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Gone are the days when linoleum and wallpaper were the standard for commercial interior design. Today, developers and office managers are presented with a wealth of options which foster a healthy and efficient working environment. They know that those utilizing their spaces demand comfort, peace, and the ability to focus on their tasks.
Perhaps nothing has a greater effect on these expectations, than the right commercial interior design—particularly when it comes to aesthetics and acoustics. This is why we’ve seen multiple CIC clients make the move away from the paint and wallpaper of yesteryear, and toward professional wall coverings.
Wall coverings provide the best of all worlds—they’re more durable than wallpaper, leave less waste and seams; can be had in all manner of colors, patterns, or textures; and can drastically reduce noise pollution. Today, we’ll be sharing some of our knowledge and expertise on the type of, and benefits offered by wall coverings.
Choosing Your Wall Covering Contractor
First however, we must take a moment to emphasize how critical choosing the right contracting partner is when considering adding aesthetic or acoustical wall coverings. You’ll need someone experienced and pleasant to work with of course, yet also possessing the resources and discipline to meet strict deadlines. Internet searches and friendly recommendations can only go so far—developers and project managers must know how to assess contractors for themselves.
It all starts with asking the right questions. Here are some of the most pertinent you should challenge any potential partner on prior to engagement:
– Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
– Do you work with reliable sub-contractors?
– How does your payment cycle work?
– Have you completed similar projects before?
– How long have you been in business?
– What is the timeline for my project?
The best contractors welcome questions like these, and will be excited to share their expertise and refer you to past projects. However, those who don’t directly answer these kind of questions should be avoided.
Choosing Your Wall Covering Options
Wall coverings can be found in a large variety of textures, patterns, and styles. Matched with the increased durability offered, there’s simply nothing better for high traffic areas such as lobbies, hallways, and guest rooms. However, due to their myriad of looks and uses, one can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by their choices.
To provide a brief overview, here are some of the types of wall coverings you’ll be choosing between:
Fabric-Backed Vinyl, Solid Sheet Vinyl, or Vinyl Coated Paper
Natural or Synthetic Textiles
Cork and Cork Veneer
Wood Veneer
Foils
Digital
…and more! Because of how many different options there are, working with an experienced designer and installer is crucial. A professional will help steer you in the right direction in terms of colors, patterns, and finishes—as well as which type of wall covering is best, based on your commercial space’s intended use.
If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s still one major factor that should influence your final decision: acoustics.
The Effects of Acoustical Wall Coverings
Acoustics cannot be an afterthought in today’s commercial space. Soundproofing areas reduces distractions in the form of unwanted noise, and provides privacy for meeting rooms and offices. This adds up to an increase in focus and productivity.
While a major consideration, soundproofing is relatively easy for a professional contractor to accomplish. However, being detail oriented is of the utmost importance. For instance, proper measurements are critical, as even the smallest mistake can have an outsized effect on reverberations.
Materials should also be at the top of your mind. Different kinds of flooring, drapes, window panes, wall coverings, and even tiles or sculptures suspended from ceilings all have their part to play in noise reduction. For the right contractor this is great news—it means they can craft both an aesthetic and functional space!
CIC Is Your Wall Covering Partner
Never before have there been so many ways to customize a commercial space for both style and function. However, this also highlights the need for a contractor with experience in creating and maintaining these areas. We get to know our clients and their projects on a personal level, which grants us greater insight into how best to execute a winning combination. Whether it be in the education, healthcare, hospitality or nearly any other sector, we have the experience and testimonials to provide you with peace of mind.
Planning the interior of your next commercial or business development? Contact the wall covering experts at CIC!
