10 Stylish Wallboard Alternatives for Modern Homes

07 May 10 Stylish Wallboard Alternatives for Modern Homes

Are you bored with plain old drywall? You’re not alone—many people want something stronger, nicer, and more useful. Drywall doesn’t handle water well and looks boring. That’s why new wallboard alternatives are so popular.

Take WPC wall panels as an example. They come in many styles, like wood-like looks or smooth, modern designs. These wallboard alternatives don’t get damaged by water or bugs, so they’re great for damp areas. They’re also easy to care for, so you won’t need to fix them often. No wonder busy homeowners love them!

Want to see more choices? Let’s check them out!

Key Takeaways

• Check out cool wallboard options like wood panels and shiplap to make your home look better.

• Pick materials like cement board and MgO board for wet areas. These are strong and resist water damage.

• Think about eco-friendly choices like hemp panels and veneer plaster. They help the planet and keep your home healthy.

• Use plywood because it is strong and flexible. It works well for floors, cabinets, and more.

• Many wallboard options are easy to install yourself. You can improve your space without hiring anyone.

Wood Paneling

Overview and Features

Wood paneling is a classic choice that adds warmth to rooms. It’s made from solid wood or thin wood layers called veneer. You can pick styles like rustic or modern to match your home. Veneer panels use less wood, making them eco-friendly.

Here’s a simple comparison of veneer panels and solid wood:

Pros and Cons

Wood paneling has good points but also some downsides. Here’s a breakdown:

Wood paneling is both pretty and useful. But it needs care and doesn’t like moisture.

Best Places to Use

Wood paneling works great in many areas. Here are some examples:

• Use it in living rooms or bedrooms for a cozy feel.

• It keeps rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.

• It’s perfect for offices or media rooms to reduce noise.

• Wood panels help control humidity for better air quality.

• Choose WPC panels with low chemicals for a safer option.

Wood paneling is stylish, eco-friendly, and practical for modern homes.

Plywood

Overview and Features

Plywood is strong and useful for modern homes. It’s made by sticking thin wood layers together to form sturdy sheets. Unlike MDF, plywood doesn’t bend or break easily, making it great for places needing durability.

Why is plywood special?

• Strength and Durability: It’s tougher than MDF and lasts longer.

• Natural Look: The wood grain gives it a classic and cozy feel.

• Cost-Effectiveness: It costs more at first but saves money over time.

If you want stylish and practical wallboards, plywood is a great pick.

Pros and Cons

Plywood has good points but also some downsides. Here’s a quick look:

Plywood is strong and looks nice, but it’s harder to work with. It’s also less fire-resistant than drywall, which might be a concern for some people.

Tip: Choose plywood if you want something tough and stylish.

Ideal Use Cases

Plywood works well in homes, especially where strength and water resistance matter. It’s great for:

• Flooring: Strong and affordable for busy areas.

• Walls: Adds a natural and warm look to rooms.

• Roofing: Reliable for long-term use in new buildings.

• Cabinetry: Looks good in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Eco-Friendly Homes: A smart choice for green building projects.

More people are using plywood because it’s eco-friendly and useful. In 2021, homes made up over 66% of the U.S. plywood market revenue. Whether you’re fixing up or building new, plywood is a smart and stylish choice for today’s homes.

Shiplap

Overview and Features

Shiplap is a popular and flexible choice for homes today. It uses horizontal wooden boards with grooves that fit tightly together. This gives it a smooth and neat appearance. While often seen in farmhouse designs, it also suits modern styles.

Why is shiplap special? Let’s look closer:

Shiplap isn’t just pretty. It’s strong, doesn’t warp, and can hold up to 200 pounds per square foot if installed well. You can paint it any color to match your style, making it one of the most adaptable wallboard options.

Pros and Cons

Shiplap has many benefits but also some drawbacks. Here’s what to know:

• Pros:

  • Mold resistance: Hemlock shiplap resists mold better than pine.

  • Durability: Hemlock is stronger and less likely to rot than pine, though cedar is even tougher.

  • Stylish look: Thin boards give a sleek and modern appearance.

• Cons:

  • Pine boards may get black mold, which looks bad but isn’t harmful.

  • Cedar is better for wet areas since pine and hemlock aren’t as rot-resistant.

Shiplap is a solid choice if you want something strong and stylish. Just pick the right wood for your needs.

Ideal Use Cases

Shiplap fits well in many rooms. Here are some ideas:

• Living rooms and bedrooms: Add a cozy and inviting feel.

• Bathrooms: Use mold-resistant wood like hemlock for damp spaces.

• Kitchens: Painted shiplap creates a warm, farmhouse-style look.

• Ceilings: Add texture and interest with shiplap overhead.

Whether you’re redoing one wall or a whole room, shiplap is a smart and stylish option. It’s no wonder it’s such a favorite wallboard alternative!

Veneer Plaster

Overview and Features

Do you want walls that look smooth and fancy? Veneer plaster might be the answer. It’s a thin plaster layer added to a special board called blue board. This creates a polished surface that looks expensive but costs less than traditional plaster.

