Decorative panels have become one of the most-specified interior elements in modern Indian homes because they solve a specific problem better than any alternative: how to turn a plain wall into a designed feature, quickly and affordably.

Top advantages of using panels:

1. SPEED OF INSTALLATION. Most panels install in a single day. Louvers and decorative wall panels are glued onto the wall with construction adhesive - no painting, no drying time, no multiple coats, no curing. A 100 sq ft feature wall can be done in 4-6 hours.

2. NO WALL PREP REQUIRED. Panels hide minor wall imperfections (hairline cracks, uneven plaster, old paint marks) that would otherwise need patching, sanding and priming before paint or wallpaper. Saves 1-2 days of prep work.

3. DESIGN IMPACT. Vertical fluted louvers, 3D relief panels, realistic stone-look and marble-look panels create feature walls that paint, wallpaper or plain laminate simply can't match. Physical texture and depth that catch light beautifully.

4. DURABILITY. Most quality panels last 15-20 years without re-painting or re-finishing. Compare to paint that needs touch-up every 3-5 years, or wallpaper that peels, fades and stains.

5. EASY CLEANING. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. No scuff marks, fingerprints or kid's drawings that show on painted walls.

6. WEATHER RESISTANCE for exterior use. WPC and PVC panels work outdoors on facades, compound walls and balconies where wallpaper, paint and even most other cladding materials fail under monsoon and UV exposure.

7. ACOUSTIC BENEFIT. Fluted louvers naturally diffuse sound and reduce room echo. Dedicated acoustic panels absorb sound, useful in home theatres, study rooms, offices and music rooms.

8. COST-EFFECTIVE compared to premium alternatives. A fluted louver feature wall typically costs Rs 250-600 per sq ft installed. Comparable visual impact in natural stone cladding costs Rs 1,500-3,000 per sq ft. Wood veneer feature walls cost Rs 800-2,000 per sq ft installed.

9. LIGHTWEIGHT vs natural materials. PU stone and polystyrene panels weigh a fraction of real stone or solid wood - easier to install on drywall, less structural load on walls.

10. EASY TO REPLACE single damaged panels - unlike a painted wall where any repair is visible, or wallpaper where you typically need to re-do an entire wall.

Fluted louver design is more nuanced than catalogue photos suggest. Most louver installations that don't look right have one of these issues - getting them right transforms the result.

10 designer tips:

1. FULL-HEIGHT OR NOTHING. Floor-to-ceiling louvers look intentional and architectural. Half-height (counter to ceiling, or wall mid-height to ceiling) looks like an unfinished accent. Commit to full height for the feature wall.

2. SCALE TO THE ROOM. Louver column behind a TV should be 1.5-2x the TV width - narrower looks lost behind the TV, wider competes with the cabinets. For bed-back walls, louver wall = bed width + 300-600 mm extension each side.

3. LIGHT DELIBERATELY. Recessed LED at base/top of louvers, OR wall-washer spot from ceiling above, OR concealed strip behind. Without directional light, flutes read flat and you've wasted the design. Flat overhead room lighting kills the effect.

4. WARM 2700-3000K LED ONLY. Cool white LED behind warm walnut louvers reads grey and kills the warmth. Always warm. Dimmable for evening control.

5. PAIR FLUTED + SMOOTH in the same colour. Walnut louver column behind TV + walnut smooth laminate cabinets on either side = sophisticated contrast. Walnut louvers + walnut louvers everywhere = overwhelming.

6. ONE WOOD FAMILY PER ROOM. Walnut louvers + walnut cabinets, not walnut louvers + oak cabinets. Mixing wood tones reads as accidental rather than designed.

7. WIDTH OF EXTENSION matters. Bed-back louvers should extend 300-600 mm beyond bed on each side - bedside tables sit IN FRONT of the louver wall, framed by it. Louvers narrower than the bed look unfinished.

8. CONCEAL CABLE MANAGEMENT behind louvers. The air gap behind louvers is perfect for hiding power cables, TV wiring, sconce wiring. Plan electrical FIRST so you can route cleanly.

9. AVOID GLOSSY LOUVERS behind TVs. Screen reflects in gloss; serious visual issue. Matte or satin finish only.

10. AVOID FLUTED LOUVERS ABOVE TV ONLY (with plain paint below). Reads as unfinished half-feature. Either floor-to-ceiling or louvers as full column.

11. SAMPLE THE SHADOW EFFECT. Catalogue photos rarely show actual shadow depth. Order a sample and hold against your wall in evening lighting.

12. DON'T USE IN UNDERSCALED SPACES. Deep flutes in a small 3x3 m foyer feel overwhelming. Shallow flutes for small spaces, deep flutes for large rooms.

The single most important thing: warm directional lighting. Get this right and even budget louvers look premium. Get this wrong and even HDF luxury louvers look flat.

LED strip lighting + louvers is one of the most dramatic designer effects in modern interiors. The vertical grooves of louvers + warm LED wash = hotel-suite lighting that transforms a room.

LED placement options:

1. BASE WASH-UP - LED strip recessed at the base of louvers, light washes UP the flutes. Most dramatic effect - the warm light catches every flute shadow as it travels up the wall. Best for bedroom bed-back walls and foyer features.

2. TOP WASH-DOWN - LED at top of louvers, light washes DOWN. Subtler than base wash-up. Used in living rooms and dining areas where dramatic isn't desired.

3. BEHIND THE LOUVERS - recessed in the wall behind, with light glowing through the gaps between flutes. Creates a halo effect around individual flutes. Premium designer touch.

4. BEHIND THE TV - strip behind the TV, 15-25 mm gap, light glows around the screen edges. Reduces eye strain in dark rooms and creates dramatic effect.

5. BEHIND HEADBOARD - strip behind the upholstered headboard creates a halo behind the bed. Pairs with bed-back louvers for layered lighting.

6. BENEATH FLOATING CONSOLE / FURNITURE - uplight floor + lower louvers from beneath floating TV consoles, vanities, beds. Floor wash plus louver wash.

LED specs:

1. WARM 2700-3000K ONLY. Cool white kills warmth. Some premium installs use 2400K (very warm) for the most luxe feel.
2. DIMMABLE - control intensity by time of day. Bright in evening when entertaining, dim warm for late night.
3. RGB / TUNABLE WHITE - premium upgrade for mood control. Same fixture can warm-bright in evening, cool-bright for cleaning, dim warm for night.
4. HIDDEN HOUSING - LED should never be directly visible; only the glow. Use aluminium LED channels with diffuser covers.
5. 12V or 24V LED strip - standard for residential. Driver/transformer hidden in cabinet or above false ceiling.
6. PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL - plan during construction phase. Retrofit is much harder.

Programming for daily use:
1. WARM BRIGHT during evening (cooking, entertaining, watching TV).
2. DIM WARM for late night (reading, conversation).
3. OFF during day (or sensor-controlled to come on when room is occupied + low ambient light).
4. SMART CONTROL - integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or a smart switch for voice/app control.

