Wall cladding: cheap, fast, and high-quality alternatives
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You're starting to realize that your home is not what it used to be. What once looked new and modern now seems outdated, with a color that's hard to define. But of course, you neither have the time nor the money for disruptive renovations. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—it’s understandable that spending your savings on a vacation is more appealing than an expensive remodel. But... what if I told you that you could do both? (In the background, you can hear your walls cheering and clapping).
At Smartcret, we believe that the simpler, the better. If you’re here, it's because you’re looking for a solution. That’s why we’ll detail everything you need to know about wall cladding: its advantages, key aspects to consider, the different materials available, and which ones we believe are the best choices—without forgetting about cost, a crucial factor, of course.
So grab a pen and paper, or open a Word document, whatever works best for you, and take note of everything coming up. This may very well be the beginning of... a brand-new look for your home!
What is wall cladding?
Simply put, wall cladding is the practice of covering a wall with a material to give it a new appearance, protect it, or both. Depending on the product used, it can be applied to more or fewer surfaces. One example is microcement, a decorative coating that can adapt to any surface or setting: indoors, outdoors, kitchens, bathrooms, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, and even furniture.
One of the most characteristic functions of wall cladding is to provide greater resistance to surfaces by protecting them against humidity, impacts, UV rays, scratches, and temperature changes.
Key aspects to consider when choosing wall cladding
Obviously, each material used for wall cladding will yield very different results. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should carefully weigh your options to ensure you’re truly satisfied in the end. Here are the key aspects to consider before starting this project.
Material resistance: a long-term investment
It's important to choose cladding that offers good guarantees for the future. No one wants to waste their money, so opt for a durable coating that will maintain both its condition and appearance over time. Cracks and fissures are likely to form if the material isn’t chosen properly, so you need to consider all factors that might affect it: humidity, temperature changes, impacts, sunlight exposure.
Focus on comfort
A crucial element to consider. The quality of the product will be determined not only by its durability but also by the quality of life it provides. Pay attention and go for a wall cladding that offers good acoustic and thermal insulation—you’ll appreciate it in the long run.
Material aesthetics: play it safe
Aesthetic differences between types of wall cladding are significant. Keep in mind a long-term vision—perhaps a material appeals to you now, but will you still like it in a few years? This isn't like buying a t-shirt that you can stop wearing if you don’t like it anymore; a decorative renovation requires an investment, so it’s best to make choices that will continue to please you over time.
You might have a style in mind for your home but lack the knowledge to choose the right material. Seeking advice from professionals who can guide you through the process and recommend materials based on aesthetics and properties is essential.
Installation complexity: a dream or a nightmare
We live in a world that prioritizes immediacy. You barely have time for yourself, so it’s understandable that you want a renovation that won’t last months. Some materials may look fantastic visually, but what about the difficulty of installation?
Fortunately, other claddings, such as microcement, offer a simple, fast, and secure application, avoiding debris and allowing you to choose the decorative finish you like best. A true all-in-one solution.
Maintenance: something to think about
Sometimes, everything looks great, and you're thrilled with your walls—until you realize they stain at the slightest touch, or worse, they’re nearly impossible to clean. In these cases, it’s best to channel your inner housekeeper beforehand and choose a material that makes life easier, not harder.
Flexible and customizable: your style, your pace
Think of wall cladding as life itself—always changing and evolving. That’s why choosing a flexible and customizable material is a great idea. It should match your style today but also be adaptable for tomorrow, just like you. This adaptable foundation lets you experiment and refresh your home, reflecting each stage of your journey without complications.
Is a high price worth it?
And of course, we can’t forget about our friend: the budget. Depending on the material you choose, costs can vary significantly. Keep in mind that materials like natural wood, ceramic, or stone will be more expensive, while PVC, tiles, or microcement will be much more affordable.
You should also consider the size of your home, the estimated time required for the cladding, and the material itself. All these factors will influence the final cost.
Top-rated wall claddings and their characteristics
Now that you have a better understanding of what factors to consider, let’s take a look at some of the most popular and successful wall claddings in recent years. There are hundreds of types, and since neither you nor we have time to go through all of them, we’ve selected the eight most highly rated.
Wallpaper for a wide range of decorative styles
Wallpaper is a material that allows you to decorate your home's walls quickly, with minimal investment, and with the possibility of choosing from a wide variety of designs and colors. It is a wall covering that makes it difficult to get bored since it can be easily changed, but it does have the drawback of being a less resistant material. There are four types of wallpaper, each with different properties.
One of the most popular is washable wallpaper. This is one of the most durable decorative wallpapers, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, spaces where stains are common, and humidity levels are high.
On the other hand, non-washable wallpaper is a more economical option but comes with the downside of offering less durability. It’s not something you will get too attached to, as it likely won’t last long.
This might interest you more. Lining paper is a type of wallpaper specifically used for covering damaged walls that have cracks, fissures, or deteriorated paint layers.
Finally, we have vinyl wallpaper, one of the most preferred options by most people due to its high durability and material quality. It withstands humidity and stains well and is easy to clean. In addition, it comes in a vast range of designs, each more stunning than the last.
Brick: a wall cladding with character
Brick started being used in New York homes as a way to cut costs, optimizing existing materials to save money amid soaring housing prices—about 40 years ago.
Over time, it has become a major interior design trend, helping to create modern spaces with strong character and visually appealing environments.
