Did you know that polyurethane coving can last up to 30 years or more with little to no maintenance? That’s just one of the reasons why this material has become a popular choice in both homes and businesses. But, is it the best option for your construction design project? Or is traditional plaster still the way forward? While polyurethane coving offers a range of appealing features, there are a few factors to consider before making your choice.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at polyurethane coving, breaking down its features, advantages, common uses, and how it stacks up against other materials, giving you the full picture to make an informed decision.
What is Polyurethane Coving?
Polyurethane coving is a type of decorative moulding used where walls meet ceilings, adding a smooth transition between spaces. Unlike traditional plaster coving, polyurethane coving is made from a lightweight polymer that provides sharp edges and lines of plaster while offering several added benefits. Typically, it’s faced with high-quality paperboard, making it ideal for painting without the need for priming. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a clean, professional finish with minimal effort.
While Keaney’s specialises in high-quality plaster mouldings, polyurethane coving offers an alternative solution for projects requiring a lightweight and cost-effective option that can look nearly as good.
Overview of Polyurethane Material
Polyurethane is a highly versatile plastic material that can be moulded to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. It’s known for its flexibility, toughness, and resistance to wear and tear, making it a great cheaper choice for industries ranging from construction to automotive. Polyurethane’s cellular structure gives it both flexibility and durability, which is why it’s increasingly used in interior design for coving and other mouldings. Its moisture resistance and ability to withstand impact damage make it ideal for environments where humidity is prominent.
How Polyurethane Coving is Manufactured
Polyurethane coving is produced through a modern process known as injection moulding, where liquid polyurethane is injected into pre-made moulds to create a desired shape. Once cured, the mouldings are hardened and ready for use. The resulting product is not only durable but also retains any details, making it an excellent substitute if plaster coving isn’t available. This manufacturing process also ensures consistency in quality and dimensions, providing a perfect fit every time.
Key Benefits of Polyurethane Coving
Durability and Longevity
Polyurethane coving is known for its durability. Its hardened core ensures that it remains resistant to cracking, moisture and impact damage, making it perfect for places with high traffic or fluctuating conditions. With proper installation, polyurethane coving is long-lasting without the need for repairs or replacement, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs. Plaster, however, can last for centuries, and is less prone to cracking or developing gaps at the seams compared to polyurethane.
Lightweight and Easy to Install
Another great feature of polyurethane coving is its lightweight nature. Compared to traditional plaster, polyurethane is much easier to handle, making self-installation faster and simpler. It doesn’t require pinning and is instead secured using specialised adhesives. This not only saves time but also avoids potential damage to walls and ceilings during installation. If you’re looking to become a DIY expert, polyurethane coving offers a hassle-free experience.
Moisture and Chemical Resistance
Polyurethane’s resistance to moisture makes it suitable for environments with high humidity. It can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and even outside, where water levels fluctuate significantly. Its chemical resistance also ensures that it maintains its appearance and strength, even in areas exposed to cleaning agents or other chemicals. This durability makes polyurethane coving ideal for homes and industrial applications. On the opposite end, traditional plaster has all of these qualities, as well as superior fire resistance properties, making the building safer.
Versatility in Design
Polyurethane coving comes in a range of designs and sizes. From minimalist profiles to more detailed designs, polyurethane offers a flexibility that comes close to plaster. The sharp edges and smooth lines give a professional finish, without compromising on structure. It can also be easily painted to match any colour scheme, further enhancing its adaptability in design projects. If you’re looking for a more authentic and high-quality appearance, however, opt for traditional plaster. This material has a subtle softness that allows it to achieve finer details, which looks particularly graceful with plaster ceiling roses.
Common Applications of Polyurethane Coving
Residential Settings
Cornice and coving are frequently used in homes to add an advanced finish to living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens. Polyurethane coving’s resistance to moisture makes it particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens, where traditional plaster coving might be vulnerable to damage.
Commercial and Industrial Environments
In commercial and industrial settings, where walls and ceilings are often subjected to more wear and tear, polyurethane coving offers a durable, long-lasting solution. Its resistance to impact and moisture ensures that it can withstand the demands of busy environments such as offices, hotels, and retail spaces.
Hygienic and Healthcare Uses
Polyurethane coving is also well-suited for use in healthcare environments, such as hospitals and research labs, where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. Its smooth, non-porous surface resists bacteria and mould growth, making it easier to maintain sanitary conditions. This makes it a practical choice for environments that demand strict hygiene standards.
Comparing Polyurethane Coving to Other Materials
Polyurethane vs. Plaster Coving
Plaster coving is a classic choice for those seeking a traditional finish. It offers excellent details and can be customised to match intricate designs. It also is resistant to shrinking, shifting and warping with temperature changes, that can sometimes occur with synthetic materials. Polyurethane, on the other hand, offers a similar look but is lighter weight.
While Keaney’s specialises in plaster coving, which is considered the premium option, polyurethane provides a more affordable and lower-maintenance alternative.
Polyurethane vs. Wood Coving
Wood coving adds a natural warmth to a room, but it is susceptible to warping, rotting, and pest damage, especially in humid environments. Polyurethane, by contrast, is moisture-resistant and immune to these issues, making it a more practical choice for areas exposed to moisture. Additionally, polyurethane doesn’t require the same level of maintenance as wood.
Polyurethane vs. PVC Coving
PVC coving is another lightweight option, but it lacks the strength and durability of polyurethane. PVC can become brittle over time, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures or UV light. Polyurethane, on the other hand, maintains its structure, making it a better long-term investment. PVC also doesn’t offer the same level of detail in design, while polyurethane can mimic the intricate patterns of traditional materials.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Polyurethane Coving
Pricing and Budget
Polyurethane coving tends to be more affordable than plaster or wood, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects. However, it may not provide the same premium feel as high-quality plaster moulding.
Environmental Considerations
Polyurethane is a synthetic material, so its environmental impact is a consideration. It's not as eco-friendly as plaster, which is made from natural gypsum. However, polyurethane’s durability and long lifespan mean fewer replacements and less waste, which can offset some environmental concerns.
Maintenance and Upkeep
One of the main advantages of polyurethane coving is its low maintenance requirements. It doesn’t require frequent repairs or repainting, and its resistance to moisture and chemicals means it stays looking like new for years.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of polyurethane coving in construction and design is necessary for making the right choice for your project. While Keaney’s specialises in high-quality plaster mouldings, polyurethane offers a viable alternative for those seeking something at a lower cost. It’s a versatile material, and its cost-effectiveness makes it an appealing option for many. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the premium finish of plaster coving to ensure you choose the best material for your space.
Whether you’re renovating a home, designing a commercial space, or working in a specialised healthcare environment, polyurethane coving can be a good option for a quick upgrade. For a more professional, sleeker finish, we recommend using traditional plaster materials.
