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Majestic looks: Wall cladding with teak lends an earthy yet dignified affluence to the decor.

“Clad them or clothe them with a host of materials now available in the market,” says Raghav Menon, Interior Designer, who has worked with interior wall panelling in several star hotels in the city. “It’s one of those features of interior spaces that helps one permanently add some aesthetic nuance for a function that throws about a feel and character,” he explains.

Wooden panels, used heavily in most commercial shops and establishments such as jewellery shops, beauty salons and branded showrooms, look ostentatious and are heavy on one’s pockets. But the permanence factor still keeps the trend going in such establishments, says Raghav.

Nevertheless, the cost factor, delicate maintenance chores, and sparse availability of quality materials are reasons that could push them away from the cladding scene in preference to a host of materials now arriving in the market. But for those who like the rough texture of trees and pine for a slice of forest wood indoors, the brownies would lend a taste of rustic charm.

Wooden panels are normally used in one-fourth inch and three-fourth inch-thickness on walls. The overall size of the covered area is also taken into consideration. They also act as excellent sound and heat insulation materials.

Carpenter Rama Naidu says “Normally teak is preferred for panelling (the well-heeled even use rose wood) because of its exhilarating grains, and because it is easy to slice and dice, lends itself to any kind of design finish, is highly termite resistant and is loaded with simple yet timeless appeal.”

As design evolved with a practical edge to come into terms with affordable pockets, ply with different finishes became a major player, slowly replacing the classical and formal approach that teak was used to.

With time, more technically suitable acoustic panels replaced the wood panel cladding concept. The air-conditioners too snigger at the irrelevant purpose of wood in maintaining temperatures. Further, with the concept of minimalism and a thrust on practicality, the use of extensive wooden panelling has considerably reduced.

“Yes I agree, the usage has declined with aam janta, but is still a rage with well-to-do people who care for a timbered flavour,” assures Raghav whose hands are full with assignments.

Ply is a cheaper option for wall panelling. It comes mostly in one-fourth, half and three-fourth inch thickness. Ply also saves on panelling construction time and also adapts well to the site conditions.

Apart from its weakness against termite, the surface of ply isn’t exposed. So, for better maintenance, finishing it with laminate, veneer, varnish or paint is paramount.

Natural and dyed veneer is available in all kinds of wood finishes such as mahogany, red and white cedar, maple, beige, walnut and oak. It gives the user plenty of options.

“After veneer is fixed on the panel, the surface needs varnish, melamine or polyurethane coats,” warns Raghav who certainly doesn’t get turned on by these cheaper options.

One look at the market and there are choices galore for wood-like panelling on finishes in ply.

There are enamel, duco or vapocured painted surfaces that have better maintenance features for putting them on the wall.

Now, isn’t that quite a lot (on choices) for a market that isn’t exactly celebrating wood on walls, although shops and establishments, with easier pockets, sit pretty basking in the woody gleam!

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