Everything You Should Know About RV Interior Wall Materials

Top Considerations to Make Before Buying RV Interior Wall Material 

If you’re remodeling the interior of a previously owned RV, the interior wall, ceiling, and insulation are probably in need of some love. The walls are likely covered in scuffs and damage. If the RV has been parked for a long period, the window and door seals and seams may have degraded, allowing moisture to enter and mold and mildew to grow. 

To address these two issues and to make sure your remodel stands the test of time, it’s important to consider two key product characteristics before buying a new RV interior wall material: 

• Durability. RV walls tend to get beat up from items falling during travel and from occupants bumping into them as they move about the small space. An ideal RV wall cladding solution should stand up to contact and impact. 
• Moisture and water resistance. Water damage and mold growth are the most common culprits behind RV owners needing to replace their interior walls and ceilings. It’s also a problem that needs to be taken care of right away — if left alone, you’ll likely need to replace more than just the paneling. 

What Is the Most Popular RV Interior Wall Material? 

RV walls usually have three layers: An outer layer, which forms the shell of the RV, an insulating layer, and an interior layer.  

In most RVs, you’ll find that the interior layer — which includes walls and ceilings — is made up of two different materials. RV walls are usually covered in thin plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). In higher end or more expensive campers, you may see vinyl paneling used as well. Meanwhile on an RV ceiling, you’ll typically find fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or PVC wall paneling because both materials are lightweight, moisture resistant, and neither need to be painted. 

Whether you choose to use two different materials on your RV walls and ceilings or would prefer to outfit the whole space in one product, there are a few pros and cons for each material to consider. 

Plywood 

Plywood panels are made from thin layers of wood veneer, with layers placed perpendicular to each other. The layers are treated with resin and are glued together under pressure for added strength. Plywood can be made from softwood or hardwood and panels come in a variety of thicknesses, finishes, and grades of quality.   

Pros  

• Thin plywood utility sheathing is affordable, costing less than $1 per square foot in the U.S. and slightly more than $1 in Canada.  
• It’s relatively straightforward to install, since sheets are simply nailed or screwed into studs.  
• It’s strong enough to handle shelving.  
• You can apply wallpaper to plywood for design flexibility. 

Cons 

• The cellulose used in plywood can serve as a growth medium for mold and mildew after a panel gets wet.  
• Since plywood is made from unfinished wood, it can be difficult to clean since cleaning products can soak into the wood and cleaning cloths can catch on wood fibers.  
• While plywood is relatively strong, it’s still made from wood, meaning it will show damage if it’s struck with enough force.   

MDF 

MDF is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into fine particles, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and applying high temperature and pressure. 

Pros 

• MDF is less expensive than plywood and is widely stocked by most retailers. 
• It’s relatively easy to paint and seal. 

Cons  

MDF is heavy and weighs even more than solid wood, making the installation process a labor intensive, two-person job. 

• It’s easy to damage and the damage is permanent — MDF can't be sanded to hide dents or scratches. 
• While the exterior of MDF is water resistant, the interior wood fibers will swell and mold if exposed to moisture. 
• MDF can only be cleaned with dish soap, warm water, and a damp soft cloth and must be thoroughly dried to prevent damage. 

FRP 

FRP, or fiberglass reinforced plastic, is a composite material that’s made from a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers. Panels are adhered to a backer board using glue. 

Pros 

• FRP is incredibly strong and won’t show signs of wear and tear from residential use. 
• It’s moisture and water resistant. 
• It’s easy to clean and won’t be harmed by chemical cleaners. 

Cons 

• FRP is expensive and requires additional purchases of backer boards and glue. 
• The installation process is lengthy, messy, and often requires the help of a professional. 
• With a long history in commercial and industrial spaces, FRP is overkill in a residential space. 
• The glue used for FRP installations contains volatile organic compounds, making it a health risk in a small, poorly ventilated space. 

PVC 

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which has historically been used to create pipes, cables, window profiles, flooring, and roofing due to its durable and lightweight properties. Today, PVC is also used to create wall and ceiling panels for a wide range of interior spaces.   

Pros 

• PVC is abrasion resistant and won’t show signs of damage. 
• It’s moisture and water resistant, meaning it won’t degrade if it gets wet and it won’t absorb airborne moisture. 
• It’s 100% recyclable and PVC panels can be recycled up to six to seven times. 
• PVC panels are cellulose free, making them insect and termite resistant. 

Cons 

• PVC is tricky to paint and requires special supplies. 
• Panels are relatively expensive up front, but costs are offset through a simple installation process. 

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is the Ideal RV Interior Wall Material 

Made from PVC, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard boasts the same benefits mentioned above – and then some: 

• Durability. The mechanical strength of PVC combined with the unique truss design of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard means that the panels can outlive the buildings they’re installed in. Panels are also impact-resistant and can stand up to contact without showing dents, cracks, or damage.   
• Ease of Install. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are lightweight and easy to handle, and one person can easily and quickly complete an installation, even on tricky ceiling installs. Since the panels are prefinished, no painting or added finish is required, and the panels are ready to perform as soon as they’re fastened to the wall.   
• Moisture & Water Resistance. Trusscore wall and ceiling panels are 100% moisture and water resistant. Panels install with a watertight seal, and thanks to the presence of PVC, they’ll never absorb airborne moisture. With Trusscore, you never have to worry about the growth of mold and mildew. 
• Cleanability. The smooth surface and water resistance of Trusscore products means they can be cleaned with a simple wipe, including with soap or chemical cleaners, so your space will always look its best. 
• Light Reflectivity. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels deliver a bright, clean finish, and have a light reflectivity score of 0.90, meaning they reflect 90% of the light that strikes their surface. In a small, dark RV, Trusscore will reflect any available natural or fixture lighting to make the space feel larger and brighter. 
• SlatWall Integration. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard pairs seamlessly with Trusscore SlatWall to generate wall-based storage – ideal for maximizing space within the often-tight confines of an RV. Trusscore SlatWall pairs with snap-in hooks, shelves, and baskets to create a ship-shape look and generate added functionality.   

When it’s time to hit the open road, you want your RV to look and perform its best. Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is your answer. Because that’s just how we roll.