Wall coverings play a crucial role in transforming the look and creating interest in a space. Among the many decorative materials available on the market today, soft stone panels and PVC wall panels are two popular choices.
Compared to traditional marble or solid wood wall panels, they are lightweight, stylish, and require less maintenance. But how should one choose between these two new materials?
This blog post will provide a detailed comparison of soft stone panels and PVC wall panels, helping homeowners, designers, and contractors make an informed choice.
Soft stone panel, also known as a flexible panel, is a new type of wall decoration material composed of natural, modified mineral powder, soil, and other inorganic materials as its main components, combined with environmentally friendly water-soluble building coatings and resin adhesives.
Material composition: inorganic materials (modified mineral powder, soil), environmentally friendly water-soluble building coatings, resin adhesives, etc.
Process: Under a dynamic temperature curve, through radiation cross-linking and baking, a flexible sheet with a thickness of only 3-10mm is formed.
Features: good flexibility, strong weather resistance, environmentally friendly, and only one-fifth the weight of traditional stone.
Applications: building exterior wall decoration, curved walls, arched columns, floor decoration, artistic background walls, feature walls, etc.
PVC wall panels are an ideal alternative to traditional solid wood wall panels. They are a new environmentally friendly composite material with PVC as its main component. They are lightweight, durable, and affordable, making them a popular choice for wall decoration in modern homes and commercial spaces.
Material composition: PVC, filler (calcium carbonate or other fiber materials), additives.
Process: The base material is extruded under high temperature and high pressure, and the surface is usually coated with PVC film or heat transfer technology to create a differentiated finish.
Features: Non-porous, highly waterproof, abrasion-resistant, corrosion-resistant, flame-retardant, mildew-resistant, insect-resistant, and easy to clean.
Application: Mainly used in indoor scenes, including living room TV background wall, feature wall, bedroom headboard wall, ceiling, and some high-end furniture surface decoration.
Soft stone panels offer a realistic, natural stone surface and authentic feel, while weighing only one-fifth of traditional stone. They help you reduce your project budget without sacrificing style. They are an ideal alternative to traditional stone.
PVC panels offer a wider range of finish options, offering not only natural marble finishes but also customizable finishes such as wood grain, fabric, leather, and diatom mud. They are versatile and highly durable.
Soft stone panels offer excellent weather resistance, but due to their thinness, they have poor impact resistance and can easily scratch or chip.
PVC wall panels utilize a high-density core material, which offers superior impact resistance. PVC is also naturally water-resistant, making it less susceptible to mold and insect infestation in humid environments. With proper installation and maintenance, it typically lasts 20 to 30 years.
Soft stone panels do not require professional installation. They are typically glued. Use a glue gun to evenly apply structural adhesive to the back of the panel and then adhere it to the wall. Once the glue dries, the panel is set. However, it is important to note that the edges should be caulked with a matching repair agent after installation.
The installation method for PVC panels depends on the construction environment. For smooth, unblemished walls, gluing is suitable. However, for uneven surfaces or those requiring soundproofing or moisture-proofing, a wooden or metal bracket should be used to create a flat base before mounting the panels.
Soft stone panels are more flexible than PVC panels. They typically range in thickness from 3 to 10mm, making them ideal for curved surfaces such as curved walls or arched columns. They can also be used as living room accent walls, feature walls, or even bedroom headboards to create a texture and visual effect similar to natural stone. Soft stone panels weigh only one-fifth of natural stone, saving you significant costs in transportation, processing, and installation.
Compared to soft stone panels, PVC panels are less flexible. However, compared to solid wood or stone wall panels, they are significantly lighter. PVC panels are also quite rigid and resist bending. If you are installing them on a curved wall, you may want to use a flat PVC panel. First, create grooves of equal spacing and depth on the back of the panel. Then, heat the panel to soften it before applying it to the wall.