Cost: LED strip + driver + aluminium channel + smart control typically Rs 300-800 per running ft installed. The single highest-impact upgrade to a louver feature wall.

Panel selection feels overwhelming because there are 6,500+ SKUs at MD. The simplest way to narrow down is to make 5 decisions in sequence.

Step 1 - APPLICATION: where is the panel going?
1. INTERIOR DRY (living, bedroom, dining, foyer, kitchen away from cooktop) - most panel types.
2. INTERIOR WET (bathroom feature, behind kitchen sink, basement) - PVC required.
3. EXTERIOR (facade, compound wall, balcony, soffit) - WPC required.
4. CEILING / SOFFIT - lightweight panels (PVC, WPC, aluminium soffit).
5. ACOUSTIC-CRITICAL (home theatre, office, recording room) - dedicated acoustic.

Step 2 - SUB-CATEGORY: what design effect?
1. LOUVERS / FLUTED / RAFTERS - vertical line, depth, #1 trend.
2. 3D WALL PANELS - sculpted relief, bold hero walls.
3. DECORATIVE WALL PANELS - flat printed/embossed cladding.
4. PU STONE PANELS - realistic stone, lightweight.
5. EXTERIOR WALL PANELS - weather-rated, facade.
6. ACOUSTIC PANELS - sound absorption.
7. ALABASTER SHEETS - translucent backlit luxury.

Step 3 - MATERIAL: durability and budget
1. CHARCOAL / POLYSTYRENE - most affordable, interior dry only.
2. PVC - waterproof, wet areas.
3. MDF - premium interior, paintable.
4. HDF - denser, more durable than MDF.
5. WPC - weather-rated, exterior.
6. ALUMINIUM-COMPOSITE - high-end exterior.

Step 4 - DESIGN: look, colour, finish
Match to your room palette:
1. Warm wood-look (walnut, smoked oak, teak) - most popular.
2. Stone-look (ledger, slate, marble) - feature walls, foyers.
3. Solid colours (cream, sage, charcoal, terracotta) - modern accent.
4. Geometric, hexagonal, wave (3D relief) - bold contemporary.
5. Marble-look - luxury, behind TVs and beds.
6. Fabric, leather, metallic - designer accent areas.

Step 5 - SAMPLE & VISUALIZE
NEVER skip. Panel texture and depth read differently in real life than on screen. Order a sample, hold against the wall, see it in:
1. Morning natural light.
2. Afternoon light.
3. Evening with your room lighting.

For louvers specifically, the way vertical grooves catch light is everything - doesn't show in flat photographs.

Material Depot's 4-step buying flow built around this - discover online, walk into Experience Centre, mix and match, touch and feel.

ALWAYS order 10% extra for cutting wastage - louvers especially produce off-cuts.

Buying panels online without seeing them in person almost always leads to regret. Catalogue photos can't show shadow depth, flute profile, or how a wood-look reads under your home's lighting. Material Depot's 4-step buying journey is built around solving that.

Step 1 - DISCOVER & SHORTLIST ONLINE

Visit materialdepot.com/panels and browse our full range. Filters:
1. SUB-CATEGORY (louvers / 3D wall / decorative wall / exterior / PU stone / acoustic / alabaster).
2. MATERIAL (charcoal / PVC / MDF / HDF / WPC).
3. LOOK (wood / stone / marble / solid colour / patterned / metallic / fabric / leather).
4. COLOUR family.
5. FINISH (matte / glossy / textured / 3D).
6. THICKNESS, SIZE, BRAND, PRICE range.

Save favourites to your account. Browse our Pinterest-curated installation gallery - real customer projects showing panels in real homes.

Step 2 - WALK INTO OUR EXPERIENCE CENTRE

Visit our Bangalore Experience Centre. Every panel on your shortlist on display under proper lighting:
1. Warm tungsten (replicates home evening lighting).
2. Cool fluorescent (replicates office lighting).
3. Daylight (replicates morning natural light).

See the actual scale, depth and shadow effect of louvers and 3D panels - impossible to convey in a screen photo. Feel the matte vs gloss finish under your finger. See the realism of wood-look versus actual wood.

Step 3 - VISUALIZE & MIX AND MATCH

Lay shortlisted panels next to each other on a table:
1. Compare 2-3 louver profiles side-by-side.
2. See how the louver wood-tone pairs with your kitchen cabinet laminate or wardrobe shutter laminate.
3. Check feature panel against the wall paint you've picked.
4. Test the grout colour or trim profile that frames the panel.

Our in-house design consultants available on weekdays - help you check pairings (cool grey marble + warm walnut louvers won't work), suggest combinations you haven't considered, and apply the 60-30-10 rule to your specific room.

Digital visualizer: try selected panels in a simulated room with your wall colour and furniture.

Step 4 - FINALIZE & DOORSTEP DELIVERY

Once confident, place the order. We help you calculate quantities including:
1. Exact wall area.
2. 10% wastage for cuts.
3. Adhesive and accessories.
4. Edge profiles, corner trims, finishing strips.

We deliver to your doorstep in Bangalore and across India - careful packing to minimise transit damage. If you receive wrong product or more than 10% breakage, we replace free of charge.

Can't visit the store? We courier panel samples to your address (typically 3-5 samples per shortlist) so you can do the touch-and-feel test at home before placing the full order.

The 4-step approach exists for one reason: making sure you love the panels in your home for the next 15-20 years. Panel installations are essentially permanent, and a thoughtful buying journey is the best protection against regret.

Acoustic panels solve a specific problem - uncontrolled sound in a room. In a typical Indian living room or restaurant, hard surfaces (tile floors, glass windows, plain painted walls) reflect sound. This creates echo, makes conversation harder, makes music and TV sound muddy, and increases ambient noise. Acoustic panels absorb or diffuse those reflections.

There are two acoustic functions, and panels generally do one or the other:

1. ABSORPTION - soaks up sound waves so they don't bounce back. Reduces echo. Best for: home theatres, recording studios, podcast rooms, classrooms.

2. DIFFUSION - scatters sound waves so reflections are weaker and less directional. Improves sound clarity without making the room sound dead. Best for: living rooms, restaurants, conference rooms.

Types of acoustic panels:

1. FABRIC-WRAPPED ACOUSTIC PANELS - fibreglass or mineral wool core wrapped in acoustically transparent fabric. The fibre core absorbs sound; the fabric protects and decorates. Highest absorption performance. Available in dozens of fabric colours. The standard for home theatres and recording studios.

2. PERFORATED WOOD ACOUSTIC PANELS - wood panels (typically MDF or HDF) with small holes drilled or slots cut through the surface, backed by acoustic absorbing material. Combines designer wood look with acoustic performance. Used in premium office boardrooms, home theatres, restaurants.

3. SLAT ACOUSTIC PANELS - vertical wood slats spaced apart with acoustic backing between them. Visually looks like wood louvers but with sound absorption. Increasingly popular in modern home theatres and offices.

