Stainless steel feature walls are not new to architectural use. A simple wall panel using stainless steel sheet laminated over plasterboard is.

Developed by Stainless Sections Pty Ltd, these panels are applied over solid surfaces to provide the user a wall with many uses. This includes great aesthetics provided by the natural tone of stainless steel, while providing a tough wearing surface that is also highly hygienic.

On new applications, these panels can be applied directly over timber or steel frame. Fixing is normally done using glue, like normal plasterboard panels. This is an easier and less complicated means of preparing a feature wall.

The panels are made up of a stainless steel sheet, wrapped around a sheet of plasterboard. The board gives the sheet structure and makes this easy to handle and fix.

The stainless steel not only provides the aesthetics to the plasterboard backing, but also protects the backing, doing away with the need to coat this. It should be noted that plasterboard usually requires many recoats throughout its service life.

Stainless steel, by comparison, not only strengthens and protects the board, but also extends the service life—pretty much the life of the building. Stainless steel is also fully recyclable.

The sheets feature a small edge fold, usually 10 mm in width. This allows the panels to be spaced or snug, when fixing. The fold can be made wider, if screw fixing is required.

Normally fixing of the sheets allow for 40 mm at the top and 50 mm at the bottom to accommodate shadowline and cable space, or bottom skirting, if required. Use of the panels does away with the need for cornices.

Another advantage of stainless steel is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. All that is normally required is a wipe over with window cleaner or light oil.

Stainless Sections offer a wide range of stainless steel finishes for use with these feature wall panels.