One of the most basic decisions regarding an operable/moveable wall system a consumer, an Architect, an Interior Designer etc. makes is what will be the exterior covering? Every Operable/Moveable wall manufacturer offers many covering options: vinyl (standard weight or heavy duty), customers own material (COM), carpet, fabric (standard or premium), uncovered, primed steel, wood, wood veneer, full height marker boards etc. By far the most common selections as well as being promoted by manufacturers as the best choice are standard vinyl or fabric or carpet. This article will investigate & focus on choosing the correct covering based on these three basic choices.
Choosing the correct covering for your Moveable/Operable wall can be just as important as the functionality of the wall itself. Durability, aesthetics, longevity, ability to clean and service, sound control, cost, ability to remove and recover etc. are all considerations when making your choice. We will explore how to measure each of these materials based on some of the various characteristics these three choices offer, unveil the unique strengths and weaknesses of the options, and highlight the ideal applications for each of the three coverings.
First, how do you measure the weight or thickness of the three options as these two factors are how you factually measure the durability and other characteristics of the covering?
Ounces (oz) (weight per square yard.) (A good indicator of thickness and overall density)
- Vinyl wall coverings are referred to as Standard (Type I, 12- 19 oz /sq. yard), Medium Duty (Type II, 20-28 oz/sq. yard), Heavy Duty (Type III– 33-36 oz/sq. yard). Type I and Type II are the most used in the operable/moveable industry.
- Fabric Wall coverings on the other hand do not have a standard weight designation like vinyl. The durability is gauged by a combination of factors. Fiber content – Cotton and linen fibers are less durable than synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. Tightly woven fabrics are more durable than loosely woven ones. The type of backing should also be looked at as it also adds strength and stability.
- Carpet Wall coverings use weight (24 or 32 oz/square yard) as the measure along with other factors. Face weight is the weight of the yarn fibers per square yard like oz for vinyl. A higher weight face indicates a thicker and more durable carpet. Total weight includes the weight of the yarn, backing and adhesive which provides a complete picture of the carpet’s overall quality.
Mils (thickness in millimeters) (1 mil is equivalent to one thousandth of an inch. 0.001 inches). (Actual thickness of the material)
- For all three standard materials (vinyl, carpet, fabric) thickness is a more precise way to describe thickness but not as widely used in the moveable operable wall industry. “Mils” provide a clearer picture of thickness which is important especially when it comes to soundproofing and durability. Some would say that that “ounce weight” can also be an indicator of thickness (the heavier the material equals a thicker material). But “ounce weight is not a perfect measure of thickness for several reasons. Varied materials have different densities. A heavier material (higher ounce weight) may be thicker than a lighter one, but it could also be denser and achieve the same thickness with less weight. In addition, “ounce weight” often considers the entire material including backing and adhesive. Mils (true thickness) focuses solely on the thickness of the material itself. “Mils” provides a more accurate representation of the true thickness of the material being considered.
- The bottom line is that you, as a consumer, designer, specifier etc. should consider both “ounce weight” and “thickness in mils” when choosing your covering especially when it comes to durability. Consider the use of the moveable wall, the traffic level, the aesthetics, and cleaning requirements. Consult your moveable wall supplier or a manufacturer of the covering product for their recommendations.
Let us look at the characteristics, properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each of the three covering options.
Vinyl Finish:
- Advantages: Durable, easy to clean, offer a wide variety and range of colors, patterns, and textures. Cost effective (most affordable). Versatile. Resistant to moisture. Easy to remove and recover the movable walls when necessary.
- Disadvantages: Susceptible to marking and scratches. Not as luxurious as the other two options. Repeated cleaning will eventually wear down the finish affecting appearance.
- Cost: Most affordable of the three options. Most cost effective. Price point of one hundred as a form of comparison.
- Aesthetics: Clean and contemporary look. Generally chosen for durability rather than appearance.
- Recommended Markets: Educational Institutions, Healthcare facilities. Commercial offices. Emphasis on durability and cost effectiveness.
Carpet Finish:
- Advantages: Provides added insulation qualities for the panels. Soft absorbent surface. Has noise reduction (32 oz better for sound absorption) and thermal insulation properties. Adds warmth and comfort to spaces creating a more inviting atmosphere. Wide color and texture options. Used in design focused applications.
- Disadvantages: Challenging to clean. May accumulate dust and allergens over time. Stains are difficult to remove. Requires regular maintenance and more frequent replacement especially in high traffic areas.
- Cost: Varies widely depending on manufacturers standard selection, quality, and type. Price point of three hundred (three times cost of standard vinyl).
- Aesthetics: Provides an inviting and warm feeling and atmosphere. Attractive appearance.
- Recommended Markets: Hospitality, Conference Centers, Performing Arts. Wherever sound absorption and comfort are prioritized over durability and ease of maintenance.
Fabric Finish:
- Advantages: Provides excellent acoustic characteristic (sound absorption. Prevents reflective sound). Customizable patterns and textures. Beautiful (the best of the three standard options) in appearance. Best on “fine line trim” panels.
- Disadvantages: Expensive. Requires regular and careful maintenance. May absorb odors. Expensive to remove and recover.
- Cost: Most expensive. Depending on fabric manufacturer selected as prices vary widely. Not all fabrics can be installed on moveable walls. A great deal depends on the backing. Price point of six hundred over vinyl (6 times cost of standard vinyl).
- Aesthetics: Classic. Timeless. The best aesthetically of all three standard options.
- Recommended: Any setting where the ultimate in appearance and elegance is desired. Corporate meeting rooms. Executive offices.
Conclusion:
The correct finish depends on the priorities, acoustics, aesthetics, and functionality. Ask yourself, before you quickly select the final finish:
- Functionality: What is the primary purpose of the space? Is sound absorption, durability, ease of maintenance important?
- Durability: How much swear and tear will the walls experience? Choose a finish that will withstand what you anticipate will occur in the divided space.
- Aesthetics: What kind of mood or atmosphere do you want to create? Consider the overall design.
- Budget: Costs between the three standards vary widely. Factor in initial cost plus the future costs of maintenance, repair and recover.