4. FOAM ACOUSTIC PANELS - egg-crate, pyramid, wedge or wave-shaped foam. The cheapest and easiest acoustic treatment. Best for: home recording booths, basement studio rooms.

5. 3D ACOUSTIC PANELS - decorative sculpted relief surfaces (hexagonal, wave, geometric) that diffuse sound while looking like designer feature walls.

6. ACOUSTIC CEILING TILES - for office and commercial ceiling-grid acoustic treatment.

Best uses:

1. HOME THEATRES. The most important application. Reduce side-wall echo and back-wall reflections so the speakers sound clear and dialogue is intelligible. Typically 3-6 panels distributed around the room.

2. RECORDING STUDIOS and PODCAST ROOMS. Eliminate reflections so the microphone picks up clean sound. Foam panels on walls + ceiling.

3. OPEN-PLAN OFFICES. Acoustic panels on walls and ceiling reduce ambient noise, improve concentration, reduce headaches. A growing corporate spec.

4. RESTAURANTS and CAFÉS. Control conversational noise - modern restaurants are often deafening because of hard surfaces. Acoustic panels on ceilings or walls fix this.

5. CLASSROOMS and CONFERENCE ROOMS. Improve speech intelligibility for students and presenters.

6. MUSIC ROOMS and rehearsal spaces. Both absorption and diffusion to control room sound.

7. LIVING ROOMS in high-ceiling open-plan apartments. A wall of acoustic slats improves both look and sound.

Specifying acoustic panels:
1. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) - a number between 0 and 1; higher is more absorptive. For home theatre, aim for NRC 0.7-0.9.
2. Coverage area - typically 15-25% of total wall + ceiling surface needs acoustic treatment for a noticeable difference.
3. Placement - first reflection points (side walls at speaker height, back wall, ceiling above the seating) matter most.

53 acoustic panel SKUs at Material Depot - focused premium category for serious audio applications.

PU Stone panels (Polyurethane Stone panels) are lightweight decorative panels with a highly realistic stone-look surface. They solve a specific design problem - you want the look of natural stone cladding on a wall, but you don't want to deal with the weight, cost, structural requirements and installation complexity of real stone.

How they're made:
1. Polyurethane foam core moulded into stone-like shapes.
2. Surface detailed with realistic stone texture, colour variation and joint lines.
3. Typically 15-25 mm thick at the highest peaks.
4. Some have a thin protective coating for outdoor use.

Common stone looks:
1. BRICK - red brick, cream brick, weathered brick, painted brick.
2. SLATE - dark grey, charcoal, multi-tone slate.
3. LEDGER STONE - modern stacked-stone look with varied size and colour.
4. COBBLE / RIVER STONE - rounded, textured natural stone.
5. SANDSTONE - warm beige, gold-toned natural stone.
6. LIMESTONE / TRAVERTINE - cream, warm beige.
7. MARBLE - Calcutta white, Statuario, Carrara, beige marble in stone-textured format.

Pros:

1. LOOKS LIKE REAL STONE. High-definition surface detail with realistic colour variation, texture grain and shadow lines between stones. At 2 m distance, indistinguishable from real stone for most viewers.

2. LIGHTWEIGHT. PU Stone typically weighs 1.5-2.5 kg per sq ft. Real natural stone weighs 25-40 kg per sq ft. This is a HUGE difference - PU stone installs on drywall with adhesive; real stone needs structural wall reinforcement.

3. EASY INSTALL. Construction adhesive on a flat, clean wall is enough. No structural engineering, no heavy lifting, no specialist installer. A typical 80 sq ft feature wall installs in a day.

4. INDOOR + OUTDOOR VERSIONS. Most PU stone ranges have UV-stable outdoor variants for exterior feature walls, fireplace surrounds (outdoor BBQ areas), garden walls.

5. DOESN'T NEED SEALING or annual maintenance. Real stone needs sealing every 1-2 years. PU stone is a set-and-forget surface.

6. NO COLOUR VARIATION BETWEEN PANELS in budget ranges - though premium ranges deliberately vary colour between panels for a more realistic look.

Cons:

1. HOLLOW SOUND vs real stone's solid thunk when knocked. Doesn't fool a touch test even though it fools a sight test.

2. NOT AS DURABLE under heavy impact. Real stone shrugs off bumps; PU stone can dent or chip if hit hard with a sharp object.

3. PATTERN REPEAT - budget PU stone has a visible repeat pattern over a few panels. Premium ranges have larger repeat distances for a more natural look.

4. SURFACE CAN'T BE REFINISHED. If damaged, you replace the panel rather than repair.

Best uses:

1. FEATURE WALLS BEHIND TVs - slate, ledger stone, brick looks all popular.
2. FIREPLACE SURROUNDS - adds the stone-clad feel that fireplaces traditionally have.
3. FOYER ACCENT WALLS - slate or sandstone gives a strong first impression.
4. BAR WALLS - café-style brick or weathered stone behind a home bar or counter.
5. RESTAURANT and CAFÉ feature walls - exposed-brick aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
6. EXTERIOR ACCENT PANELS - exterior-rated PU stone on facade feature areas.
7. POOJA UNIT BACK PANELS - limestone or sandstone for a warm spiritual feel.
8. GARDEN WALLS - exterior stone-look for landscape walls.
9. COMMERCIAL RECEPTION - hotel lobbies, retail showroom feature walls.

Skip for:
1. High-impact walls (entrance corridors, kids' rooms) - use real stone or impact-resistant panels.
2. Heavy structural walls where you want real-stone solidity.

406 SKUs at Material Depot - one of the broader sub-categories.

Panel colour trends in 2026 are a clear shift away from cool greys and stark whites towards warm, calm, natural-feeling colours - same direction as laminate and tile trends.

Top trending colours:

1. WALNUT WOOD-LOOK - most popular for hero feature walls. Behind TVs, beds, in foyers. Rich dark warm brown reads as premium and timeless.

2. SMOKED OAK - Pinterest favourite for Japandi/Scandi aesthetic. Greyer warm brown, calm. Particularly in louvers and flat wall panels.

3. WARM CREAM / IVORY - soft minimal modern. Makes small rooms feel bigger. Versatile pairing with any accent colour.

4. SAGE GREEN - calm Pinterest aesthetic. Used in bedroom bed-back panels, dining feature walls, kitchen accent walls.

5. MATTE BLACK - moody luxe accents. Used as feature wall in modern luxe living rooms and bedrooms. Pair with brass.

6. TERRACOTTA / WARM CLAY - Mediterranean earthy. Used in dining features, foyer accents, accent walls.

7. DEEP FOREST GREEN - moody luxe alternative to black. Used in master bedrooms, bar walls, formal dining feature walls.

8. WASHED OAK - Scandinavian minimalist. Pale wood-look for bright modern interiors.

9. CAPPUCCINO / WARM BROWN - sophisticated modern. Workhorse colour that pairs with any other.

10. MARBLE-LOOK (Calcutta white, beige marble) - premium luxe. Slab feature walls behind TVs, in master baths.

11. SOFT PASTELS (blush, sage, lilac) - for bedrooms, dressing rooms, children's rooms.

12. DEEP NAVY - moody designer accent.

Finishes trending:
1. MATTE and SOFT-TOUCH dominate over glossy.
2. FLUTED / 3D TEXTURES everywhere.
3. MARBLE-LOOK SLABS growing fast.
4. BRUSHED METALLIC ACCENTS (brass, copper, oxidised steel).
5. NATURAL-LOOK FINISHES (wood grain visible, stone texture you can feel).
6. WARM WHITE (cream-tinted) replacing stark icy white.