One great thing about veneer plaster is its flexibility. You can change the thickness to fit your walls perfectly. It’s good for both new homes and fixing up old ones. It also works well in older houses where controlling moisture and temperature is important. Whether you like rough textures or smooth finishes, veneer plaster can do both.

Pros and Cons

Every material has good and bad sides. Here’s a simple list to help you decide:

Pros:

• You can add insulation without changing doors or windows. This keeps your home warm and saves energy.

• It’s cheaper than traditional plaster but still looks fancy.

• It dries fast, so you can paint and enjoy it sooner.

Cons:

• It’s not as strong as traditional plaster in some cases.

Veneer plaster is stylish, useful, and affordable. It’s a great choice if you want nice walls without spending too much.

Ideal Use Cases

Veneer plaster works well in many places. Here are some ideas:

• Old Homes: It helps control moisture and matches older walls easily.

• Home Updates: Use it with blue board for a smooth finish around doors and windows.

• Custom Looks: Choose a rough or smooth texture to match your style.

This material is one of the most flexible wallboard options. It’s both beautiful and practical, making it a top pick for all kinds of homes.

Cement Board

Overview and Features

Cement board is strong and dependable for walls. It’s made from cement mixed with fibers, giving it great strength. This material is perfect for places with lots of moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens. You can even use it outside.

One great thing about cement board is its water resistance. Unlike drywall, it doesn’t swell or break when wet. This makes it ideal for damp areas or humid spaces. It also stands up to bad weather, so it’s good for outdoor walls.

Cement boards are tough and resist water well. But they can be heavy and harder to install, which some people don’t talk about enough.

Pros and Cons

Cement board has good points and some downsides. Here’s a simple list:

Cement board is great if you need something tough and water-resistant. But it takes more effort to install.

Ideal Use Cases

Cement board can be used in many places. Here are some ideas:

• Bathrooms and kitchens: Perfect for wet spaces where water resistance matters.

• Outdoor walls: Stays strong in bad weather and adds durability.

• Room dividers: Useful for creating new layouts at home or work.

• Decorative finishes: Works well with tiles, paint, or other designs.

Cement boards are becoming more popular for modern homes. They’re often used for room dividers and outdoor walls. The market for cement boards is growing fast, with a 6.51% yearly increase until 2033. Whether you’re fixing up or building new, cement board is a smart choice.

Faux Brick Panels

Overview and Features

Faux brick panels are a cool way to make walls look unique without using real bricks. These panels copy the look of bricks but are lighter and simpler to put up. They’re made from strong materials like polyurethane or PVC, so they last long and need little care.

Why are faux brick panels so popular? Here’s why:

• They’re trendy in modern homes and add a fresh, stylish touch.

• Textured designs, like Glen-Gery’s 2024 Color of the Year, make rooms stand out.

• They’re much easier to install than real bricks, saving time and effort.

If you want to make your home look better, faux brick panels are a great pick.

Pros and Cons

Faux brick panels have good and bad sides. Here’s a simple list:

Pros:

• Light and easy to carry, so installing them is simple.

• Cheaper than using real bricks.

• They don’t get damaged by water or bugs.

• Come in many colors and styles to fit your taste.

Cons:

• Not as strong as real bricks.

• Up close, some panels might not look very real.

Even with a few downsides, faux brick panels are stylish and useful.

Ideal Use Cases

Faux brick panels can be used in lots of places. Here’s how they work:

You can use faux brick panels in living rooms, kitchens, or even outside. They’re flexible, stylish, and fit well in modern homes. Whether you want a cozy or modern look, these panels can make it happen.

Corrugated Metal

Overview and Features

Corrugated metal is a cool, modern wallboard option. It’s made from aluminum or steel with wavy designs. These panels are light, strong, and give homes an industrial or trendy look.

Why is corrugated metal special? Check out its features:

These panels pass strict tests, so they work well in many places. You can use them inside or outside. They also come in different colors and finishes to match your style.

Pros and Cons

Corrugated metal has good points and some downsides. Here’s a simple list:

Pros:

• Costs less than other metal options.

• Lightweight and strong, so it’s easy to use.

• Lasts a long time and is great for DIY projects.

• Offers more color choices than asphalt shingles.

Cons:

• Needs more care because of exposed fasteners.

• Doesn’t look as smooth as standing seam panels.

Corrugated metal costs about the same as asphalt shingles but lasts longer. It’s a stylish and budget-friendly choice for your home.

Ideal Use Cases

Corrugated metal fits in many areas. Here are some ideas:

• Accent Walls: Make living rooms or bedrooms stand out.

• Kitchens: Use it as a backsplash for a modern look.

• Outdoor Walls: Great for sheds, garages, or patios since it resists weather.

• Ceilings: Add a unique and bold design overhead.

This material is strong and flexible. It works for both decoration and function. Whether you want a rustic or modern style, corrugated metal can change your space.

Magnesium Oxide Wallboard

Overview and Features

Magnesium oxide wallboard, or MgO board, is a newer option instead of drywall. It’s made from natural materials like magnesium oxide, making it eco-friendly and recyclable. This wallboard is light but very strong, making it great for tough construction jobs.

