Wallcoverings

Summary

Wallcoverings are rolled sheet finishes adhered to prepared walls, from commercial vinyl-coated fabric to textiles and paper, chosen for durability, pattern, and cleanability. Commercial vinyl is classed as Type I, II, or III by weight, and the substrate finish level, adhesive, and fire classification must be coordinated with the wall construction.

Cols

Image

Type I, II, III: commercial vinyl weight classes; Type III is the heaviest
ASTM F793: classification of wall coverings by use characteristics, including commercial serviceability categories
WA W-101: Wallcoverings Association specification for PVC-coated wallcovering, with minimum weights and tests
Class A: flame spread and smoke classification under ASTM E84, specified separately from type
Textile wallcovering: woven or fabric-based covering, usually backed
Expanded vinyl: vinyl with a foamed layer
Substrate preparation: primer and level of finish on the wall before hanging

Standards

Weight classes

Minimum total weight: Type I 7 oz/sq yd, Type II 13 oz/sq yd, Type III 22 oz/sq yd
Equivalent per linear yard on a 54 in. roll: about 10.5, 20, and 33 oz
Trade ranges per linear yard: Type I 12 to 19 oz, Type II 20 to 28 oz, Type III over 33 oz
Weights are quoted per square yard or per linear yard, so state the basis in the specification

Test standards

WA W-101: PVC-coated wallcovering, minimum weights and performance tests
ASTM F793: classification by use characteristics
ASTM E84: surface burning characteristics; Class A is flame spread 0 to 25

Materials

Vinyl-coated fabric (Types I to III): commercial walls
Textile and fabric-backed coverings: acoustic and decorative walls
Paper and nonwoven coverings: residential and light-duty use
Primer and adhesive: matched to the covering and substrate

Detailing

Finish gypsum board to the level the covering needs: Level 3 for heavy-duty commercial coverings, Level 4 for smooth walls with coverings
Prime the wall with the primer recommended by the covering maker
Check fire classification of the covering as tested with its adhesive and mounting
Choose Type II or III where carts, rails, and impact are expected

Uses

Specific uses

Corridors, lobbies, and hotel rooms
Healthcare and education walls
Accent walls and feature surfaces
Heavy-traffic walls needing wipeable finishes

Pros and cons

Pros

Durable, cleanable, and available in many patterns
Heavier types take impact

Cons

Weight type and fire class must be specified separately
Walls need a Level 3 or 4 gypsum board finish

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

Vinyl is coated or laminated onto a fabric backing and printed or embossed
Rolls are cut to length and hung with adhesive on a primed wall

Main manufacturers and suppliers

Trade association: Wallcoverings Association.

Sources

Wallcoverings Association: WA W-101 2025, https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.wallcoverings.org/resource/resmgr/WA_W-101_2025_Final_.pdf
Koroseal: why choose Type II, https://koroseal.com/redefine-design/2023-November/Why-Choose-Type-II
Unified Facilities Guide Specifications: wall coverings, https://ufgscriteriadocreport.tpub.com/09720/097200009.htm
ASTM International: F793 classification of wall coverings by use characteristics, https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/astm/e05eb05b-ebfd-4d3e-a01f-66df4516e041/astm-f793-f793m-20
National Gypsum: five levels of gypsum board finish, https://nationalgypsum.com/ngconnects/blog/building-knowledge/gypsum-board-finish-levels