Wall Panels & Cladding

Start by deciding whether the wall is mainly decorative, protective, acoustic or part of a broader interior wall lining system. That choice affects material, thickness, fixing method and compliance requirements.

Grey finishes are available across several panel types. Each has a different look, weight and level of maintenance.

• Timber and timber-look panels: Good for warmth and texture. Grey stained timber, veneer and slatted panels suit living areas, offices and hospitality interiors.
• Acoustic felt and fabric panels: Useful where sound control matters, such as meeting rooms, media rooms, classrooms and open-plan workspaces.
• Fibre cement and cement-look panels: A good match for contemporary interiors that use concrete, steel or stone. Check edge detailing and fixing requirements.
• Stone, porcelain and solid surface panels: Suited to high-impact feature walls and wet-adjacent areas when the product is rated for that use.
• Metal and aluminium panels: Often used in commercial fitouts where a sharper architectural finish is needed.
• Painted MDF, plywood and composite panels: Practical for joinery-style walls, concealed doors and decorative profiles.

Grey is not one colour. Cool greys can look blue in natural light, while warm greys may sit closer to taupe or stone. Before ordering, check samples in the actual room at different times of day. Pair the sample with flooring, cabinetry, benchtops and any nearby trim.

Texture also changes how grey reads. A flat matte panel feels calm and minimal. Ribbed, fluted and battened profiles create shadow, so they often look darker once installed. Gloss or satin grey panels reflect more light and can make a narrow space feel brighter, but they may show fingerprints more readily.

Wall cladding looks best when set-outs are resolved before site work starts. Ask suppliers or installers how the system handles corners, joins, openings, skirtings and ceilings. Panel size matters too. Large sheets can reduce visible joints, but they need careful handling and a straight substrate. Smaller modules may be easier to replace later.

• Confirm whether the panels are direct-fixed, batten-fixed, clipped or adhered.
• Check substrate requirements, especially over plasterboard, masonry or existing linings.
• Allow for power points, switches, air vents and access panels.
• Clarify whether trims, corner pieces and end caps are part of the system.
• Ask whether the finish is prefinished or needs sealing, staining or painting after installation.

For residential projects, focus on suitability for the room. In kitchens, laundries and entry areas, check impact resistance and cleanability. In bathrooms or wet-adjacent zones, confirm moisture resistance and whether the product can be used near water. For apartments, offices, hotels, schools and public spaces, fire performance and acoustic data may be required under the National Construction Code and project specifications.

Maintenance depends on the surface. Powder coated metal and sealed composite panels usually wipe clean. Felt and fabric acoustic panels may need vacuuming. Timber veneer and natural finishes may require more care around moisture and direct sunlight. If the wall is in a busy corridor, choose a grey panel that can handle knocks and scuffs without obvious marking.

Grey wall cladding rarely sits alone. It needs to meet floors, ceilings, trims and adjacent wall linings cleanly. If you are planning a full interior package, compare related products at the same time. Skirtings, mouldings and jambs can frame grey panels neatly around doors and floor junctions. Suspended ceiling systems may need to align with panel joints in commercial spaces. Plasterboards are often the substrate or adjoining finish. Plywood can suit painted, stained or clear-coated wall panel designs.

Use ArchiPro to compare grey wall panels and cladding by finish, material, profile, supplier and application. Shortlist products that match the room conditions first, then refine by tone and texture. Request samples where possible, and ask for installation guides, lead times, warranty details and technical data before making a final selection.