THE MATERIAL CHOICE / GUIDE 01

Choosing wall cladding sheets starts with the room.

Sheet thickness matters, but it is only one part of the decision. Start with how the space is used, what the wall is like and how the finished surface will be maintained.

Work through the choices
THE SELECTION FRAMEWORK
A SHEET SHOULD FIT the space
around it.
01 Room use 02 Wall condition 03 Sheet layout 04 Finishing details

BEFORE PRODUCT COMPARISON

Answer the site questions first.

It is tempting to begin with a price or a thickness. A more useful starting point is the wall itself. A dry staff area, a frequently cleaned preparation space and a busy corridor may call for different levels of durability and different finishing details.

Make a short note of the room’s use, cleaning routine, moisture exposure and likely contact with trolleys, equipment or people. Then inspect the existing wall. Those observations give you a clearer basis for choosing a sheet.

FOUR THINGS TO REVIEW

Build the choice around the project.

Consider these together. A change in one can affect the sheet size, thickness or installation plan.

01 / USE

How demanding is the space?

Think about everyday wear, cleaning frequency and the chances of knocks or abrasion. Describe the actual use of the wall rather than relying only on the room’s name.

02 / SUBSTRATE

What will the sheet cover?

Check whether the underlying wall is sound, clean and suitable for the proposed installation. A thicker sheet may be more rigid, but it cannot correct a damaged or unsuitable substrate.

03 / DIMENSIONS

Where will the joins fall?

Measure wall height and width, then mark doors, services and changes in level. Compare available sheet lengths against the layout before deciding where joints and cuts should go.

04 / FINISH

How will the edges be detailed?

Allow for corners, joints, exposed edges and transitions to other surfaces. The chosen trims and installation components must suit the thickness and system being used.

THICKNESS IS A TRADE-OFF

Choose enough sheet for the job.

Saniclad’s standard white PVC sheet range includes 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm options. As thickness increases, the sheet generally becomes more rigid. That may help when a project calls for a tougher lining or better coverage of minor wall variation.

The thickest option is not automatically necessary everywhere. Look at the condition and use of each area, then check the current product specification before selecting a thickness.

Read the thickness guide
STANDARD PVC SHEET OPTIONS
1.5 mm
2 mm
2.5 mm
3 mm

The bars identify the available thickness options; they are not a performance rating.

PLAN THE WHOLE WALL

Sheet size changes the layout.

Sheets of the same thickness may be offered in more than one length. A length that works well for one wall height could create unnecessary waste or an awkward join on another. Measure first and check the sizes currently available for the thickness you want.

Draw a simple elevation showing the wall, openings and proposed sheet positions. This makes it easier to spot narrow offcuts and decide how corners and exposed edges will be finished.

Explore project planning

Keep the specification specific.

Suitability depends on the exact sheet, installation method and requirements of the site. For regulated spaces, check the current technical documentation and any project-specific standards before ordering. This guide is a starting point, not a substitute for the product specification.

VIEW THE CURRENT RANGE

Compare the actual sheets at Saniclad.

When you know what the room needs, check sizes, specifications and current availability on the product pages.

View wall cladding sheets