Interior wall cladding refers to the installation of a building material such as timber, gyprock or natural stone on the internal walls of a home. This cladding provides essentially an external skin for the walls, and is usually installed solely for aesthetic benefit. However, internal wall coverings have some practical benefits as well.

Internal wall cladding can boost the strength of your home’s insulation and will provide a barrier to limit noise pollution through walls. Though interior cladding will rarely soundproof a room, it can certainly muffle the sounds of noisy neighbors or even simply people talking in the next room. Another practical benefit to interior wall cladding is the storage potential – cladding on interior walls can be used to provide shelving or mount furniture without damaging the original walls, making it perfect for narrow hallways.

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However, the true calling of interior wall panelling is in its many design applications. The options for internal wall cladding materials are virtually endless. As the homeowner, the sheer variety of internal cladding materials available will ensure that you have complete control over the style, type, colour, texture, cost, installation, and size of your internal cladding.

Interior wall cladding is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to immediately transform the look of a home. Cladding materials of all varieties are readily available from places such as Bunnings, Deco Cladding, and Master Wall for easily affordable prices. Interior wall cladding can also be an easy DIY project.

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The difficulty level of a DIY internal cladding project will depend almost entirely on the style of cladding. Whether your material comes in shiplap, v groove paneling, or tongue and groove application method will determine the ease of installation and therefore how quickly you will be able to achieve a DIY feature wall. The type of cladding that is the simplest and easiest to install is simple stick on wall panels, which require very little expertise and can be comfortably attempted by an amateur.

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This is one of the most important things to consider when deciding on internal wall cladding. Your experience level will inevitably influence the quality of a DIY job, so researching the installation methods beforehand is pivotal. Once you have a sound understanding of the requirements of each cladding method, you can make an informed decision about which type of cladding is best for your home. Consider also your climate; shiplap cladding is particularly popular in warmer areas as the space between each panel allows for the expansion of material with heat.

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Internal wall lining is a popular trend in Australia showing no signs of waning. A particularly beloved choice within design-savvy homes is an internal feature wall; often in communal areas such as the living room or kitchen. Natural materials are seeing a huge surge of popularity, with raw stone, reclaimed timber and exposed brick taking center stage on the Australian feature wall design scene. To help inspire your remodel, here is an outline of the best indoor wall cladding styles and materials currently available in Australia.

Internal wall cladding ideas: 5 best styles and materials for interior wall paneling

5. V groove paneling

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V groove panelling is a method of cladding systems which typically has wider planks and is ideal for covering large areas. V groove paneling is defined by its chamfered edge which slots into adjacent planks or sheeting using a tongue and groove joint. V groove paneling looks particularly glamourous when applied to painted wood, adding a sophisticated yet rustic twist to a room.

V groove paneling is particularly well suited to internal timber wall panels in the bedroom, as the style is best to cover the larger area often needed to cover bedroom walls or feature walls. You can purchase v groove paneling for relatively cheap prices from Master Wall or Deco Cladding. Horizontal vj panelling is another popular choice for a feature wall.

4. Shiplap

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Shiplap is another cladding method where the individual planks (usually timber) will interlock and form a uniform surface with virtually no gaps. Shiplap cladding is extremely popular especially in warmer climates, where the space between planks allows for natural expansion with heat. Shiplap cladding has an easy installation due to its streamlined design. It is often also one of the cheapest styles of cladding available – depending on the type of material used (with the cheapest generally being pine). Shiplap cladding can be painted or stained with easy.

Though the installation of Shiplap is fairly straightforward, this is still not the task for an inexperienced DIY-er. Shiplap is prone to warping when incorrectly installed, which could leave your home vulnerable to water damage or structural instability. Be realistic in assessing your skills and if you fear the task may be too complicated, consider hiring a contractor.

3. Timber

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Timber is one of the best uses of internal cladding. First and foremost, it brightens up the space. Timber adds a rustic warmth that can enliven even the gloomiest modern colour scheme. Timber also has a vast array of design potential as it can be painted or stained, giving you control over the colour and texture. Dark colours appear particularly sophisticated as a timber feature wall. Timber is also one of the best walls upon which to add shelves, because it is a sturdy and durable material.

2. Subway tile

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A cheap and easily installed feature, subway tile looks best in kitchens or bathrooms where it adds a textural layer to a room. Subway tile has become increasingly popular and there are a huge amount of textures and colours available. Kitchen subway tile at the moment has been trending towards white, while bolder designers tend to favour a more refined mosaic tile.

1. Natural Stone

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Though it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive materials, a natural stone feature wall has a fairytale quality unmatched by any other. Natural stone fits beautifully with just about any aesthetic, providing a lovely contrast with sleek contemporary colour schemes and blending in with the rugged simplicity of rustic designs.

Juliet Taylor

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