Dating fast (avoid for long-lasting design):
1. Cool blue-grey wall-to-wall (very 2018).
2. Stark icy whites with no warmth.
3. Glossy black wall-to-wall.
4. Heavy ornate Victorian / Mughal patterns wall-to-wall.
5. Faux brick wall-to-wall (overdone - works only as accent now).
6. Highly saturated bright primaries (orange, lime, electric blue).

Winning combinations:
1. Walnut louvers + cream walls + brass = warm modern luxe.
2. Smoked oak louvers + soft sage walls + matte black = Pinterest Japandi.
3. Cream louvers + warm cream walls + brass + soft pink textiles = soft minimal.
4. Matte black louvers + cream walls + warm wood + brass = moody luxe.
5. Sage green louvers + cream walls + brass + warm wood = Pinterest aesthetic.
6. Terracotta panels + cream walls + warm wood + brass = Mediterranean earthy.

Material Depot has the largest curated panel look range in India.

Full categories:

1. WOOD-LOOK (2,400+ SKUs) - largest category. Realistic wood-grain in walnut, smoked oak, washed oak, teak, weathered, reclaimed, barnwood, ash, maple. Matte, glossy, textured, embossed, fluted louver formats. Most popular in modern Indian interiors.

2. PATTERNED (1,000+) - modern geometric prints, floral, abstract, traditional Indian motifs, chevron, herringbone-printed.

3. MARBLE-LOOK (900+) - Calcutta, Statuario, Carrara, beige marble, dark green, black, onyx-look. Slab format for feature walls.

4. PLAIN COLOUR (850+) - solid matte and gloss. Cream, ivory, sage, olive, terracotta, navy, charcoal, black, deep forest, warm brown. 'Paint alternative' look.

5. STONE-LOOK (570+) - slate, sandstone, limestone, travertine, ledger stone, cobble, brick.

6. EMBOSSED (130+) - surface relief pressed or moulded into panel face. Floral, geometric, abstract.

7. METALLIC (100+) - brushed brass, antique copper, oxidised steel, rose gold, brushed silver.

8. FABRIC-LOOK (100+) - tactile printed surfaces - linen, jute, cotton, hessian.

9. SOLID COLOURS (80+) - bold beyond standard plain - saturated jewel tones, pastels, designer shades.

10. TEXTURED SOLID (65+) - cement-look, concrete-look, sand-finish solids. Industrial / minimalist.

11. GEOMETRIC (65+) - 3D reliefs and printed geometric patterns. Hexagonal, triangular, abstract.

12. LUXURY (60+) - premium designer imported. Marble + metal combinations, hand-finished.

13. LEATHER-LOOK (55+) - printed and embossed leather textures. Bedrooms, study walls, bar walls.

14. RUSTIC (40+) - weathered, distressed with aging marks. Farmhouse and Mediterranean.

15. CEMENT-LOOK (25+) - industrial concrete. Loft-style apartments, minimalist, commercial.

Designers commonly mix 2-3 looks in one project - e.g. wood-look louvers + plain matte cream + stone-look accent. Use the 4-step shopping flow to mix and match in person.

Wood-look is the dominant look in modern Indian decorative panels - 2,400+ SKUs at MD. Realism is genuinely difficult to distinguish from real wood veneer in good lighting.

Popular species:

1. WALNUT - rich dark brown, deep grain, premium. Most popular for hero feature walls in master bedrooms, living, TV units. Pairs with brass and warm cream.

2. SMOKED OAK - oak treated to deeper, greyer warm tone. Most-saved on Pinterest 2026. Scandi/Japandi. Pairs with sage, cream, matte black.

3. WASHED OAK / LIGHT OAK - pale Scandinavian. Makes small rooms feel bigger. Pairs with white, soft grey, warm brass.

4. TEAK - warm golden brown, classic Indian. Formal living rooms.

5. WEATHERED / RECLAIMED / BARNWOOD - distressed with cracks, knots. Rustic / farmhouse / industrial loft.

6. ASH - pale, fine grain. Light Scandinavian/Japandi.

7. EBONY / WENGE - almost black, dramatic accents.

8. SAPELE / MAHOGANY - warm red-brown, traditional luxury.

Formats:

1. WOOD-LOOK LOUVERS - most popular. Vertical fluted in every species. TV back, bedroom bed-back, foyer, dining.

2. WOOD-LOOK FLAT WALL PANELS - large flat sheets.

3. WOOD-LOOK 3D RELIEF - sculpted wood (chevron, herringbone-relief).

4. WOOD-LOOK WPC for EXTERIOR - weather-rated for facades, balconies, soffits.

5. WOOD-LOOK SOFFIT PANELS - ceiling-side for balconies, porches.

6. WOOD-LOOK PLANK PANELS - plank-format for feature walls and ceilings.

Pairings:
1. Walnut louver + cream walls + brass = warm modern luxe.
2. Smoked oak louvers + cream walls + sage accent = Pinterest Japandi.
3. Washed oak louvers + soft grey walls + brushed brass = Scandinavian minimal.
4. Teak louvers + cream walls + brass = classic Indian luxury.
5. Weathered wood + steel + Edison bulbs = industrial loft.

Visit MD Experience Centre to compare under proper lighting - realism varies between ranges.

Stone-look and marble-look together account for 1,500+ SKUs at MD - second after wood.

Stone-look = warm, earthy, rustic, natural.
Marble-look = luxury, formal, dramatic, hotel-suite.

