What are RV interior walls made of

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RV Interior

What are RV interior walls made of

 

RV’s are essentially homes on wheels. This homely feel can be achieved by having flooring, walls and a ceiling that are like for like to that of a house. To achieve this finish, there is a range of materials that can be used. This article will explore what RV interior walls made of are. The pros and cons of each material. How you can choose the right material for your RV.

 

How is an RV interior wall created?

 

RV walls are created in a layered fashion. The vehicle is the shell. Usually an aluminium body or some other form of metal. This form’s the outermost shell and is the first form of insulation and protection from the elements. From this outer wall, there is a space. Usually an inch or two, then there is the inner wall. The inner wall is the interior. This is a basic overview of an RV wall.

The outermost shell is the outer layer. Therefore this needs to be watertight. Well maintained external paintwork and a ceramic coating will ensure no water gets in. On the internal side, it’s common to seal the interior with a spray. This forms a solid base to think about the insulation.

The gap between this outer layer and the inner layer is the space for insulation. Insulation comes in many shapes and sizes and R Values. The R-value is a rating scale of how insulative the insulation is. The higher the R, the more insulative. Therefore if you aim to go winter campervanning, an insulation R-value of 10 would be suited, whereas, for summer camping, R of 5 would be enough. There is a large variety of insulation to choose from. Insuk, active boards are commonly used the like of which you would find in a stud wall. Sheep’s wool is a more organic but just as effective solution. Expanding foam insulation can be piped into the middle later. Or rolls of loft insulation. It’s just important to think about your insulative needs and get an R-value that suits you.

The inner wall is the one visible in the RV. The inner wall of your camper can be made out of almost anything. Commonly it will usually be made either of plywood, vinyl or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Each of these materials has unique properties that make them useful for this purpose, and these materials will be analysed below.

 

1. Vinyl

 

Vinyl is scientifically known as polyvinyl chloride and is the worlds third-most widely produced plastic polymer. Around 50 million tonnes of this material are produced every year. A relatively affordable super material, vinyl has a great reputation. With it being a long-lasting plastic, it is extremely durable. Easy to clean and lightweight, making the installation less stressful. Due to it being human-made, any colour you can think of will be able to purchase.

Vinyl Pros

 

  • Vinyl is an affordable option and great value for what it is due to its lifespan. Essentially once installed and assuming it doesn’t get damaged, it will last forever.
  • The selection of colours and finishes available on the market gives you the creative freedom to choose any colour known to man.
  • It’s easy to work with. It’s straightforward to cut, shape and bends into place due to its strong, lightweight nature.

Vinyl Cons

  • It’s not environmentally friendly in the sense that it’s plastic, so if you are ethically conscious, this could be a negative.
  • It can break easily, so it may not be as durable as the likes of plywood.

 

2. Plywood

 

Plywood is a material heavily used in any construction. Essentially plywood is sheets of wood pressed together to form one big sheet. The material plywood creates a smooth wooden base to decorate. You can decorate with the likes of paint or wallpaper over. In fact, you can leave it as is it if you want a natural look.

 

Plywood pros

 

  • Has a homely feel due to its simple wood nature.
  • It is insulative, so it can contribute towards keeping an RV warm.
  • Plywood is strong so that it can last. Furthermore, for this reason, it is great to hang units off.
  • It is versatile in the sense you can have a range of finishes from painted to tiled.

Plywood cons

 

  • With plywood being made of wood, it reacts to water bad, leading to dampness and rot.
  • Plywood is prone to mould. Even light condensation over time can create mould. Mould is hard to treat; therefore, if you got significant mould, you would have to replace it all.
  • Cost. Plywood is a more expensive option compared to the likes of vinyl. The thicker and finer the finish, the more expensive it will be.

 

3.Medium-density fibreboard (MDF)

 

MDF is used in the interior walls in new housing due to its low price and weight. It is relatively affordable due to its simple nature. It’s glued sawdust pressed between sheets of wood veneer. It’s surprising how strong this simple process can make MDF.

 

MDF Pros

 

  • An affordable option to create an interior wall.
  • It’s lightweight, so really easy to handle and manoeuvre into position.
  • MDF is highly flexible, so that curves can be achieved with relative ease.
  • Easy to cut and finish.

MDF Cons

  • MDF’s lifespan is the only real concern for creating an RV interior wall with it. Over time it degraded and weakened as the glue deteriorates. This could lead to structural failure.

 

Finding the right material for your needs

 

All the above materials offer their own distinct pros and cons. Some are stronger, while others are cheaper. Ultimately you must match the product to your needs and budget. It is all about what sort of feel you want to create, as each material has a unique finish. A nomadic RV would have lots of wood exposed. A more clinical looking RV will use Vinyl. At the same time, plywood can be pained any colour giving you a canvas to customise totally. I hope this article gives you a good start point in deciding what material you want to create your RV interior with.

 

 

 

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