PVC plastic panels are a beautiful, high-quality and cheap finishing material made of polyvinyl chloride. They are used for finishing walls and ceilings. The standard dimensions of PVC panels imply a width of 24 cm, a length of 2.7–3 m. Thanks to a wide selection of decorative plastic products and their connecting elements, everyone can independently embody various design ideas. PVC panels serve as an alternative to such building materials: porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, artificial stone. When choosing them, you should know what varieties of this finishing coating exist.
Varieties of PVC panels by purpose
According to the purpose, PVC panels are divided into two categories:
- wall;
- ceiling.
Wall plastic lamellas are durable, have a significant difference in weight compared to ceiling products. These models are not interchangeable, as there is a difference in size and strength between them. They are best used for their intended purpose. PVC wall panels have the following dimensions: length from 2.5 to 6 m, width 25–30 cm, thickness 6–10 mm.
PVC ceiling-panels can be matte, glossy or lacquered. These plastic products are not subjected to mechanical stress during operation, so they are thin and not very durable. Dimensions of PVC panels for ceiling: length from 6 to 10 m, width 25–30 cm, thickness 4–5 mm.
When using plastic products as a finishing material, there is no need for preliminary preparation of walls or ceilings (leveling, removing old wallpaper, paint, plaster). No special tools or skills are required to install the panels. In addition, the products provide sound and heat insulation, mask electrical cables. The panels do not require special care. They can be wiped with detergent or a damp cloth. Damaged products are easily and simply replaced.
Types of panels by connection method
By the type of connection they are divided into:
- seamless;
- embossed;
- panels with rustication (chamfer).
Seamless plastic panels are most often used for finishing ceilings. They are installed groove to groove. With their proper laying, the surface comes out even, smooth, with an almost imperceptible butt joint. The quality of the connection is influenced by such factors: the properties of the plastic, compliance with the rules of storage, the violation of which leads to deformation of the panels. Therefore, be careful when choosing a material.
The most common are rectangular embossed models, which, when laid, resemble clapboard surface finishes. These panels are more expensive, have a higherdegree of rigidity and better performance. They are good for sheathing wooden walls and other problematic surfaces.
Rusted panels have the appearance of seamless products, only at the ends there is a decorative recess - a chamfer. They are used for decoration of various premises.
Plastic panel dimensions
By size, this building material is divided into three standard varieties:
- lining;
- rectangular or square tiles;
- sheet panels.
PVC panels (dimensions, photos are shown below), which are called lining, have a length of 3 m, a width of 10 cm or 12.5 cm with a double profile. The European variant with a wide lock is more in demand than the polka with a narrow lock.
PVC panels, which are 260, 270 and 300 cm long and 15–50 cm wide, do not have seams when joined, unlike lining.
Rectangular or square wall tiles are very popular. Their sizes range from 30x30 to 100x100 cm. They are light and easy to install.
PVC panels, the dimensions of which are standard width 80-203 cm, length from 150 to 405 cm, thickness 0.1-3 cm. The top layer of them can be smooth and impact resistant.
Plastic sandwich panels
Today, plastic sandwich panels are the most popular finishing material. They are used for window decoration.slopes, creating partitions in the premises. It is high quality material and excellent quality. The rooms decorated with it have an elegant, respectable look.
They produce standard PVC sandwich panels, the dimensions of which are 3000x1500 mm, 3000x1150 mm, 3000x900 mm, thickness - 10 mm, 24 mm and 32 mm. Parameters of external overlays - from 1 to 2, 40 mm.
Advantages and properties of plastic panels
PVC panels have a lot of positive qualities that make them so popular:
- Versatility. PVC panels, which come in different sizes, can be installed vertically, horizontally, at various inclinations.
- Aesthetics. With the right choice of colors, you can create an interesting, attractive interior.
- Sustainability. PVC panels do not emit toxic substances, are safe for human he alth.
- Sustainability. This material is light and moisture resistant. As well as resistance to aggressive environmental factors.
- Strength. The panels have excellent mechanical strength, which is very important given their light weight.
- Durability. The service life of plastic products is 20 years.
- Easy care. It is enough to wipe the panels with a damp cloth or napkin.
- Easy installation. Assembly work can be carried out independently without the involvement of specialists and special tools.
- PVC panels have good heat and sound insulation.
How to do it yourselfdetermine the quality of the panels
To determine the quality of the plastic panel you buy, you should:
- Inspect the product, paying attention to its surface. The slats should be perfectly smooth, even, without distortion. Gaps on the outer front side of the stiffeners that are inside the product are not allowed. The thickness of the outer walls of the panels also matters. This is especially true of the front side.
- Connect several lamellas, while paying attention to the seam and ease of joining. High-quality products assemble with virtually no traces and with little effort.
- Check the material for strength. To do this, squeeze the panel with force. It should not crack or be severely deformed.
- Check the plastic for bending. The corner needs to be bent 4-5 times. If the material has not cracked or broken, then the product is of high quality and will last a long time.
Scope of plastic panels
PVC panels are an environmentally friendly finishing material. It is widely used for wall and ceiling decoration in residential buildings. Very often, plastic panels can be seen in offices, shops, restaurants. They are also used for cladding the walls of sports facilities, medical institutions, schools.
So, knowing what sizes of PVC panels are, what are their varieties, advantages and properties, how to choose the right quality products, what is their scope, you can purchase material and start self-finishing the ceiling and walls in the house.
