Painted Walls
A classic and cost-effective option, painted walls are the most straightforward finish for many spaces. Available in virtually any colour, they allow for total freedom in design and branding. Easy to update or refresh, painted walls are ideal for areas where budget is tight or a future redesign is planned. It’s an easy option to offer a pop of colour into any customer facing environment!
However, paint doesn’t offer the best durability for high-use or high-moisture areas – especially in back-of-house or kitchen environments. Scuffs, chips and marks are common over time, and regular touch-ups may be needed to keep things looking sharp. Washable or scrubbable paints can help, but they won’t offer the same hygiene credentials as other options.
Best for: Front-of-house spaces where cost and flexibility are key.
Tiled Walls
Tiles remain a popular option for their classic style, durability and easy-clean nature. Often used in kitchens and wet areas, tiles offer great resistance to water, stains and heat. There’s also plenty of scope for creativity – from metro tiles with contrasting grout to patterned ceramics that add flair.
The downside? Tiles can be labour-intensive and more expensive to install. Grout lines also require upkeep and can discolour over time, especially in heavy-use food environments. Top tip – we recommend using a darker grout where appropriate!
Best for: stylish front-of-house walls needing both durability and design
Hygienic Cladding (e.g. Whiterock)
For a robust, cleanable and hygienic finish, PVC hygienic cladding is the industry go-to for food prep areas. Systems like Whiterock offer smooth, sealed surfaces that are compliant with food safety regulations. They’re easy to wipe down, non-porous and resistant to mould and bacteria – making them ideal for bakeries, kitchens and any high-hygiene zones.
On the aesthetic front, these panels are purely functional – generally available in white or light colours, with a plain, glossy finish, but other colours are available on request! They’re not intended to be decorative but rather practical. Installation requires specialist fitting, but once up, they’re low maintenance and very long-lasting.
Best for: Kitchen and prep areas where hygiene and compliance come first.
Feature Walls (Brick Slip, Reeded Panels, Tongue & Groove, etc.)
Looking to create an atmosphere or add a design statement? Feature wall finishes are a fantastic way to bring character and warmth into your space. From rustic brick slips to contemporary reeded wall panels or classic tongue and groove, these materials are all about visual impact and texture.
While they’re usually reserved for customer-facing areas, they do require thoughtful placement – particularly in food environments. Depending on the material, some may be harder to clean or maintain (for example, dust collecting in grooves or textured surfaces). That said, with the right sealing and finish, they can be a durable and stylish solution.
Best for: Customer areas where brand, atmosphere and aesthetics matter most.
Which wall finish to choose
In summary, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wall finishes – it all depends on the function of the space and the vibe you want to create. Whether it’s a food-safe cladding for your prep area or a textured statement wall for your café interior, we’ll work with you to select the most suitable materials for both style and performance.
Got questions about what will work best in your space? Drop us a line – we’re always happy to advise!
