There are three types of commercial grade wall covering on the market.
The classification of type 1, 2 and 3 is based on the weight / linear yard, which will drive the suitability of a wall covering in a specific environment.
Type 3 / Type III
This commercial, high impact wall covering is for the heaviest traffic environments.
Weight: 33 to 40oz per linear yard, approx. 900g/m2
Type 2 / Type II
This commercial wall covering is for heavy traffic environments.
Weight: 20oz per linear yard, approx. 450g/m2
Type 1 / Type I
This commercial wall covering is for medium traffic environments.
Weight: 15oz per linear yard approx. 350g/m2
Below: More from the Joanna Gaines wall vinyl collection, all Type 2
Why are the weights and measurements in yards and ounces?
This is the American imperial measuring system and what is used in the commercial wall covering world. They sell in yards and weight in oz (ounces.) 1 ounce is approx. 28 g.
Most wall vinyl full rolls are 27.4 metres which is the equivalent of 30 American yards.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
The difference is quite minimal however, a Type 2 wall covering is thicker and can therefore withstand more wear and tear. To qualify as a Type 2, a commercial grade wall covering needs to meet or exceed specific requirements such as:
- Washability
- Scrub-ability
- Abrasion resistance
- Breaking strength
- Stain resistance
- Tear resistance
- Colourfastness
These commercial projects all showcase custom designs, printed onto SANDY BANK, our commercial grade, Type 2, wall vinyl substrate. Top row: ANZ Sylvia Park by Warren and Mahoney with photography by Sam Hartnett; Ovolo The Valley by Woods Bagot, photography by Dion Robeson; The Central Hotel by Undercurrent Studio, photography Two Bearded Men.
Type II / Type 2 wall covering is recommended in all sectors of the industry
- Hotels: Corridors, guest rooms, bathrooms (never use wallpaper in bathrooms)
- Hospitality: Restaurants, feature walls, bathrooms
- Retail: Changing rooms, feature walls
- Aged Care: Corridors, bedrooms, dining, lounge areas, hair salons. Type I is not recommended in aged care due to the heavy-duty environment (cleaning, traffic)
- Healthcare (Hospitals/Medical Centres)
- Commercial
- Workspace
- Residential
- Government/Education
Price
A Type 2, 20 oz. wall covering will cost more than a 15 oz. wall covering.
Consider the level of traffic in an area as you may be able to opt for the lightweight option. If cost is an issue and the budget stretched, then Type I, 15oz, can be an ideal alternative for low to medium traffic areas. However, Type 2 remains the preferred choice in terms of durability and wearability.
Fire rating and compliance of Type I, II and III
Type I, Type II and Type III wall covering is required to have the same flame spread and smoke development in accordance with the Australian standard AS/NZS 3837.
AS/NZS 3837 is a fire test required by the National Construction Code (NCC) for materials used as building linings. From the results of the test, a Group Number between 1 and 4 is calculated in accordance with the NCC.
The group rating is indicated on the fire certificate and on our product specs.
What group rating is required and where?
Most projects will require a Group 1 or 2 fire rating, 2 being the most common.
Aged care and healthcare projects may require a Group 1 fire rating for wall covering in sensitive areas. Lift areas and ceilings will usually require a Group 1 fire rating.
Residents’ rooms, corridors, hair salons, receptions and bathrooms would usually require a Group 2.
Bach Gilded wall vinyl, Type II, Three Birds Renovations
Does Materialised supply all three types of wall covering and fire rating groups?
The majority of our commercial grade wall covering is Type 2. We can also supply Type 1, 15oz commercial wall covering if required. Our current range is mostly fire rated either with Group 1 or Group 2.
A selection from our textured readymade wall vinyl range. Clockwise from top: Crosspoint Denim, Elemental Storm, and Cultivate Gravel.
How to view our wall covering options
With our wall covering range quadrupling in the last year, Materialised is well positioned to find a product solution for any brief.
- See many of our wall covering collections online, where you can also order samples as a trade customer.
- Make an appointment at your local Design Studio in Australia or New Zealand and a Project Manager will expertly guide you through the options.
- Get in touch and we will connect you with your local Project Manager to help curate the best, most suitable options for your brief.
Featured image credit: Ovolo The Valley designed by Woods Bagot. Custom ombre printed onto a vertical shimmer wall vinyl, Cibolo. Photography Dion Robeson.
