FRP vs. Other Wall Materials: A Smart Choice for Modern Facilities

When selecting interior wall materials for commercial, institutional, or industrial spaces, architects and specifiers must weigh durability, maintenance, hygiene, and cost. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) wall panels from NUDO offer a smart, high-performance alternative to traditional materials like tile, stainless steel, drywall, and PVC panels. Purpose-built for challenging environments—from food processing plants to healthcare facilities—FRP panels provide a resilient, hygienic, and cost-effective solution that outperforms the competition in key categories.

NUDO’s wide range of FRP panels, including FiberLite®, BioProtect™, FiberCorr™ and NuFiber™, deliver industry-leading performance in moisture-prone and high-traffic areas. Whether you’re designing for compliance, cleanliness, or budget efficiency, NUDO’s FRP solutions help future-proof your projects with strength and simplicity.

How FRP Stacks Up Against Other Wall Materials

FRP vs. Tile

  • Installation & Maintenance: Unlike tile, which requires grout lines that can harbor bacteria and demand ongoing maintenance, FRP offers smooth, continuous surfaces that are easy to clean and sanitize.
  • Durability: FRP resists cracking, chipping, and moisture penetration better than tile—especially in cold, wet, or high-impact environments.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: FRP installation is faster and less labor-intensive, leading to reduced costs and less downtime during construction or renovations.

FRP vs. Stainless Steel

  • Hygiene & Compliance: While stainless steel is known for cleanliness, FRP provides a comparable hygienic surface with more design flexibility and lighter weight for easier installation.
  • Corrosion Resistance: FRP doesn’t rust or dent, making it ideal for corrosive environments, like commercial kitchens and labs.
  • Cost Savings: FRP delivers a sanitary, durable finish at a fraction of the material and labor costs of stainless steel.

FRP vs. Drywall

  • Moisture Resistance: Drywall absorbs moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and structural breakdown over time. FRP is non-porous and impervious to moisture.
  • Longevity: In environments like locker rooms, restrooms, and utility areas, FRP dramatically outlasts painted drywall and requires less upkeep.
  • Code Compliance: FRP panels, particularly Class A fire-rated options, meet stricter performance and safety requirements compared to standard drywall assemblies.

FRP vs. PVC Panels

  • Impact Resistance: FRP offers better resistance to impact and abrasion, making it a stronger choice for areas with carts, gurneys, or industrial equipment.
  • Design & Texture Options: NUDO’s FRP panels are available in a broader range of textures, finishes, and fire-rated options than standard PVC wall coverings.
  • Sustainability & Safety: FRP formulations like BioProtect™ incorporate antimicrobial properties and enhanced fire performance, providing safer environments for sensitive industries.

Why Architects and Specifiers Choose NUDO FiberLite FRP Panels

NUDO’s FRP products are engineered for performance, compliance, and efficiency in a wide variety of commercial applications. With over 60 years of innovation in laminated panels, NUDO supports design professionals with:
  • Class A and Class C fire-rated options tested to ASTM E-84 standards.
  • Meets USDA, FDA, and ASTM-D-5319 standards for regulated industries.
  • Ease of application when installing textured FiberLite FRP™ finish is unidirectional. This makes installation easy when having to turn the panels vertical and horizontal during installation where panels are next to each other on the same wall. No need for added seams.
  • Coordinating moldings that are custom extruded to specifically match the panel you have installed.
  • Low-maintenance surfaces that resist stains, scratches, mold, and chemical exposure.
  • Trusted applications in healthcare, food service, biotech, education, public infrastructure, and more.

The NUDO Advantage

With more than 60 years of experience, NUDO is a trusted manufacturer of high-performance laminated panels. Our Class A fire-rated FiberLite FRP panels combine cutting-edge safety standards with the aesthetic and functional benefits today's facilities demand. Every product is crafted to deliver lasting durability, cleanliness, and safety without compromising on ease of installation or design flexibility.

Ready to specify FiberLite FRP panels for your next project? Contact NUDO today or request a product sample to experience the superior performance of our FRP wall and ceiling systems firsthand.

 
 
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