STONE-LOOK PANELS (570+ SKUs):

1. SLATE - dark grey, charcoal. Moody, dramatic, modern. Behind TVs, fireplaces, exterior.

2. LEDGER STONE - modern stacked-stone with varied size. Currently popular for feature walls and fireplaces.

3. SANDSTONE - warm beige, gold-toned. Mediterranean, traditional Indian. Pooja units, exterior accents.

4. LIMESTONE / TRAVERTINE - cream, warm beige with striation. Premium Mediterranean. Bathroom features, spa.

5. BRICK - red, cream, weathered, painted. Industrial / loft / café. Bar walls, café interiors.

6. COBBLE / RIVER STONE - rounded textured. Exterior accents, pool surrounds.

MARBLE-LOOK PANELS (900+):

1. CALCUTTA - white + dramatic grey/gold veining. Most popular luxury. Behind TVs, master bathrooms, behind beds.

2. STATUARIO - white + finer charcoal veining. Cleaner, more modern. Modern luxury homes.

3. CARRARA - soft grey + subtle white. Calm, classic Italian. Formal living, foyers.

4. BEIGE / BOTTICINO / CREMA MARFIL - warm beige subtle veining. Classic Indian premium. Pooja unit panels.

5. DEEP GREEN MARBLE - moody luxe. Currently Pinterest-popular. Behind TVs, dramatic features.

6. BLACK MARBLE (Marquina) - dramatic, sophisticated. Moody luxury bedrooms, bar walls.

7. ONYX-LOOK - translucent backlit (alabaster category).

Best uses:

STONE-LOOK for:
1. Fireplace surrounds (slate, ledger).
2. Foyer feature walls (sandstone, limestone - warm welcome).
3. Exterior accent walls.
4. Restaurant/café features (brick, ledger).
5. Bar walls and home-bar features.
6. Pooja units (sandstone, limestone warm tones).

MARBLE-LOOK for:
1. Hero TV walls (book-matched).
2. Master bathroom feature walls.
3. Premium foyer features.
4. Behind dining tables.
5. Behind beds in master suites.
6. Pooja unit back panels (Calcutta + gold veining is classic).

Pricing:
1. Standard stone-look: Rs 200-500 per sq ft installed.
2. Premium lifelike: Rs 500-1000.
3. Standard marble-look: Rs 300-700.
4. Premium book-matched slab: Rs 600-1500.

Louver profiles change how the same wall reads, even when colour and material are identical.

Profiles:

1. SQUARE / RECTANGULAR FLUTES. Sharp 90-degree corners, flat-bottomed grooves. Modern, contemporary. MOST POPULAR 2026, especially in walnut and smoked oak.

2. V-SHAPED FLUTES. Sharp V grooves, no flat bottom. Classic, slightly traditional. Sharper shadow than square.

3. U-SHAPED (ROUNDED) FLUTES. Soft U-curves at the base. Organic, soft, calmer. Japandi and Scandinavian bedrooms.

4. HALF-ROUND / PENCIL FLUTES. Very narrow rounded grooves - vertical pencil lines. Fine, premium, hotel-style.

5. DEEP FLUTES (15-22 mm depth). Dramatic shadow, bold statement. Hero feature walls.

6. SHALLOW FLUTES (5-10 mm depth). Subtle texture, calm. Backdrop behind another feature.

Matching profile to mood:
1. MODERN / CONTEMPORARY → square or deep V.
2. CALM / JAPANDI → U-shaped or shallow.
3. TRADITIONAL → V-shaped or pencil.
4. DRAMATIC HERO → deep flutes (15-22 mm).
5. SUBTLE BACKDROP → shallow flutes (5-10 mm).

Flutes per panel:
1. 4-5 WIDE FLUTES - bold, 50-70 mm each. Big feature walls in large rooms.
2. 7-10 MEDIUM FLUTES - most popular, 30-40 mm. Any size room.
3. 12-18 NARROW FLUTES - fine, 15-25 mm. Smaller rooms, bathrooms.

Pairing tips:
1. Mix profiles within same colour - deep-flute hero + shallow-flute surround works.
2. Don't mix many profiles in one room - busy.
3. Always sample to see actual shadow in your home's lighting.

Same louver design - walnut wood-look, square flute, 7 flutes - is available across most materials. Material is determined by WHERE the wall is, not by the design.

INDOOR DRY (living, master bedroom, dining, foyer, kitchen away from cooktop, office cabins):

1. PREMIUM: MDF or HDF louvers. Solid feel, dense, paintable, sharpest flute profiles. HDF gives 5-10 more years over MDF for 10-20% premium. Best for hero feature walls in homes lived in 10+ years.

2. BUDGET: Polystyrene louvers. Same visual for half to one-third the cost. Lower finish quality (slight foam texture up close), lower impact durability. Valid for rentals, DIY, secondary rooms.

INDOOR WET (bathroom feature wall, behind kitchen sink not directly behind stove, basement, laundry):

1. PVC LOUVERS - fully waterproof, the only choice for wet areas. Lower premium feel than MDF/HDF but moisture resistance is non-negotiable.

EXTERIOR (facade cladding, balcony, compound walls, soffit, pergola undersides, exterior columns):

1. WPC LOUVERS - default exterior choice. Weather-rated (sun, monsoon, temp swings), UV-stable, no rot or termites, 15-25 year exterior lifespan. Wood-look most realistic.

2. ALUMINIUM LOUVERS - premium architectural exteriors. Commercial buildings, hotels, premium villas. Powder-coated wood-look, solids, metallics. 30+ year lifespan.

Cost ladder (Rs per sq ft installed):
1. Polystyrene: 100-250.
2. PVC: 200-500.
3. WPC: 350-700.
4. MDF: 400-900.
5. HDF: 500-1100.
6. Aluminium: 700-1500.

Lifespan:
1. Polystyrene: 5-8 years.
2. PVC: 10-15 years.
3. MDF (indoor): 15-20 years.
4. HDF (indoor): 20-25 years.
5. WPC (outdoor): 15-25 years.
6. Aluminium: 30+ years.

Simple rule: pick the right material for the application, then choose design within that range.

Kitchens are a special case for panels. Three challenges: HEAT (especially behind cooktop), OIL (splash and steam), FREQUENT CLEANING.

Where panels work safely:

1. KITCHEN BACKSPLASH AWAY FROM COOKTOP. Wall between counter and wall units on non-cooking side - next to sink or behind general counter. PVC marble-look or stone-look - fully waterproof, easy wipe.

2. KITCHEN FEATURE WALL on entry side or fridge wall. MDF/HDF louvers or decorative wall panels - these walls don't see direct heat or heavy oil. Wood-look louvers create continuation of living room feature.

3. KITCHEN ISLAND BACK PANEL - side of island facing living room. Wood-look louver or fluted ties island into living room aesthetic.

4. OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN-LIVING TRANSITION WALL - when kitchen flows into living/dining, use SAME panel design across both. Same wood-look louvers = cohesive design.

5. KITCHEN PANTRY DOOR - clad pantry door with louvers for designer detail.

6. KITCHEN COLUMN OR BEAM CLADDING - wrap structural columns with louvers or decorative panels.

Where NEVER to use decorative panels:

DIRECTLY BEHIND COOKTOP - splash zone behind burners. Sees:
1. Direct heat (cooking oil splashing onto hot stove can ignite).
2. Continuous heat from burners.
3. Heavy oil splatter.
4. Steam.

Why each material fails:
1. POLYSTYRENE - actual fire risk. Polystyrene burns. Never near stove.
2. PVC - heat softens and deforms. Direct burner heat warps it.
3. MDF/HDF - heat + oil + eventual damage. Oil seeps through gaps; heat warps.
4. WOOD LOUVERS - oil absorbed into grooves, heat damages finish.

