Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, has been the go-to wall covering material for interior walls and ceilings for decades. While drywall offers a smooth and uniform surface that is easy to install and finish, it does have some drawbacks. Drywall is easily damaged, prone to mold if exposed to moisture, and lacks soundproofing abilities.
Fortunately, there are several alternative wall materials to consider that offer benefits beyond what traditional drywall can provide. When choosing interior wall coverings, you want materials that are durable, moisture-resistant, soundproof, environmentally friendly, easy to clean and attractive. There are a range of drywall alternatives worth exploring to find the right fit for your space and needs.
Concrete Walls
Concrete walls provide a durable and sturdy alternative to drywall for interior walls. The raw, industrial look of exposed concrete has become popular in modern interiors, from lofts to high-end residences.
Benefits
- Extremely durable and can withstand heavy impact without damage
- Naturally fireproof and won’t burn or release toxic fumes
- Provides thermal mass for energy efficiency
- Has a unique aesthetic and textured appeal
- Can be stained, painted, stamped or stenciled for customized finishes
Considerations
- Concrete has high thermal conductivity, so extra insulation may be needed
- Takes additional time and labor compared to drywall installation
- Can develop cracks over time that require maintenance
- Not a moisture barrier unless sealed
- Can be cold to the touch and add echo unless treated
Concrete walls can provide the ultimate durable, soundproof wall covering if installed and finished properly. Using insulation, vapor barriers, epoxy seals and acoustic treatments can help overcome some of concrete’s drawbacks. Overall, concrete walls give you longevity and character that drywall cannot match in the right setting.
Brick Walls
Exposed interior brick has an undeniably classic, timeless appeal. From old warehouses converted into lofts to new construction designed to have an rustic aesthetic, exposed brick lends unique character to any room.
Benefits
- Natural material offers design warmth and texture
- Ages beautifully over decades for vintage appeal
- Extremely durable, fireproof and impact-resistant surface
- Requires little maintenance if properly sealed
- Provides good thermal mass for energy efficiency
Considerations
- Masonry work requires skilled tradesmen and is labor intensive
- Brick needs to be cleaned and sealed for moisture resistance
- Not inherently soundproof on its own
- Uneven surface requires thought for decor and hanging items
- Can be cold to the touch unless insulated
With proper preparation, sealing, insulation and acoustic treatment, interior brick walls provide visual interest and durability far beyond drywall. Brick is ideal for achieving a rustic, industrial or old world aesthetic.
Wood Plank Walls
Wood planked walls impart warmth and natural beauty unmatched by drywall. Advances in materials like engineered wood make achieving the wood look easier than ever.
Benefits
- Warm, organic aesthetic is widely appealing
- Engineered wood is durable, with little maintenance
- Materials like MDF are moisture and mold-resistant
- Prefinished options allow easy DIY installation
- Provides some sound dampening ability
Considerations
- Not inherently fireproof or impact-resistant
- Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed
- Not effective soundproofing on its own
- Requires precision installation to avoid uneven planks
- Prone to dents and scratches without extra wall protection
With prefinished engineered wood planks, achieving the wood wall look is easier than ever. If moisture and fire resistance are concerns, treatments and protective finishes can aid safety. Overall, wood plank walls give a space natural beauty inimitable by drywall.
Stone Walls
Like brick, natural stone has an enduring, rustic appeal. From quartzite to travertine, slate, and limestone, stone brings rugged texture indoors.
Benefits
- Extremely durable, can withstand heavy impact
- Fireproof and won’t burn or release toxic fumes
- Has sound dampening abilities due to density
- Adds delightful old world, natural charm
- Stays cool to the touch for comfort
Considerations
- Stone work requires skilled masons and custom installation
- Significant weight load requires structural support
- Porous natural stone requires sealing treatments
- Irregular stone surfaces impact hanging and decor
- Lacks insulation without added vapor barrier
With proper sourcing, sealing and installation, natural stone walls provide unmatched durability, sound dampening, and aesthetic appeal. They bring the aesthetics of the outdoors in while standing the test of time.
