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In busy, high-traffic environments, wall protection is a non-negotiable. But full-height wall cladding isn’t always the most practical or cost-effective choice. Designers are finding smarter ways to protect the most vulnerable parts of a space with wainscoting.
Wainscoting has been used for centuries to protect walls from scuffs, dents and daily wear. Traditionally made from wood, it covered the lower portion of walls to keep them looking polished and protected. Today the same design principle holds true, but modern materials have made it even more effective.
The lower four feet of a wall endure the most impact from carts, chairs and foot traffic. By focusing on protection where it’s needed most, wainscoting provides a smart balance of function, style and cost savings. It also offers creative freedom, allowing architects and designers to define color contrasts, visual transitions or zones within a space, all while reducing maintenance over time.
From hospital corridors and classrooms to dining areas and senior living facilities, walls face constant abuse. Full-height cladding provides robust defense, but it can drive up project costs in both materials and labor. Wainscoting, on the other hand, delivers targeted protection without unnecessary coverage, keeping budgets lean while maintaining design intent.
Altro offers two distinct wall protection options ideal for wainscoting applications:
Doors and plasterboard walls can easily be damaged, be it scrapes and knocks as people pass, or more serious dents and holes caused by wheeled traffic. Altro Whiterock Matte has been specifically designed to protect these surfaces. Altro Whiterock Matte is dense, impervious and resistant to bumps.
With a lightly textured surface that hides scuffs and keeps walls looking their best, Altro Whiterock Matte is installed by certified Altro Whiterock Elite Installers, ensuring precision and lasting performance.
Altro Fortis Titanium 15 is a full system that includes durable panels, easy-to-apply adhesive and prefabricated corners. You don’t need to be a skilled wall cladding installer to perform a quality installation of Altro Fortis Titanium 15. In fact, skilled laborers, drywallers, and maintenance staff will find the system quick and easy - saving the end-user considerable time and money.
Its lightly textured surface and homogeneous coloring reduce the visibility of scrapes should they occur. While the palette of six classic colors can offer a versatile and timeless aesthetic across a range of application areas.
Designed to last, built to save
Wainscoting is a smart, strategic way to extend the life of a space. With Altro wall protection, designers can create beautiful, resilient interiors that perform where it matters most while keeping projects efficient and cost-effective.