Behind cooktop ALWAYS use:
1. CERAMIC OR VITRIFIED TILE - classic, easy clean, heat-resistant.
2. TOUGHENED GLASS BACKSPLASH - sleek, easy wipe.
3. STAINLESS STEEL - commercial feel, heat-proof.
4. STONE SLAB (granite, quartz) - premium heat-resistant.

Trending kitchen panel combinations:
1. WALNUT FLUTED LOUVERS on fridge wall + plain laminate cabinets + quartz countertop + glass tile behind cooktop = modern luxe.
2. PVC MARBLE-LOOK PANEL backsplash (away from cooktop) + cream cabinets + brass = Mediterranean.
3. WOOD-LOOK PVC panels on island back + matching wood-look flooring = warm Scandi.
4. STONE-LOOK PU PANEL on feature wall (entry side) + brick backsplash + brass = café industrial.

Cleaning:
1. Daily - damp cloth wipe.
2. Weekly - mild detergent for oil splash.
3. Quarterly - mild degreaser deep clean.
4. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and strong acidic cleaners.

Balconies are a unique design space - semi-exterior, often visible from inside and outside, frequently the only outdoor space in apartments. Modern Indian balcony design treats them as a 'fifth room' worth investing in.

Where panels work on balconies:

1. BALCONY EXTERIOR CLADDING - visible wall from outside (road, garden, other apartments). WPC wood-look cladding transforms plain concrete into designed exterior feature. Walnut, teak, smoked oak most popular.

2. BALCONY INTERIOR WALLS - wall you see on balcony. WPC or premium PVC (waterproof, weather-tolerant). Wood-look or stone-look creates warm semi-outdoor feel.

3. BALCONY SOFFIT (ceiling visible from outside or floor below). WPC soffit panels in wood-look most common. Transforms plain concrete underside into wooden-ceiling feature.

4. BALCONY PRIVACY PARTITIONS - vertical WPC louvers as screens between balconies (apartment buildings) or balcony and garden/street. Privacy with airflow. Often integrated with planters.

5. BALCONY COLUMNS - wrap concrete columns with WPC cladding for wood-look architectural detail.

6. BALCONY FLOORING - wood-look WPC plank flooring instead of plain tile (note: flooring overlaps with tile category).

7. PERGOLA UNDERSIDE - if balcony has pergola overhead, soffit panels on underside give finished wooden-ceiling feel.

Trending balcony designs:

1. WPC wood-look LOUVERS interior wall + WPC wood-look SOFFIT + rattan/teak furniture + warm LED string lights + planters = Mediterranean balcony. Most-saved Pinterest aesthetic.

2. CHARCOAL slate-look PU exterior + WPC dark wood soffit + matte black furniture + Edison bulbs = moody industrial.

3. WPC PRIVACY LOUVERS (vertical) + small planters between + warm wood furniture = boutique-hotel balcony.

4. CREAM PVC LOUVERS interior + warm sandstone PU exterior + outdoor carpet + brass accents = soft Mediterranean.

Installation essentials:

1. WPC for sun-exposed surfaces (interior balcony fine in PVC if shaded; exterior must be WPC).
2. MECHANICAL FIXING with metal rails - wind and thermal movement require it.
3. EXPANSION GAPS at joints (2-3 mm) and perimeter (5-10 mm).
4. BACK-VENTILATION gap (15-25 mm).
5. DRAINAGE PLANNING - water from rain must drain away, not pool behind.
6. WEATHER-SEALED EDGES with exterior silicone.
7. SOFFIT PANELS rail-mount with clip systems - never just adhesive on ceiling.
8. UV-STABLE ADHESIVES and screws (standard hardware corrodes in monsoon).

Maintenance: wash exterior WPC with hose 2-3 times/year. Mild detergent for stubborn stains. No annual sealing or staining.

Exterior cladding is fundamentally different from interior. Indian outdoor conditions destroy interior-grade panels within weeks - direct summer sun 45°C, monsoon rain, temperature swings, UV, pollution. The right material makes the difference between a 25-year facade and a 1-year disaster.

Options:

1. WPC WOOD-LOOK CLADDING. Most popular exterior. Wood-fibre + plastic polymer composite - wood-look with weather resistance. Walnut, teak, smoked oak, weathered. House facades, balcony, exterior columns, soffits. 15-25 year lifespan. Rs 300-700 per sq ft.

2. ACP (Aluminium Composite Panels). Premium architectural - office buildings, hotels, premium villas. Two aluminium skins around polymer core. Solid colours, metallics, wood-look prints, stone-look prints. 20-30 year lifespan. Rs 200-800 per sq ft.

3. WPC LOUVERS / FLUTED EXTERIOR PANELS. Vertical fluted exterior cladding - dramatic vertical rhythm on facades. Hero exterior walls, columns, balcony screens.

4. EXTERIOR STONE-LOOK PU PANELS. UV-stable polyurethane stone-look. Slate, sandstone, ledger stone, brick.

5. EXTERIOR HPL (Compact Phenolic Laminate). High-end architectural - phenolic-resin compact rated for outdoor. Rs 500-1500 per sq ft.

6. FIBRE-CEMENT PANELS. Real cement core with stone-look. Heavy but very durable.

Best uses:

1. HOUSE FACADES - full elevation or feature columns/walls. WPC wood-look most popular.

2. COMPOUND WALLS - concrete walls clad with WPC (wood-look) or PU stone-look.

3. BALCONY EXTERIOR CLADDING - visible wall from outside. WPC wood-look standard.

4. EXTERIOR COLUMNS - wrap concrete with WPC or stone-look. Hides utility, adds detail.

5. SOFFIT CEILINGS - balcony undersides, porch ceilings, pergola undersides.

6. POOL SURROUND WALLS.

7. PERGOLA UNDERSIDES.

8. EXTERIOR BRANDING WALLS - restaurants, retail, offices.

9. BUILDING ELEVATIONS - apartments, villas, commercial.

Installation essentials:

1. MECHANICAL FIXING on metal rails (aluminium or steel). Not adhesive alone - wind and thermal movement need anchoring.
2. EXPANSION GAPS at joints (2-3 mm) and perimeter (5-10 mm).
3. BACK-VENTILATION GAP (15-25 mm) for ventilation, drainage, thermal performance.
4. WEATHER-SEALED EDGES - corner/edge profiles, top/bottom flashing.
5. UV-STABLE ADHESIVES and FIXINGS only.
6. DRIP EDGES at bottom direct water away.
7. STRUCTURAL CHECK for heavy cladding (fibre-cement, real stone).

Professional installation strongly recommended for exteriors. 124 exterior wall panel SKUs at MD.

Most decorative panels are designed to be cut, drilled, shaped and adapted to fit any wall on site - they wouldn't be practical otherwise, since walls have outlets, switches, corners and irregular dimensions. The right cutting tool depends on the panel material.

