall cladding.

An additional distinguishing element is the length. Typically, ceiling panels are 6 or 12 m long, and wall panels are shorter - 2.7, 3 and 6 m.

The thickness of ceiling panels is gradually being reduced by manufacturers; previously it was 8mm, then it became 7mm, now 5 and even 4mm are found, and wall panels are usually produced with a thickness of at least 10mm.

Many buyers consider the cheapest panels, but do not want to pay attention to the fact that a quality product cannot be cheap.

After all, the vast majority of Chinese plastic panels are made from low-grade raw materials, poor adhesives and varnishes. In the future, they will quickly lose their appearance and, most importantly, will begin to release toxic substances; even the possibility of provoking an allergic reaction of the human body cannot be ruled out.

So, you should purchase panels thoughtfully, thoroughly considering and paying attention to the following factors. The main types of plastic panels are:

1. Plastic lining - used in the decoration of walls and ceilings; special fastening brackets are used for fastening. Relief panels are often called lining because they create an imitation of a wooden “lining” panel.
2. Plastic panels for tiles. It is advisable to use square tiles, having a width from 30 to 98 cm.
3. Sheet panels - resemble plywood. Their main difference lies in installation - fastening is done with glue or nails. The joints are sealed with sealant or sewn up with slats that have the structure and color of the panels

From the point of view of room design, emphasis should be placed on the fact that there is a varied color palette of panels available for sale, allowing you to satisfy any desire of the buyer.

All panels are conventionally divided into glossy, matte and semi-gloss.

Their technical characteristics are the same, and the difference lies solely in the surface layer. This is achieved by using varnish, which creates a layer of protective film on the front surface.

When choosing plastic panels, you need to carefully study the following parameters:

1. Thickness of the front part - greater thickness has significant strength.

2. The number of stiffeners - the more, the stronger the panel. The external condition of the stiffeners must be identical without visible deformations. A high-quality panel has more weight, which corresponds to its thickness and the number of stiffeners.

3. The outer surface must be uniformly painted, and viewing the stiffeners is not permissible. It’s easy to check the quality of the panels - just press it down with a deflection of up to 50% and look at the result. High-quality panels do not leave dents, mainly due to the low chalk content.

4. The panels must fit tightly and rigidly into the groove. The type of joint in panels can be seamless and embossed. The most common currently is seamless, but it should be called conditionally seamless, because even with the highest quality installation, the joint is still visible.

Poor manufacturing or improper storage and transportation of plastic leads to its inevitable deformation and, as a consequence, to the impossibility of ideal joining of its parts.

Characteristic advantages and disadvantages of plastic panels

Like any material, plastic panels have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives.

According to manufacturers, all plastic panels are environmentally friendly, do not burn, have soundproofing properties, are lightweight, have good moisture resistance, durability, are easy to clean and, moreover, are inexpensive.

The disadvantages of plastic panels are as follows:

low strength, scratches, dents and chips remain on the surface (one is enough swipe or strong pressure leads to a crack);
panels have a limited scope of application;
initially there is a specific smell;
Being a universal material, plastic panels are usually used for interior decoration.

Installation of plastic panels

can be performed both horizontally and vertically and even at any angle.

They find their application in the decoration of loggias and balconies, and are also often used as ceiling material in the bathroom, corridor and kitchen.

Covering walls with plastic is extremely simple, so you can do it yourself without any problems.

a) Initially, it is necessary to bring the temperature of the plastic panels closer to the room temperature - if they were brought in from the cold, then let them adapt.

c) Walls with a high-quality dry surface must be sanded; in this case, the glue will adhere perfectly, therefore, the panels will last a long time.

d) Cutting panels is easy; for this purpose, use hand saw on wood or metal.

e) For a good appearance, cutting and drilling of panels should be done along the front surface.

e) But take it off protective film from plastic panels you need to last stage, as it protects the panel surface from cuts and scratches.

Finally, a video on the topic from Roman...

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Every year, plastic panels for the bathroom are becoming increasingly popular among finishing materials. If the earliest the best option While tiles were considered a popular choice for decorating bathroom walls, now they have a competitor worthy in all respects. We are talking about plastic wall panels, which are ideal for rooms with high humidity, that is, for bathrooms and kitchens.

Repair is a troublesome and very expensive business. For this reason, many try their best possible ways save money and simplify this process. To achieve this, manufacturers of materials for interior decoration have come up with many different methods and periodically supplement their range with more advanced products.

They are so convenient and practical that some apartment owners use them in places where there is no particular humidity, but the coating on the walls must be good and durable. It's about about narrow corridors and hallways.

Bathroom panels with patterns are very popular

And yet, the most common decoration with plastic wall panels can be found in bathrooms. The popularity of this type of finishing materials is well justified. The panels are easy to install and are much cheaper than tiles. The price of bathroom panels, the photo of which is located just below, depends on the quality and the manufacturing company. At the same time, plastic perfectly withstands both high humidity and sudden temperature changes, remaining in its original form.