Among its benefits, its excellent sound insulation stands out, as well as its low maintenance, since it is a product that hardly deteriorates thanks to its high heat resistance. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to achieve results tailored to your taste.
But does it have downsides? Of course, and they must be taken seriously because, in the long run, they can cause real problems. Although it is a very durable material, its repair is not easy at all. If a brick needs to be replaced, the entire wall must be removed—so "simplicity" is not exactly the best word to describe it. Moreover, brick walls have low humidity resistance, meaning that if you live in an area with high moisture levels, the material may start breaking down over time.
Natural and imitation Wood: a timeless trend
Wood is a material that never goes out of style, year after year topping the list of most requested renovations for wall cladding. It’s no surprise, as one of its great advantages is that it pairs perfectly with all kinds of materials and styles, creating warm environments and providing excellent acoustic insulation.
When it comes to finishing, you can choose from a wide variety of woods: oak, walnut, holm oak, pine… a long list that you could spend hours exploring.
But not everything is perfect. What’s the downside? Maintenance. You have to dedicate a lot of time and money to keeping it in perfect condition. This is why alternative solutions like imitation wood have emerged—a product that delivers very similar results but at a lower cost.
Natural stone for greater comfort
It could be said that stone is one of the most charming wall claddings. Wherever it is placed, it creates a special atmosphere, offering both a rustic and modern effect. This material stands out not only for its aesthetics but also for its resistance.
If, like me, you feel like you’re roasting in the summer heatwaves, you’ll be happy to know that stone eliminates that problem. It is one of the best insulating materials for both heat and cold.
Since it is non-porous, humidity is not a problem, nor is the formation of bacteria. With stone, long-term durability is guaranteed.
Now, if your idea is to cover all the walls in your house with natural stone, we wouldn’t recommend it. The cost could be very high, and aesthetically, it would create overloaded spaces.
Tiles and ceramics: a safe bet
Possibly one of the most traditional wall coverings, its use has been widespread for decades. It is a material that ensures attractive and interesting finishes while providing high resistance to moisture and stains.
However, its installation can be challenging, as can the presence of grout lines, which require periodic cleaning since dirt tends to accumulate there over time.
Microcement: guaranteed success
With ready-to-use microcement, the choice is easy. This wall cladding offers everything that other alternatives provide: high-quality results with excellent resistance, high-end decorative finishes, and a wide variety of styles. Plus, you can do the work yourself, quickly, without generating debris, and with a very affordable budget.
This coating has excellent adhesion, allowing it to be applied to all types of surfaces or materials: porcelain, metal, stone, plasterboard, plaster, tiles, ceramics… It has no limitations, as it is just as suitable for interior and exterior applications, creating top-quality finishes that ensure durability.
Its finishes will leave you speechless, as it comes in a wide range of colors, allowing you to achieve fully personalized results that suit your taste.
Venetian stucco: a stylish wall cladding
One of the most exclusive and attractive finishes you can find. This cladding originated in 15th-century Venice, creating stunning surfaces with a unique marble effect.
Alongside its exotic appearance, it also boasts fantastic resistance and durability, ensuring that your walls look flawless for years.
It is a high-performance material, but it does have its downsides. Its application requires a skilled professional, as it is quite complex to install. In terms of cost, it is not as expensive as natural stone or marble, but it is not exactly a budget-friendly option either.
Stainless steel fiinishes: the coolest industrial style
A way to revamp your walls with an urban touch is by using stainless steel finishes. With them, industrial style merges with the elegance of a modern material. And it is incredibly versatile: from a striking gloss to a more subtle brushed effect. It reflects light uniquely, creating energetic and authentic environments.
Its strong personality is matched by high resistance and easy maintenance. Sophisticated and stylish, this wall covering is the perfect canvas to play with contrasts. And while its cost is not excessively high, it does require a professional’s expertise for proper installation to achieve an ultra-chic industrial look.
Wood panels: more than just a trend
Moving beyond natural and imitation wood, we step into wood panels, which are making waves in top interior design magazines. This wall cladding has no set date of emergence, but it has undoubtedly become a must-have in contemporary design. Wood panels bring warmth, texture, and strong character to any room in the house.
Modern wood panels require basic maintenance, usually just regular cleaning, but their biggest downside is the medium-to-high cost since they are an investment that reflects their quality. Their installation is fast, thanks to modular systems, although it is recommended that a professional handles the installation to ensure a perfect finish.
Natural fibers: your most eco-friendly option
Natural fibers are emerging as one of the most sustainable alternatives for wall cladding, using materials like cork or reed. Among their properties, their outstanding acoustic insulation stands out, greatly enhancing home comfort. Their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, making your home look more natural and modern.
The biggest drawback is maintenance. Like wood, it requires a lot of care to keep it in perfect condition.
A simple way to give a fresh look: tile paint
For all the areas in your home covered with tiles, we bring you a new alternative for wall cladding: Sa good tile paint. Perhaps you've decided that, for now, giving your bathroom or kitchen a new look is enough. This option is certainly more affordable and faster, and you'll still achieve high-quality results.
Our tile paint is very easy to apply and features extra-fast drying. In just 2–3 hours, the surfaces will be completely dry and ready, meaning that in just one morning, you can apply a coat of paint, relax with a bath and a refreshment, and return to find the surface fully dry.
Its use is not limited to tiles—with our paint, you can also coat concrete, microcement, and even wood, available in 11 different colors.
Unleash your inner artist and become the Picasso of your home! Visit our store and choose the product that best suits your preferences to enjoy your wall coating.