One of its best features is its ability to resist fire, mold, and water. Unlike drywall, it won’t rot or bend when wet. This makes it a good choice for damp places like bathrooms or basements. MgO boards are also safe and non-toxic, so they’re good for your home and the planet.

Here’s a simple look at its main features:

Pros and Cons

MgO boards have many good points but also some downsides.

Pros:

• Fireproof and mold-resistant, making them safe for homes.

• Light and strong, so they’re easy to install.

• Eco-friendly and recyclable, helping the environment.

Cons:

• Water problems can sometimes cause wooden parts to rust.

• If installed wrong, they might trap moisture and grow mold.

• Some countries, like Denmark, banned them due to water damage issues.

MgO boards are tough and useful, but proper installation is key to avoiding problems.

Ideal Use Cases

MgO wallboards work well in many places. You can use them for:

• Bathrooms and kitchens: Great for wet spaces because they resist water.

• Fire safety: Perfect for areas needing extra fire protection.

• Decorative walls: Adds a modern look to your home’s design.

• Public buildings: Common in hospitals, theaters, and airports for their strength.

Still, be aware of moisture problems. For example, studies showed MgO boards can trap water, causing rust and mold. This led to big damages in some buildings, costing 370 million EUR. Even with these issues, MgO boards are popular for being strong, safe, and eco-friendly.

Hemp Wall Panels

Overview and Features

Hemp wall panels are a great eco-friendly and stylish choice. These panels are made by mixing hemp fibers with lime or other binders. The result is a light but strong material. They’re ideal for modern homes that focus on being green and cozy.

Why are hemp panels special? Here’s why:

• They make homes warmer by doubling brick walls’ insulation.

• Hemp materials can lower CO2 levels during production, helping the planet.

• Lime-hemp panels keep homes warm and dry by managing heat and moisture.

Hemp wall panels don’t just look nice—they also save energy and help the environment.

Pros and Cons

Hemp wall panels have good and bad points. Here’s a simple list:

Hemp panels are perfect for eco-friendly homes but not for heavy walls or small budgets.

Ideal Use Cases

Hemp wall panels work well in certain areas. Here’s where they fit best:

• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: They keep spaces warm and save energy.

• Bathrooms: Help control moisture for a dry, comfy space.

• Green Homes: Great for eco-projects aiming to cut carbon footprints.

If you want a greener home, hemp wall panels are a smart pick. They mix style, comfort, and eco-friendliness in one cool option.

Beadboard

Overview and Features

Beadboard is a classic wall option that adds charm to spaces. It has vertical grooves, called “beads,” for a paneled look. While it was once only made from wood, newer versions use MDF or PVC. These materials are stronger and resist moisture better.

Why is beadboard special? It works in both old and modern homes. You can use it on walls, ceilings, or as wainscoting. Some beadboards now have special coatings that make cleaning easier by 60%. If you want a stylish and useful wallboard, beadboard is a great pick.

Here’s why beadboard is popular:

Pros and Cons

Beadboard has many good points but also some downsides. Here’s a simple list:

For bathrooms or kitchens, use moisture-resistant MDF beadboard. It keeps the traditional look but won’t warp or swell, making it a smart choice.

Ideal Use Cases

Beadboard looks great in many areas. Here are some ideas:

• Accent walls in bedrooms or living rooms

• Wainscoting in hallways or dining rooms

• Full walls in bathrooms (use water-resistant types)

• Kitchen islands or cabinet accents

• Ceilings for a warm, vintage feel

• Mudroom or powder room walls

Whether you’re fixing up an old home or adding charm to a new one, beadboard is a flexible and stylish choice. It’s a great way to make your home look and feel special.

Picking the right wallboard can make your home look amazing. Options like wood paneling or hemp panels each have special perks. Many are strong, resist water, and even stop fires, making them great for today’s homes.

Here’s a simple list of their benefits:

Think about your home’s style and what you need. Whether you like a cozy look or a modern feel, there’s a perfect choice for you. Try these options to build a home that’s both stylish and strong.

FAQ

What are wallboard alternatives, and why use them?

Wallboard alternatives include materials like wood panels, shiplap, or cement boards. They are stronger, resist water better, and look unique. If you want a stylish or eco-friendly home, these are great options.

Are wallboard alternatives pricier than drywall?

Some, like plywood or MgO boards, cost more at first. But they last longer and need less fixing, saving money later. Cheaper choices like shiplap or beadboard are also available.

Can I install wallboard alternatives myself?

Yes, many options like shiplap or faux brick panels are easy to install. They are light and simple to work with. Heavier ones, like cement boards, may need tools or expert help.

Which wallboard is best for wet spaces?

Cement boards and MgO boards are great for bathrooms or kitchens. They don’t get damaged by water, mold, or mildew, making them ideal for damp areas.

Are wallboard alternatives good for the environment?

Yes, many, like hemp panels or MgO boards, use natural or recycled materials. They cut waste and lower carbon emissions, making them perfect for green homes.