What Is Wall Paneling Made Of? An Overview of Materials

When it comes to transforming interior spaces, wood wall panels are a go-to choice for both style and function. But what is paneling made of, exactly? 

Today’s wall paneling is crafted from a variety of materials–ranging from solid hardwood and real wood veneer to high-pressure laminate (‘HPL’) and engineered composites–each offering its own blend of durability, appearance, and price point.

With so many types of wall paneling materials available, it’s easier than ever to find a look that fits your space, whether you're renovating a room or upgrading for long-term value. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular options so you can choose the best wood wall panels for your project.

Wood paneling can come in a range of materials, and each has its own pros and cons. 

Also known as ‘PVC,’ vinyl panels contain a thin layer of plastic. This layer is glued to cheap particle board or honeycomb cardboard, which typically means a low price and a lack of durability. Most cheap office furniture you see at big-box stores is made of vinyl. 

Installing solid wood paneling is becoming quite rare, due to its high cost. Governments around the world have also restricted the logging of rare trees, which has driven up prices. 

Thanks to slow regrowth, any solid wood on the market today will fetch a high price. The only exceptions are fir and pine, which still make up the majority of house frames in America. Even these low-cost woods cannot escape rising costs, though.

Venturing into the realm of high-quality and affordable wood veneer is a thin layer of real hardwood combined with engineered materials. Its exterior conveys the beauty and texture of the wood’s character, while being far less costly. 

Vinyl coverings were invented in the 1920s. At the time, they were hailed as a modern marvel. After the initial hype had died down, people realized that this marvel had limitations. It was prone to peeling and cracking, and it was sensitive to high temperatures and UV light. 

All of these drawbacks sent engineers looking for a better product, and the result was laminate. Laminate is simple to produce, and can stand up to harsh conditions. 

High-pressure laminate, or ‘HPL,’ contains three ingredients: paper, wood, and resin. It starts with an engineered wood core made of resin and wood. Several layers of paper are placed on top of this core. Finally, a layer of paper with the wood grain or another texture is added. All this goes into a machine where more resin is added, and the panel is then fused together under immense pressure and heat. 

HPL is completely solid and extremely robust. Thanks to the resin's clear structure, the outer layer shines consistently, while being incredibly water resistant. HPL is an ideal product for harsh and humid environments.

Whether you want the budget-friendly robustness of HPL or the exceptional beauty of real wood veneer, 27EStore has what you need. Our engineered wood panels are easy to install, requiring just a single day for most jobs. 

If you're deciding between wall panels and wallpaper for your next home project, check out this article comparing their durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness to help you choose the best option for your space.

Learning how to use wall panels made by 27EStore is also simple. What used to take weeks and tens of thousands of dollars can now be accomplished at a fraction of the time and cost!

Curious about how to whitewash wood paneling walls? Don’t miss our recent article!