Get the portfolio 
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Restaurant wall finishes

Choosing wall finishes for a restaurant requires balancing aesthetics, durability, ease of cleaning, and functionality. Below is a list of common commercial wall finishes with their advantages and disadvantages:
Paint
1. Paint (Latex or Epoxy-Based)

Advantages:
  • Cost-effective and widely available.
  • Epoxy paints are more durable and moisture resistant.
  • Available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Disadvantages:
  • Standard latex paints can chip and stain easily in high-traffic areas.
  • Epoxy paint, while more durable, is more expensive and harder to apply.
  • Requires frequent touch-ups in heavy-use spaces.
«
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
2. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Pros:
  • Highly durable and resistant to stains, water, and scratches.
  • Available in various styles, colors, and textures.
  • Easy to clean and sanitize.
Disadvantages:
  • Hard and cold underfoot, which can reduce comfort.
  • Can be slippery when wet unless treated for slip resistance.
  • Grout requires regular cleaning and resealing to prevent staining.
Best For: Dining areas, restrooms, and entryways.
Considerations: Can be slippery when wet; choose slip-resistant options.

«
Vinyl Wall Coverings
3. Vinyl Wall Coverings

Advantages:
  • Durable and easy to clean, with many design options.
  • Resistant to moisture and stains, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
  • Often treated with antimicrobial coatings for hygiene.
Disadvantages:
  • Can peel or bubble if improperly installed or exposed to excessive moisture.
  • Limited breathability, which can trap moisture behind the surface.
  • More expensive than paint.
«
Stainless Steel Panels
4. Stainless Steel Panels

Advantages:
  • Extremely durable, heat-resistant, and hygienic.
  • Easy to clean and sanitize, ideal for kitchen or prep areas.
  • Reflective surface adds a modern industrial look.
Disadvantages:
  • Expensive upfront cost.
  • Prone to scratches and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.
  • Limited design versatility compared to other finishes.


«
Brick
5. Brick (Exposed or Veneer)

Advantages:
  • Adds a rustic, warm, or industrial aesthetic.
  • Durable and can be sealed for added protection.
Disadvantages:
  • Porous and prone to staining unless sealed properly.
  • Difficult to clean and maintain in high-traffic or food-related areas.
  • Expensive and labor-intensive installation.
«
Wood Paneling
6. Wood Paneling

Advantages:
  • Warm and inviting appearance with many design options.
  • Can be treated for durability and moisture resistance.
Disadvantages:
  • Prone to warping, staining, or scratching if not sealed properly.
  • Less fire-resistant compared to other materials.
  • Maintenance-intensive in humid or high-use environments.
«
Laminate Panels
7. Laminate Panels

Advantages:
  • Durable and cost-effective.
  • Easy to clean, with many finishes mimicking wood, stone, or other materials.
Disadvantages:
  • Can be damaged by moisture or heat if not properly sealed.
  • Less luxurious appearance compared to real wood or tile.
  • Susceptible to scratches and chips.
«
Glass Panels
8. Stone-Texture Porcelain Tiles

Description: Porcelain tiles are designed to replicate natural stone's appearance and texture, providing a more lightweight and cost-effective option.

Advantages:
  1. Affordable: Less expensive than natural stone, with a similar look.
  2. Low Maintenance: Non-porous, requiring no sealing, and easy to clean.
  3. Versatile: Available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and stone imitations.
  4. Durability: Highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches.
  5. Lightweight: Easier to install on walls without structural reinforcements.
Disadvantages:
  1. Imitation Texture: Lacks natural stone's authentic feel and uniqueness.
  2. Uniformity: Repeated patterns can appear artificial in large areas.
  3. Cold Aesthetic: Without proper lighting or design, it can feel less inviting than natural materials.
«
Commercial wallpaper
9. Wallpaper (Vinyl or Fabric-Backed)

Advantages:
  • Available in endless patterns, textures, and colors.
  • Vinyl-backed wallpaper is durable and easy to clean.
Disadvantages:
  • Fabric-backed wallpaper can stain and is harder to clean.
  • Can peel or bubble in high-moisture areas.
  • Installation and replacement can be time-consuming.
«
Acoustic Panels
10. Acoustic Panels

Advantages:
  • Improves sound quality and reduces noise in dining spaces.
  • Available in various fabrics, colors, and designs.
Disadvantages:
  • Limited cleaning options; can absorb stains or odors over time.
  • Expensive and typically reserved for specific areas.
  • May clash with other finishes if not chosen carefully.
Key Factors to Consider:

  • Functionality: Use durable and hygienic finishes in kitchens, restrooms, and high-traffic areas.
  • Aesthetics: Match finishes with the restaurant’s theme and ambiance.
  • Maintenance: Opt for materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains and moisture.
  • Regulations: Ensure compliance with fire codes, health standards, and other local regulations.
Get back to the blog 
Mary Shafran | EXPERIENCE DESIGN

© All Right Reserved. EXPERIENCE DESIGN
e-mail us: shafranmary@gmail.com