As a recently emerging material, soft stone has a wide price range in the market. However, it offers a price advantage over natural stone. Because soft stone panels are designed to mimic the irregular texture of natural stone, they have uneven surfaces, making cleaning difficult.
While PVC panels come in a variety of shapes, including convex, concave, wavy, and flat, they are relatively easy to clean. Surface stains can be easily removed with a soft cloth, feather duster, or sponge.
Soft stone panels are an environmentally friendly material. However, there are risks such as dust pollution during the production and removal processes.
PVC panels can also be reused after recycling and separation. However, the melting process during the production of PVC panels can also cause air pollution.
| Feature | Soft Stone Panel | PVC Wall Panel |
| Appearance | It can imitate the surface texture of various stones and have a three-dimensional effect. | There are rich choices of finishes, including marble, wood grain, fabric, leather, skin feel, and diatom mud. |
| Durability | Weather-resistant, but less impact-proof | Waterproof, moisture-proof, mildew-proof, insect-proof, flame-retardant, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly. |
| Flexibility | It is bendable and suitable for curved shapes, such as curved walls and arched columns. | Its flexibility is relatively poor, but it can also be used for cylindrical and curved wall decoration through special processing. |
| Installation | Installed by gluing. | By gluing and installing with the help of brackets, you can DIY a variety of shapes. |
| Cost | Medium | Affordable and cost-effective |
| Maintenance | Install away from high traffic and humid environments. | Easy to clean and maintain. It can be used in any indoor place, including the bathroom and kitchen. |
| Eco-friendliness | Relatively eco-friendly | Relatively eco-friendly |
How to choose between soft stone wall panels and PVC wall panels? This question may be a concern for many homeowners, designers, and contractors. It's a question that requires evaluating multiple factors, including your specific needs, style, durability, maintenance costs, and project budget. Here are some recommendations based on different needs:
Choose soft stone panels if:
You want the luxurious, natural look of stone.
Your project involves curved or irregular surfaces.
Budget is not an issue; aesthetics is paramount.
Choose PVC panels if:
You need an affordable, durable, and waterproof solution.
You're looking for an easy-to-install, even DIY solution.
Your space is a bathroom, kitchen, basement, or other high-traffic area.
As you can see, soft stone wall panels and PVC panels each have their advantages. Soft stone panels realistically simulate the texture and feel of natural marble, and their increased flexibility makes them particularly suitable for curved walls and arched columns. On the other hand, PVC panels offer a wider range of finishes, can be used in wet areas, and are extremely low-maintenance.
The ultimate choice depends on your budget, functional needs, and style preferences. Carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each panel will help you make the right decision.
CREATEKING is a well-known supplier of decorative materials. We offer a wide variety of PVC wall coverings, including custom colors. If you have any questions about PVC panels and soft stone panels, please feel free to contact our expert team.
Q1: Are soft stone panels durable enough for daily use?
A1: Soft stone panels are weather-resistant and flexible, making them durable, but they should be kept away from humid environments and high-traffic areas.
Q2: Can PVC wall panels be used in bathrooms and kitchens?
A2: Absolutely. PVC wall panels are 100% waterproof, moisture-resistant, and resistant to mold and mildew. This makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other damp areas.
Q3: Which option is easier to install: soft stone panel or PVC wall panel?
A3: PVC wall panel is easier to install. They can usually be installed using adhesives or interlocking systems, making them suitable even for DIY projects. Soft stone panels, while flexible, usually require professional installation, especially on curved or irregular surfaces.
Q4: How do I maintain and clean these panels?
A4: Soft stone panels: Use a feather duster to remove dust, and gently clean surface stains with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as they may cause scratches.
PVC wall panels: Extremely low maintenance. Simply wipe with a damp cloth, making them ideal for busy homes or commercial spaces.
Q5: Which panel is more cost-effective in the long run?
A5: PVC wall panels are generally more cost-effective due to their affordability, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Soft stone panels have a higher upfront cost and may require professional installation, but they offer a more luxurious, authentic stone look.
