Commercial guide
Type I, Type II and Type III Commercial Wallcovering: What the Ratings Mean
Commercial vinyl wallcoverings are graded by durability. Type I is light duty, typically up to 19 oz per 54-inch linear yard; Type II is medium to heavy duty at about 20 to 32 oz and is the most widely specified; Type III is heavy duty at over 33 oz, used in hospital corridors and other rough-abrasion areas. The grades trace back to Federal Specification CCC-W-408.
In short
- Type I: hotel rooms, offices, ceilings, light traffic.
- Type II: corridors, hospitality, healthcare, retail, schools; the default for most commercial work.
- Type III: wainscots, elevator banks and other areas that take hard knocks.
- Heavier types need heavier adhesive and more installer experience.
The three types side by side
| Type | Typical weight (per 54-inch linear yard) | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Type I, light duty | 19 oz or less | Hotel rooms, offices, waiting areas, ceilings, apartments |
| Type II, medium-heavy duty | About 20–32 oz | Corridors, hospitality, healthcare, retail, education |
| Type III, heavy duty | Over 33 oz | Hospital corridors, elevator banks, wainscots, high-abuse walls |
Source: Wolf-Gordon, Wallcovering 101. Type II exceeds Type I in abrasion, tear and stain resistance; Type III meets the highest requirements.
What else to check on a commercial spec
- Fire performance. Commercial projects usually require flame-spread and smoke-development ratings that meet local code. Confirm the rating with the manufacturer's data sheet.
- Width. Commercial vinyl usually comes 54 inches wide, which changes how seams fall and how the wall is laid out.
- Adhesive. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation to keep the warranty valid.
- Backing. Fabric-backed (scrim, osnaburg, drill) or non-woven backings behave differently on the wall.
Why installation matters more with heavier goods
Wide, heavy rolls are harder to handle, need double-cut seams in many cases and are less forgiving on uneven walls. Corridors with many doors and corners take careful layout so seams do not land on edges where they will get knocked.
Where we work: neighborhoods and ZIP codes
We hang Type I, II and III commercial goods in Midtown, Cumberland, Peachtree Corners, Norcross and Alpharetta buildings.
North Atlanta: Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Midtown
- 30305 Buckhead
- 30327 Buckhead / Tuxedo Park
- 30342 Buckhead / Sandy Springs
- 30328 Sandy Springs
- 30350 Sandy Springs / Dunwoody
- 30338 Dunwoody
- 30319 Brookhaven
- 30324 Brookhaven / Lindbergh
- 30329 North Druid Hills
- 30341 Chamblee / Brookhaven
- 30339 Vinings / Cumberland
- 30309 Midtown / Ansley Park
- 30318 West Midtown / Westside
Gwinnett County
- 30017 Grayson
- 30096 Duluth
- 30092 Peachtree Corners
- 30071 Norcross
- 30093 Norcross
- 30043 Lawrenceville
- 30045 Lawrenceville
- 30046 Lawrenceville
- 30019 Dacula
- 30052 Loganville
- 30078 Snellville
- 30039 Snellville
- 30518 Buford / Sugar Hill
- 30519 Buford
Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek
- 30004 Alpharetta / Milton
- 30005 Alpharetta
- 30009 Alpharetta
- 30022 Alpharetta / Johns Creek
- 30024 Suwanee / Johns Creek
- 30097 Johns Creek / Duluth
Also serving: Roswell and East Cobb; Cumming; Woodstock, Canton and Hall County. Not sure we cover your street? Send your ZIP code with a quote request.
About WallPros. WallPros LLC is a wallpaper installation company based in Grayson, Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Cumming and the rest of Metro Atlanta for 10 years. We install, remove and prepare walls for homeowners, interior designers and builders.
Sources
FAQ
Common questions
Is Type II wallcovering waterproof?
It is highly washable and moisture resistant, but no wallcovering should be used where water runs down the wall.
Can Type II be used at home?
Yes. It is popular in mudrooms, hallways and kids' areas where durability matters.
Do you install commercial wallcovering after hours?
Yes. We schedule around your business hours and other trades across Metro Atlanta.