Cutting guide by panel material:

1. Charcoal / Polystyrene panels. Very easy to cut - a sharp utility knife or fine-tooth handsaw is enough. The lightweight EPS material cuts cleanly with minimal effort. Hot wire cutters give the smoothest edges for curves. Wear gloves (edges can be sharp before sanding).

2. PVC panels. Fine-tooth handsaw, jigsaw, or hot wire cutter work well. PVC cuts clean without splintering. Run the saw smoothly without forcing it. For straight long cuts, a table saw with a fine-tooth blade gives factory edges.

3. MDF / HDF panels. Use standard woodworking tools: jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade, circular saw, or table saw. MDF cuts clean but produces a lot of fine dust - wear a dust mask and work in a ventilated area. Score and snap doesn't work - always use a saw.

4. WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) panels. Same approach as MDF - jigsaw or circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade. WPC is denser than MDF, so the saw works harder; let the blade do the work, don't force the cut.

5. Louvers / fluted panels. Cut ACROSS the grooves with a fine-tooth saw to size the panel to wall width. To shorten the length, the same cut. For tight-fit pieces where you need an individual flute, the louvers can usually be separated by cutting at the joining strip with a sharp utility knife.

6. PU stone panels. Foam-backed types cut with a utility knife. Harder polyurethane needs a fine-tooth saw. Cut on the back face if the front has deep relief texture to keep the visible face clean.

7. Acoustic panels. Fabric-wrapped panels cut with a sharp utility knife along a metal straightedge. Perforated panels with a fine-tooth saw.

Best practices:
1. Always use a SHARP fine-tooth blade. Coarse blades chip and tear panel edges.
2. Mark cut lines on the BACK of the panel (so any chipping doesn't show on the finished face).
3. Wear a dust mask - MDF and HDF dust is a serious respiratory irritant.
4. Cut OUTDOORS or in a well-ventilated area where possible.
5. Keep off-cuts. Useful for corner pieces, edge fills, mistakes during install.
6. For curves, openings (electrical outlets, switches), and intricate shapes - use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade.
7. Wipe the cut edges with a damp cloth before installing - removes dust and gives the adhesive a clean surface to bond to.

Most carpenters and panel-installation specialists in Bangalore are familiar with all panel types and have the right tools. If you're doing it yourself, a jigsaw + fine-tooth blade covers 90% of panel installations.

Material Depot isn't a traditional panel showroom - we've rebuilt the panel buying experience around what modern Indian homeowners actually want. Three things make us different:

1. CURATION, NOT CATALOGUE DUMPING

Most panel sellers stock whatever distributors push. Walking into a typical panel showroom shows 80% dated, mismatched panels designed for buyers from 10 years ago.

We do the opposite. We curate our range based on extensive research into what's trending RIGHT NOW on Pinterest, Instagram and in projects of working architects and interior designers across Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and other metros.

1. If a colour family is dating (cool blue-grey, stark icy white), we drop it.
2. If a new trend is breaking (fluted walnut louvers, sage panel walls, terracotta PU stone), we add it.
3. Range refreshed every season to stay current.

Result: curated range that filters out the noise. You don't wade through dated catalogues to find panels that work in modern Indian homes.

2. DEPTH

We offer 6,500+ panels across colours, finishes, brands, formats and price tiers, all in one place:
1. Budget polystyrene to premium imported alabaster.
2. Standard louvers to designer 3D relief panels.
3. All sub-categories: louvers, 3D wall, decorative wall, exterior, PU stone, acoustic, alabaster.
4. All materials: charcoal, PVC, MDF, HDF, WPC, aluminium.
5. Specialty categories: backlit alabaster, designer Moroccan carved, exterior WPC cladding, acoustic slat panels.

Whether you want a budget bedroom feature wall or premium book-matched alabaster pooja unit, you compare across the whole market without running between 5 different brand showrooms.

3. EXPERT-LED

Every panel on our shelves has been vetted with working interior designers and architects. What's stocked reflects what's actually being specified in real Indian projects today, not what's been sitting in distributor warehouses since 2018.

Our in-house design consultants are available weekdays at the Experience Centre to help:
1. Choose louver profile and material for the application.
2. Pick the right feature panel and plain surround.
3. Match panel to laminate to countertop to wall paint.
4. Apply the 60-30-10 rule.
5. Choose adhesive and trim profile.

Plus, practical tools and services:
1. ONLINE VISUALIZER - try panels in your room digitally.
2. SAMPLE DISPATCH - we courier samples to your doorstep.
3. EXPERIENCE CENTRE - panels under proper warm, cool and daylight lighting.
4. DOORSTEP DELIVERY - Bangalore and across India, careful packing.
5. WRONG-PRODUCT OR HIGH-BREAKAGE REPLACEMENT - wrong panel or >10% broken replaced free.

Commitment: help every customer build a home that feels aesthetic, Pinterest-worthy and aspirational - without the regret of bad panel choices that are expensive and disruptive to undo.

Decorative panels are one of the most-shopped categories at Material Depot, because a well-chosen panel transforms a plain wall into a designed feature - behind a TV, bed, dining table, in foyer entries, on exterior facades, or as a ceiling accent. We stock over 6,500 panel SKUs across 7 sub-categories and 5 material families.

By SUB-CATEGORY (what kind of panel):

1. Louvers - also called fluted panels or rafters (all three terms describe the same product). Vertical-groove panels in continuous strips, used on feature walls, TV unit back panels, bed back walls, dining accent walls, foyer features, ceiling soffits and exterior cladding. By far the largest panel sub-category at MD with 4,600+ SKUs.

2. 3D Wall Panels - sculpted relief surfaces with depth: hexagonal, wave, brick, diamond, organic-curved patterns. Used as hero feature walls in living rooms, behind beds, in foyers and commercial reception areas.

3. Decorative Wall Panels - flat panels with printed, embossed or laminated decorative surfaces. Wood-look, stone-look, marble-look, fabric-look, leather-look and geometric prints. Used for wall cladding and accent walls.

4. Exterior Wall Panels - weather-rated panels designed for outdoor use: facades, compound walls, balcony cladding, exterior columns. Most are WPC or aluminium-composite.

5. PU Stone Panels - lightweight polyurethane panels with realistic stone texture (brick, slate, ledger stone, cobble). Lightweight enough to fix to drywall, look like real stone. Used for feature walls, fireplace surrounds, exterior accents.

6. Acoustic Panels - fabric-wrapped or perforated panels that absorb sound. Used in home theatres, recording rooms, offices, restaurants, classrooms.

7. Alabaster Sheets - translucent natural-look sheets that glow when backlit. Luxury hero installations: pooja unit back panels, premium bar walls, high-end ceiling features.

