Wallcovering Basics.
Types of Wallcovering.

There are three general categories of fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering – Type I, Type II, and Type III, which refer to the weight and performance associated with the wallcoverings in these categories.

Type I

Type I is a light-duty wallcovering. The exact weight of the Type I vinyl wallcovering to specify depends on the application or decorative effects to be achieved.

• Type I lightweight vinyl wallcovering is considered to have a weight less than 15 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) and is produced with a scrim backing or nonwoven fabric. It is intended for use on interior commercial walls where a combination of wall protection and design effect is desired.
• A Type I heavyweight vinyl wallcovering is considered to have a weight between 15 oz. and 19 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) and is produced with a scrim backing or nonwoven fabric. It is recommended for use in corridors or offices where moderate traffic is expected.

The 15 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) wallcovering is the most widely specified weight of Type I vinyl wallcoverings.

Type II

Type II is a medium-duty wallcovering. It weighs between 20 and 32 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) and is produced on Osnaburg (poly-cotton or polyester) or non-woven fabric backing. Type II is considered the “work-horse” among vinyl wallcoverings and is typically specified for areas where greater than normal traffic and surface abrasion is evident or expected. It is ideal for offices, hospital wards, public areas and rooms in hotels, lounges, dining rooms, public corridors and classrooms.

The 20 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) is the most widely specified weight of Type II vinyl wallcoverings.

Type III

Type III is a heavy-duty wallcovering. It generally weighs in excess of 33 oz. per linear yard (based on a 54” width) and is made with a drill fabric backing. Type III wallcovering is recommended as a wall protection for areas exposed to extraordinarily hard use, vehicular traffic and abrasive conditions.