What Matters When Choosing Wall Materials for a Restaurant Renovation?

In a restaurant, wall materials are chosen by zone: atmosphere and washability matter in the dining room, hygiene in the kitchen and water resistance in wet areas. Trying to solve the whole space with one material is the most common mistake.

Five criteria

• Washability: the wall at table and chair height is touched every day.
• Impact resistance: chair backs and service trolleys wear the lower part.
• Fire class: in commercial premises the classification certificate of the covering is required.
• Acoustics: hard surfaces add to the noise; soft, textured surfaces reduce echo.
• Light: a texture looks different under evening lighting than in daylight.

Recommendations by zone

• Dining room: decorative paint, vinyl-surfaced wallpaper, brick and timber details.
• Bar and service area: a sealed decorative finish or an easily wiped panel.
• Kitchen: tiles and washable surfaces with few joints.
• Washrooms: tiles, or a decorative finish with a water-repellent protective coat.

Why is the lower part of the wall treated separately?

Wear is concentrated below waist height. Using panelling or a tougher covering on the lower part saves renewing the whole wall.

Concept first, or material?

Concept. The material is then chosen for durability from the options that fit the concept. Erdağ Yapı brings samples to the survey; details are on our café and restaurant renovation page.