In the demanding environment of commercial kitchens, the walls are constantly exposed to moisture, heat, and oil spills. While FRP was traditionally a standard wall lining, modern health inspections and lifetime maintenance costs have made PVC panels a preferred choice. Find out how PVC commercial kitchen wall covering compares to FRP in industrial kitchen setups.
On the surface level, FRP panels are waterproof, but they allow water to seep in through the seams and edges and get trapped behind them. The wooden backers behind them absorb the water, resulting in rot. The organic composition of wood further allows mold to harbor and thrive, posing hygiene risks in kitchen interiors. On the contrary, PVC panels’ synthetic, non-porous construction does not absorb moisture, helping reduce the conditions that support mold growth.
The initial upfront cost of FRP panels is lower than PVC, but additional material and the need for skilled labor add up the expenses. Installing FRP is a multi-step, time-consuming process that involves fitting backers, applying adhesives, driving trim rivets, and sealing seams with silicone.
PVC panels, on the other hand, are lightweight and interlock for easy, fast installation. The panels attach directly to walls or existing surfaces with studs and fasteners. Compared to FRP, they save up to 40% on material and 50% on labor costs.
Here’s the price breakdown for 4’x8’ material:
The textured surface of FRP panels allows food debris to lodge in the microgrooves, requiring tedious scrubbing to sanitize. Regular pressure washing can also lead to surface cracking and fiber shedding. They can also release toxic gases and dense smoke when exposed to high heat or fire. If improperly installed or poorly maintained, FRP systems can make sanitation more challenging and may complicate compliance with hygiene requirements.
PVC commercial kitchen wall panels meet stringent hygiene requirements and are CFIA- and FDA-compliant. They come with a Class A fire rating, with self-extinguishing properties that minimize flame spread. Their smooth surface makes cleaning easy with a normal wipe-down or chemical washdowns.
Choosing the right wall paneling for your commercial kitchen can significantly impact productivity and efficiency. Discuss your project with our experts by requesting a free consultation from Duramax. Our restaurant wall panels last 4x longer than FRP panels and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Request a free sample.