Wall Cladding: WPC vs PVC vs MDF

Three materials that look alike on the shelf

Wall cladding sold in Egypt is mostly one of three materials. In a showroom they can look the same; the difference shows after a few years of humidity, cleaning and sun.

MDF

• Wood fibres pressed with glue. Cheap and easy to cut.
• Absorbs water through its edges and swells, so it does not belong in bathrooms, kitchens or on walls with damp.
• Can be eaten by termites.

PVC

• Plastic panels, light and water-resistant.
• Often hollow and thin, so they can dent, and the look can be plasticky.
• Fine for ceilings and low-cost areas.

WPC

• Wood powder blended with polymers: water-resistant like PVC, with a more solid, wood-like feel.
• Termite-proof, does not swell with moisture.
• Costs more than MDF or basic PVC, but does not need replacing.

Which one where

• Bathrooms, kitchens, damp walls: WPC.
• Living rooms and TV walls: WPC panels or chip board for a wood look that lasts.
• Ceilings or temporary spaces on a tight budget: PVC.
• Dry rooms only, lowest budget: MDF.

Babeco wall panels

Our fluted WPC panels are 17 × 280 cm, in 14 finishes, from 165 EGP a panel, made at our factory in 6th of October.