Faux wood paneling is a construction and design material that is used in place of real wood paneling and typically is made of a mixture of materials such as polyurethane, wood particles and vinyl. This material has various advantages over real wood paneling, including the fact that it often is cheaper and weighs less, which can make it easier to install. It is not always indistinguishable from real wood, and it usually is not as durable, either. Those who choose to add faux wood paneling to their home or office may do so on their floors, walls and blinds, to name a few popular options.
One of the benefits of faux wood paneling is its cost, because it usually is cheaper than real wood, yet many people often cannot tell the difference. In addition, it usually is lighter in weight, which can make it easier to install as a do-it-yourself project. Rather than hiring an expert, homeowners and business owners may be able to save money by using glue, fasteners or regular nails and screws to attach faux wood paneling to the desired surface, while real wood tends to call for more substantial methods of attachment. An additional reason why some people may choose this material over real wood is the lack of warping, rotting and bug infestations.
While this type of paneling has its advantages, some people can immediately tell the difference between real wood and faux wood, so they may prefer the former. This is especially true when one closely inspects and feels the surface, because faux wood tends to feel less sturdy. Its light weight also may mean it’s not as durable as real wood, which users may notice when putting weight on it or trying to attach items to it with nails. For this reason, some people may end up replacing their faux wood paneling with real wood eventually, which can be a costly decision.
There are many uses for faux wood paneling, because this material can be used nearly anywhere in a structure. One of the most common uses is on walls, because it usually is simply attached to a surface to create a warm, rich look that often appears more expensive than it really is. The same look can benefit other parts of the house, and this type of material can be found on floors and ceilings, as well as in faux wood blinds. Some people also decorate the exterior of their home with faux wood paneling, choosing to use it as siding or shutters.