Stainless Steel Wall Panels
For an ultra-modern, industrial look, stainless steel panels offer sleek, metallic texture. The reflective surface immediately modernizes any space.
Benefits
- Highly moisture-resistant and easy to clean
- Extremely impact-resistant and durable
- Provides modern, sleek, professional aesthetic
- Naturally sanitary with antimicrobial properties
- Offers moderate sound reflection
Considerations
- Installation requires precision for flush seams
- Susceptible to scratching and fingerprints
- Provides no insulation or fire resistance alone
- Acoustic panels often needed to reduce echo
- Carries higher cost than other materials
With creative joint design and acoustic dampening, stainless steel wall panels enable contemporary aesthetics perfect for professional settings. Their reflective finish makes small spaces feel more spacious.
Textured Wall Panels
For a customizable look, textured wall panels come in varied materials from 3D plastics to sculpted foam, wood pulp, plant fibers and more. Available textures range from geometric patterns to simulated wood beams, stones and bricks.
Benefits
- Offer design flexibility with variety of textures
- Durable, moisture-resistant and mold-proof
- Allow faux finishes resembling pricier materials
- Lightweight for easy DIY installation
- Provide noise reduction over flat drywall
Considerations
- Appearance can seem “fake” up close versus real wood, brick, etc.
- Not inherently impact-resistant on their own
- Need joint treatment for truly seamless look
- Large-scale patterns may look busy
- Flammability varies by material
With limitless customization potential, faux texture wall panels allow you to tailor the design for your unique space. For variety and flexibility, textured wall panels merit consideration.
Fabric Wall Panels
For a softer, cozier aesthetic, fabric wall panels offer sound-dampening ability paired with custom style. Stretch fabrics mount directly to walls, while rigid panels come wrapped in your choice of material.
Benefits
- Provide sound absorption and noise reduction
- Customizable with near endless fabric options
- Soften hard surfaces in modern spaces
- Easy installation suited for DIYers
- Easily change look by swapping fabric covers
Considerations
- Vulnerable to punctures, stains and damage
- Not moisture-resistant without treatments
- Offer no fire resistance or thermal insulation
- Fabric requires regular vacuuming/cleaning
- May sag over time without frequent re-stretching
With the right heavy duty fabric choice and installation, fabric wall panels offer an easy style update. For kid-friendly spaces, offices and other areas needing sound absorption, fabric walls provide a softer decorative solution.
PVC Wall Panels
Durable PVC wall panels offer moisture, stain and mildew resistance perfect for bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens prone to humidity. Made of plastic, they withstand splashes and spills.
Benefits
- Waterproof, moisture-resistant surface
- Withstand high humidity, splashes and spills
- Easy to clean and sanitize for health
- Combats mold and mildew growth
- Provides sound dampening due to density
Considerations
- Can show seams if not installed seamlessly
- Not inherently impact or fire-resistant
- Can develop scratches and scuffs over time
- Made from plastic lacking natural appeal
- Limited style and color options exist
Where moisture resistance and easy cleaning are priorities, PVC wall panels deliver. Their durability suits high-traffic spaces prone to spills, splashes and humidity.
Metal Wall Panels
For industrial edge, metal wall panels come in an array metal types beyond stainless steel. Options include galvanized steel, copper, tin, aluminum and more. Each has its own characteristics.
Benefits
- Very durable and naturally moisture-resistant
- Easy to clean smooth surface
- Provides modern, edgy aesthetic
- Sound-reflective for energy and lively spaces
- Pre-formed panels allow DIY installation
Considerations
- Reflective surface can cause glare issues
- Metals conduct heat and cold if not insulated
- Susceptible to scratches and dents over time
- No fire resistance without treatments
- Oil canning distortion risk with thinner gauge metals
With varied metals and finishes, metal wall panels enable bold customization from industrial to nautical looks. Sourcing quality grade metals and precision installation preserves their modern appeal.