An additional advantage is the color range offered by manufacturers. Wall panels for the bathroom are so diverse that every (even the most demanding) buyer can find something he likes. Bathroom panels with patterns, for example, in the form of marble, granite and other natural materials, are very popular. Often, in addition to the walls, a screen is installed under the bathtub in a similar color scheme. This is very convenient and makes it possible to hide communications behind a kind of screen.

The panels are easy to install and are much cheaper than tiles

Nowadays, wall panels are used as often as tiles. However, the first option can often be found outside the bathroom. If it is customary to mainly lay out only the apron in the kitchen with tiles, then plastic panels can be used to completely decorate the walls. It is very convenient, practical and looks very good.

PVC bathroom wall panels are chosen for their numerous and undeniable advantages. Plastic has a high level of fire safety, since modern materials do not support combustion. At the same time, the moisture resistance of the panels is very high. This type of material will not allow moisture to pass through, which will eliminate the possibility of rotting. With moisture and fairly high temperatures, PVC panels do not deform.

The undeniable advantage of plastic is that it tolerates both high and low temperatures, for this reason it can be used even in rooms where there is no heating.

A bathroom decorated with plastic panels will last a long time and has a beautiful appearance.

Types of plastic panels

Before you start choosing plastic for renovation, you need to decide on the type of PVC panels for the bathroom, since this type of finishing material is sold in several variations.

Slatted panels have a narrow and long shape. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. Depending on the type of installation, the bathroom can become either wider or visually elongated. This is convenient for adjusting a small or very low room.

PVC panels in the form of slats are sold in various colors. At the same time, experts recommend not stopping at one shade or structure. With a little imagination, you can create something special from slatted panels that will delight apartment residents and surprise guests. Often slatted plastic panels are used to decorate a bathroom in a high-tech style.

The service life of plastic panels can reach 25 years

It is better to combine the installation of PVC panels for the bathroom with general repairs in this room and bathroom. Thus, having once taken care of the walls, ceiling and floor, you can forget about repair work in this room for a long time. Manufacturers of finishing materials claim that the service life of plastic panels can reach 25 years.

Experienced craftsmen recommend immediately renovating the bathroom not only around the perimeter, but also taking care of communications, replacing plumbing fixtures and all kinds of fittings. An integrated approach will ultimately be cheaper, both in terms of money and the amount of wasted nerves.

Options for mounting plastic on walls

If the owner of the apartment has enough knowledge in the field of repairs, desire and free time, and plastic panels have already been purchased, it is worth thinking about the method of installing them. There can be several fastenings for PVC panels.

Today, PVC ceiling panels are the most affordable finishing method. They look great, are easy to install, simple and easy to maintain. With such suspended structures It will transform any room.

Modern ceiling pvc panels for a ceiling it’s a whole world, and in order not to “drown” in this ocean, let’s figure out what criteria such materials are classified according to

Types of PVC ceiling panels

Design features and physical properties of PVC ceiling panels

The basis of the finishing elements is polyvinyl chloride, and their appearance is represented by two plates connected to each other. Each part has a spike and stiffening ribs on the side, which make the finished structure strong and solid, and also create air insulation inside it.

Manufacturers provide a guarantee that PVC ceiling panels will retain their appearance and original characteristics for 10 years, subject to temperature regime within the range from -50 to +50 degrees. For certain types of ceiling panels, the upper limit can reach +110 degrees.

PVC panels for ceilings - types

According to the type of connection, ceiling panels are divided into:

• Suture.
• Seamless.

Seamless PVC panels are characterized by the presence visible joint after installation between individual elements that look like clapboard. On seamless ones, the joints after installation remain barely noticeable.

In turn, suture and seamless products are divided into glossy and matte.

PVC panels for ceilings - color solutions

The standard color of such PVC panels is white. This shade is perfect for any interior and will visually raise the ceiling. There are also a ton of other color variations that can be used individually or.

Depending on the painting method, the panels are divided into:

• Plain- simple but practical products. They have increased resistance to mechanical stress and UV radiation.
• Varnished– their surface is protected with a special strengthening varnish. The disadvantage is the appearance of scratches from the slightest mechanical impact.
• With printed pattern– a pattern is applied to the outside. In this case, soft plastic is used, so such panels are cheaper than others, but are also less durable. Their alternative is thermally printed strips. In terms of strength, both options are the same, but thermal printing gives more variations in decor.
• Laminated imitating natural materials. They must be protected from exposure to UV rays, otherwise the laminate will begin to peel off.

Density

Despite the light weight of plastic ceiling panels, when choosing a product, you should give preference to dense elements. This is due to the fact that thin-walled parts will let light through, revealing flaws in the rough ceiling or flaws in the base finish.

