Commercial spaces do not use the same wallpaper as in houses. That wallpaper is too thin and fragile for constant wear and tear and would get damaged within weeks. Every once in a while we see a hotel or office lobby that went with residential-grade wallpaper for just an accent wall, and it looks torn to shreds.
For medium-to-high traffic areas, you need a commercial Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 wallcovering or wall protection. Those are your 4 options for commercial spaces.
Note: All 4 options are Class A Fire Rated
Type 1
Nicknames: Type I, 15 Ounce, 15 Oz Vinyl, Type I Wallcovering, Type 1 Wallpaper
You go with a Type 1 for guestrooms, media rooms, conference rooms or offices without too much daily traffic. Think low to medium wear and tear. This is also the most economical option of the 4 so when you’re on a tight budget, this is your best choice.
Type 1 wallcovering will always be sold in 30-yard bolts and options are limited to horizontal faux linens and vertical stria.
Type 2
Nicknames: Type 2, 20 Ounce, 20 Oz Vinyl, Type II Wallcovering, Type 2 Wallpaper
This is the type for the most applications and the most options. 80% of all commercial spaces will use a Type II. Consider this the default option for most commercial spaces. When in doubt on which to use, your answer is probably a Type II. This application is good for light, medium and heavy traffic areas. You can beat this material up and it’s resistant to scratching and fading (due to constant cleaning) for years.
Also, you have the most options with Type II. You can choose from linens, geometrics, stripes/stria, basketweaves, art deco, damask, floral, metallic, waves, dots, newsprints, and so forth. If you want to be a little creative, Type II will give you the most options.
The minimums and increments you need to purchase this in are all over the place. Half of Type II wallcoverings are sold in 30-yard increments (like Type I), a good portion have to be purchased in 15-yard increments and many you can buy in various quantities with a cut charge. It really depends on the collection and manufacturer. Each has its own rules as far as quantities go.
There has been a trend in the last 5 years of residential customers going with Type II wallpaper. This is because it looks upscale, has fewer seams due to being 54” wide, and lasts a long time. We explain every day that “yes, you can use commercial wallpaper in residential settings, but you must be aware of the minimum requirements.” For example, you might only need 120 SF of material to cover your wall but the material you picked out can only be ordered in 15- or 30-yard increments. You will have a lot left over but it’s a judgment call you’ll have to make if you really want it.
Type 3
Nicknames: Type 3, 30 Ounce, 30 Oz Vinyl, Type III Wallcovering, Type 3 Wallpaper
This is the rarest of the 4 and don’t expect to get too creative if you want to go with a Type III because the options just are not there.
This material is a tough cotton-backed vinyl. Its use case is extremely high wear and tear. Examples would be airports, stadiums, schools, hospitals, and malls. You use this in places that have constant traffic and constant people going through it every day. Type II could probably do the job but after a couple years it would start to wear down where Type III would still hold up.
The increments you need to order this in are a bit strange. You need to order this in 13-yard or 27-yard increments. Some manufacturers will let you order any increment after 27 yards while others force you to do 13- or 27-yard increments.
Wall Protection
Nickname: 38 Oz
Wall Protection is technically a version of Type III but it’s stronger, rigid, and can withstand impact like a floor. Regular Type III can be bent around columns, but Wall Protection cannot.
You will see this used in hospital waiting rooms, airport corridors and baggage claims, restaurant kitchens, warehouses, and gyms. This is the highest maximum wall treatment you can go.
One major advantage of wall protection vs Type III would be options and aesthetics. There is no better way to word this but Type III can look plain, drab or downright “meh.” It’s made to get the job done but not designed to look pretty. Wall protection has a more refined look to it that can really enhance the walls it’s covering.
Having said that, wall protection has two drawbacks: cost and installation. First, you are looking at $90+ per yard. This material is expensive. Second, it’s harder to install and difficult to work with. Finding a commercial wallpaper installer can be hard enough but for wall protection, you need to make sure he has experience dealing with this specific material. He will need slightly different tools and will charge more.
Wall protection will be purchased in either 15-yard or 20-yard increments. Also, factories and distributors do not keep much of this on hand so expect to wait 5 weeks for production if you have any significant quantities to order. Typically, you also order corner guards with wall protection as well so the end points don’t get damaged since you cannot bend this material.