Glass Wall Tiles
For shine and depth, glass wall tiles come in varied shapes, sizes, finishes and degrees of opacity. Subway tiles, mosaics and larger panels catch and reflect light beautifully.
Benefits
- Sleek, glossy contemporary appearance
- Naturally water and moisture-resistant
- Easy to wipe clean and keep sanitary
- Light-reflective to brighten dark spaces
- Sound reflective for energetic ambiance
Considerations
- Prone to cracking and chipping if impacted
- Seams can interrupt light reflections
- Installation labor intensive for intricate designs
- No thermal insulation or sound absorption
- Safety risk if shattered until replaced
With proper grouting and sealants, glass tile brings light-bending, liquid-like beauty to walls in kitchens, baths and modern spaces. Handled properly, it provides an eye-catching alternative to drywall’s flat matte surface.
Cork Wall Tiles
For soft, muted organic texture, cork tiles offer natural sound absorption alongside style. Made from renewable cork oak bark, the panels provide natural beauty that invites touch.
Benefits
- Warm, inviting natural material
- Absorbs sound and reduces echoes
- Offers cushioned surface that resists damage
- Sustainable, renewable resource
- Naturally fire retardant and antimicrobial
Considerations
- Requires sealing to prevent moisture damage
- Natural variations in shade and texture
- Develops dents and compression over time
- Not effective sound barrier, just sound absorber
- Low durability limits uses
In low-traffic spaces needing sound dampening, cork wall tiles provide natural beauty and effective acoustic absorption. Their organic texture creates a serene, spa-like warmth.
Bamboo Wall Panels
Like cork, bamboo offers renewable appeal paired with sound dampening properties. Its fibrous strands absorb noise while adding delicate woody texture.
Benefits
- Rapidly renewable grass product
- Attractive natural grain and color
- Offers sound absorption without fibrousness
- Resistant to moisture, mold and mildew
- Easy installation suitable for DIY
Considerations
- Prone to scratches, dents and water damage
- No fire resistance without chemical treatments
- Produces lower sound absorption than cork
- Requires UV protection to prevent yellowing
- Only provides sound dampening, not blocking
For an environmentally friendly absorbent wall covering, bamboo offers subtle texture. With protective finishes, it brings nature indoors while taming noise.
Acoustic Wall Panels
Specifically engineered for sound control, acoustic wall panels come in various materials from foam to fiberglass and mineral wool. Density dampens noise transmission.
Benefits
- Designed to effectively absorb room noise
- Reduces echoes and reverberation
- Variety of thickness and densities available
- Promotes speech clarity and privacy
- Can be painted or covered to match décor
Considerations
- Not inherently stylish on their own
- Durability issues if damaged or punctured
- Usually not moisture or fire-resistant alone
- Can be expensive for large spaces
- May require creative integration into design
With acoustic foam or fiber panels, you can effectively absorb sound and increase speech privacy. When noise control is critical, acoustic walls deliver substance over just style.
Wallpaper and Wall Murals
For limitless style at low cost, wallpaper and murals bring color, prints and entire scenes to walls. Modern vinyl papers and murals stand up to moisture and durability challenges of the past.
Benefits
- Ability to customize style affordably
- Conceals wall flaws and damage
- Vinyl resists moisture and tearing
- Murals can transform the entire look
- Provides sound dampening over flat paint
Considerations
- Risk of trapped moisture if improperly installed
- Vulnerable to punctures, gouges and staining
- Difficult to patch or repair once damaged
- Removes original wall identity
- Some materials still prone to fading
With quality adhesives and materials, you can customize your wall décor easily and affordably. Wallpaper and murals let your walls make a bold stylish statement.
Faux Brick Panels
Faux brick panels simulate the look of real brick without the weight, moisture and sound transmission issues. Lighter materials like foam recreate depth, texture and mortar lines.