Features of PVC panels in comparison with different finishing materials

The service life of PVC panels is much higher than that of materials of natural origin. By maintaining optimal indoor humidity and acceptable temperature, it will be possible to extend this figure to 50 years. In this case, you will not need to waste time replacing or restoring individual parts.

PVC panels protect well ceiling surface from harmful effects environment. They are easy to care for - you can carry out wet cleaning, which is unacceptable, for example, for plastered or whitewashed ceilings.

Main sizes of PVC ceiling panels

Standard PVC panels are presented for sale in factory packages of six pieces each, and have different sizes:

• The lengths of PVC ceiling panels are 270 cm, 300 cm, 400 cm, 600 cm.
• The width of PVC ceiling panels is 10 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm.
• The thickness is 10 mm.

The longest ones can be used for finishing ceilings in very large rooms (garages, industrial blocks). For an apartment or house, it is better to buy short elements - 2.7 or 3 m.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages, the following points are of greatest interest:

• Resistant to moisture and UV rays. They can be installed in rooms with high humidity, and without worrying about the color of the products changing due to the bright sun.
• Low price.
• Increased sound insulation.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Wide color range.

Flaws:

• Low environmental friendliness, so it is not recommended to decorate living rooms with plastic panels.
• High flammability. When exposed to fire, plastic emits a lot of acrid smoke, which is hazardous to health.
• Smell. A particularly strong amber persists for several days after the installation of such a ceiling.

Selection and acquisition

When buying ceiling slabs, give preference to special hardware stores. There you can buy all the fastenings for PVC installations panels, and professional consultants will tell you about the nuances of installing suspended ceilings.

Carefully inspect the surfaces of the slabs for cracks, chips, nicks and other damage.

A high-quality product - geometrically correct in shape, without stiffening ribs protruding from the surface, and does not crack when bent. There should be no traces left after pressing.

The basis of the choice is the layout of the room. If the room small sizes, use products of minimal length and width. For spacious rooms, you need to purchase three-meter slats.

The best manufacturers of PVC panels for ceilings

When purchasing any product, we great importance We choose a reliable manufacturer. There are a lot of them on the modern construction market. Let's focus on the best:

• Venta is a leading company from Belgium. Venta produces PVC ceiling panels with various parameters and designs. Not long ago we launched the production of slats with digital printing applied to the surface.
• Forte – Italian manufacturer, on the market since 1969. The production of products is based on the use of modern high-tech equipment. A wide selection of different shades allows buyers to implement a suitable ceiling design from PVC panels in their apartment.
• LLC "Planet Plastic" is a company from Moscow, operating since 2001. Production is carried out using foreign equipment and foreign raw materials. The company presents consumers with more than 150 different variations of finishing elements.
• LLC "Ural-Plast" is a manufacturer from Magnitogorsk, whose quality products are also the result of the use of foreign equipment. In addition to standard PVC panels, this company produces products with original designs.
• AnV-plast LLC- a company from Krasnodar. She started her activities in 2001 and achieved success in a short time. The company supports domestic manufacturers by purchasing raw materials for production from them. The competitive advantage of AnV-plast LLC is that the price of its products is much lower.

Cost and calculation of PVC panels for ceilings

To determine the required number of plastic panels for the ceiling, multiply the length and width of the room. Divide the resulting figure by the area of ​​one PVC panel for the ceiling. You will get the number of planks per room. Add 10-15% to the value for possible damage to the material during transportation or installation.

If we talk about price, the average cost for one panel is approximately 150 rubles. It depends on the external characteristics of the product. Thus, a PVC panel 3000 mm long and 250 mm wide can be purchased for 100 rubles. , and a bar with a length of 6000 mm and a similar width - for 200 rubles.

Payment for the services of craftsmen who carry out ceiling finishing will be approximately 450 rubles. for 1 sq. m. If you decide to decorate the ceilings in your house with PVC panels yourself, you will have to incur costs associated only with the purchase of materials.

Brief technology for installing PVC panels for ceilings

Needed on designs made of metal profile and metal suspensions, including frame and sheathing.

On a note! The basis of the design can also be wooden sheathing. However, it is better to avoid this method in the bathroom, since high humidity is detrimental to wood.

Frame installation begins with markings. The quality and success of the work performed depends on it.

Using the marked marks, the profile is fixed to the wall, then transverse elements are installed for subsequent fastening of PVC panels.

PVC ceiling panels are mounted on a ceiling frame as follows:

• The products are cut to the required size using a hacksaw.
• The first panel is attached parallel to the wall surface and sheathing.
• The next one is mounted in another groove of the previous plank. The entire ceiling is assembled in this order.
• The last rail is carefully adjusted to the distance of the wall.

All elements must fit tightly to each other, and there should be no gaps on the surface.

The process of installing plastic panels will not take you much time. But ceilings decorated with them will delight you with their appearance for a long time.

Installation of PVC ceiling panels on the ceiling video instructions