Benefits
- Brick aesthetic without masonry work
- Lighter weight eases installation
- Insulation backing aids thermal comfort
- Mimics real brick texture and shadows
- Provides minor sound dampening
Considerations
- Appearance doesn’t perfectly mimic real brick
- Durability less than real brick and stone
- Not effective for moisture resistance
- Textures and patterns limited vs. real brick
- Lacks cool feeling and thermal mass of masonry
In cost-effectiveapplications where the brick look is desired, faux brick panels offer a reasonable illusion. They recreate the most distinctive elements of brickwork aesthetically.
Barn Wood Planks
For reclaimed appeal, salvaged barn wood offers aged patina and rustic texture in authentic weathered planks. Varying damage adds to the vintage look.
Benefits
- Distressed, unique weathered character
- Contributes repurposed sustainability
- Ideal for achieving farmhouse aesthetic
- Natural material offers warmth
- Dents and dings add to antique charm
Considerations
- Inconsistent sizing and shoddy edging
- May require extensive preparation for use
- Splintering, cracking and rotting risks
- Rustic nature limits broad appeal
- Provides no acoustic or thermal value
For constructing a deliberate vintage look, authentic barn wood imparts timeworn character nothing else replicates. Its imperfections contribute to homey rustic charm.
Faux Stone Panels
Like faux brick, faux stone mimics the look of natural stone without the extreme weight, specialty labor and moisture considerations. Lighter concrete-based materials recreate the appearance.
Benefits
- Stone look without masonry work
- Significantly lighter than real stone
- Consistent sizing for easier installation
- Realistic texture and colors
- Provides minor sound dampening
Considerations
- Appearance doesn’t perfectly match real stonework
- Less durable than real stone long-term
- Minimal insulation or moisture resistance
- Limited color/style options exist
- Cool to touch feeling lacking
For cost-effective stone aesthetic, faux stone panels deliver the look without the difficult installation and weight of real stone. Great for fireplaces and accent walls seeking stone’s visual appeal.
Earthen Plaster
For natural Old World charm, earthen plaster adds texture and eco-friendly appeal. Using clay, sand, straw and natural binders, specialized artisans apply finishes packed with character.
Benefits
- Natural, sustainable ingredients
- Unique hand-applied artisanal finish
- Irregularities add rustic character
- Natural cooling properties for comfort
- Absorbs sound due to density and texture
Considerations
- Very labor intensive, requires skilled pros
- Vulnerable to damage if improperly sealed
- Irregularities make hanging items challenging
- Not inherently water-resistant
- Limited color options from natural ingredients
With proper sealing and care, earthen plaster brings archaic European warmth and charm to interiors through all-natural ingredients and rustic artisan craftsmanship.
Pegboard Walls
For industrial utility chic, slotted pegboard walls provide handy tool and object storage thanks to its grid of holes. Best suited to garages, workshops and utility rooms.
Benefits
- Allows object storage directly on walls
- Easy rearrangement of hooks as needed
- Streamlines utility spaces through organization
- Budget-friendly material cost
- Durable enough for most storage needs
Considerations
- Visible wall punctures if pegs removed
- Not designed for heavy-duty anchors
- Open holes allow dust to fall behind
- Plain, utilitarian aesthetic
- Sound and moisture transmission
In spaces devoted to hobbies, projects and repairs, pegboard walls efficiently organize tools. Workshops, sheds, garages and basements benefit most from pegboard’s handy storage capabilities.
Penny Tiles
Whether real copper pennies or faux metal discs, penny tiles lend a distinct, eye-catching accent wall. Metallic colors pair with gloss and depth for artistic dazzle.
Benefits
- Creates artistic focal point wall
- Allow custom designs from coins to tiles
- Glossy metal finish unique from other tiles
- Suitable for backsplashes and feature walls
- Provides minor sound reflection
Considerations
- Extensive tedious installation work
- Challenging arrangements prone to error
- Grout stains metal finish if unsealed
- Lacks practical soundproofing or insulation
- Heavy true copper challenging to mount
With meticulous planning and execution, penny tiles yield stunning art wall results full of whimsical sparkle. For eye