By MATERIAL (what the panel is made of):

1. Charcoal / Polystyrene - lightweight EPS-based panels, the most affordable, easy DIY installation with adhesive.
2. PVC - fully waterproof, suitable for bathrooms, wet areas and bathroom feature walls.
3. MDF (medium-density fibreboard) - premium interior feel, paintable, dimensionally stable.
4. HDF (high-density fibreboard) - denser and more durable than MDF, used for high-traffic feature walls.
5. WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) - weather-rated, used for exterior cladding, balconies, soffits and ceiling outdoor applications.

An important clarification: 'louvers', 'rafters' and 'fluted panels' all describe the same product category - vertical-groove decorative panels. Different brands and designers use different terms, but the product is the same.

Panel selection feels overwhelming because there are 6,500+ SKUs in our catalogue. The simplest way to narrow down is to make 5 decisions in sequence - each one removes 80-90% of the options.

Step 1 - APPLICATION: where is the panel going?
1. Interior (living room, bedroom, dining, foyer, kitchen, pooja) - most panel types work indoors. Choose by design.
2. Wet area (bathroom feature wall, behind kitchen sink) - needs PVC or waterproof-rated panel.
3. Exterior (facade, compound wall, balcony, soffit) - needs WPC or exterior-rated panel.
4. Ceiling (soffit) - needs lightweight panel with good adhesion (PVC, WPC soffit, polystyrene).
5. Acoustic-critical (home theatre, office, recording room) - dedicated acoustic panel.

Step 2 - SUB-CATEGORY: what design effect?
1. Louvers / fluted / rafters - vertical line, depth, currently the #1 trend.
2. 3D wall panels - sculpted relief (hex, wave, geometric) - bold hero walls.
3. Decorative wall panels - flat printed/embossed wall cladding.
4. PU stone panels - realistic stone look, lightweight.
5. Exterior wall panels - weather-rated, facade and outdoor.
6. Acoustic panels - sound absorption.
7. Alabaster sheets - translucent backlit luxury accent.

Step 3 - MATERIAL: durability and budget
1. Charcoal / polystyrene - most affordable, lightweight, interior dry use only.
2. PVC - waterproof, wet areas, also lightweight.
3. MDF - premium interior feel, paintable, indoor dry use.
4. HDF - denser, more durable than MDF, high-traffic.
5. WPC - weather-rated, exterior and balcony use.
6. Aluminium-composite - high-end exterior facades.

Step 4 - DESIGN: look, colour, finish
Match to your room's overall palette:
1. Warm wood-look (walnut, smoked oak, teak) - most popular, works in any room.
2. Stone-look (ledger stone, slate, marble) - feature walls, foyers.
3. Solid colours (cream, sage, charcoal, terracotta) - modern accent.
4. Geometric, hexagonal, wave (3D relief) - bold contemporary.
5. Marble-look - luxury, behind TVs and beds.
6. Fabric, leather, metallic - designer accent areas.

Step 5 - SAMPLE & VISUALIZE
NEVER skip this. Panel texture and depth read completely differently in real life than on a screen. Order a sample, hold it against the wall you'll install on, see it under your home's actual lighting (morning, afternoon, evening). For louvers specifically, the way the vertical grooves catch light is everything - and that doesn't show in a flat photograph.

Material Depot's 4-step buying flow is built around this - discover online, walk into the Experience Centre, mix and match, touch and feel before placing the order.

ALWAYS order 10% extra for cutting wastage - louvers especially produce off-cuts because they need to align across the wall.

One of the most confusing things in the panel category is that the same product has three different names - and buyers often don't realise they're shopping for the same thing. So to be clear: LOUVERS, FLUTED PANELS, and RAFTERS are all the same product.

Different terms used:

1. LOUVERS - the most common name on architect and designer drawings. Borrowed from the architectural term for slatted ventilation panels.

2. FLUTED PANELS - the descriptive term, named after the 'flutes' (the vertical grooves running down the panel). Used by interior designers and on Pinterest.

3. RAFTERS - vernacular term used by some carpenters and builders in India. Less common in catalogues but you'll hear it on site.

Material Depot uses 'Louvers' as the official sub-category name (because that's the term used on most architect drawings), but the products you see filed under any of these three names are interchangeable.

What the product is:

Vertical-groove decorative panels, typically 2400x300 mm (8 ft x 1 ft) in size, with U-shaped or V-shaped grooves running the full length of the panel. Installed in long vertical runs to create a fluted/slatted feature wall.

Available in multiple materials (covered in detail in our material Q&As):
1. MDF / HDF - premium interior feature walls.
2. PVC - bathroom and wet-area feature walls.
3. WPC - exterior facades, balconies, soffit ceilings.
4. Polystyrene - budget interior, DIY projects.

Available in multiple LOOKS:
1. Wood-look - walnut, smoked oak, washed oak, teak, weathered (the most popular).
2. Solid colours - cream, sage, charcoal, deep green, navy, black, terracotta.
3. Metallic - brushed brass, copper, oxidised steel, rose gold.
4. Stone-look - limestone, slate, marble (less common but available).

Available in different PROFILES (the cross-section shape of the flute):
1. Square / rectangular flutes - modern, sharp.
2. V-shaped flutes - classic, slightly traditional.
3. U-shaped (rounded) flutes - soft, organic.
4. Half-round / pencil flutes - fine, detailed.
5. Deep flutes (15-22 mm depth) - dramatic shadow.
6. Shallow flutes (5-10 mm depth) - subtle, textural.

Why louvers/fluted panels are the #1 panel trend right now:
1. Visual depth and rhythm without colour clutter.
2. Easy to install - just glue panels vertically onto the wall.
3. Hide cable management and wall imperfections.
4. LED strip lighting between flutes creates dramatic effects.
5. Available in every interior style - modern, traditional, luxe, minimal.
6. Currently the most-saved Pinterest feature-wall element.

Material Depot has 4,600+ louver SKUs - the largest range in India - across all materials, looks, profiles and sizes.

3D wall panels (sometimes called sculpted panels, dimensional panels or relief panels) have actual physical depth carved or moulded into the surface. Unlike flat decorative panels which use printed design, 3D panels create their visual effect through real shadow and texture - the same trick that makes a stone wall or a carved column interesting to look at.

Common 3D wall panel patterns:

1. HEXAGONAL HONEYCOMB - interlocking hex tiles in relief. Geometric, modern, Instagram-popular. Pairs particularly well with brushed brass and warm wood.

2. WAVE / UNDULATING SURFACE - soft horizontal or vertical waves across the panel. Sculptural, hotel-luxury feel.

3. BRICK RELIEF - small brick-shaped protrusions. Industrial, loft, café aesthetic.

4. DIAMOND / PYRAMID - three-dimensional diamond tessellation. Bold, geometric, premium.

5. ORGANIC CURVES - flowing biomorphic shapes. Calming, sculptural.

6. FLORAL / BOTANICAL RELIEF - leaves, vines, abstract floral. Designer accent.

7. GEOMETRIC TESSELLATION - repeating geometric patterns (chevron, triangle, fan).

8. CARVED MOROCCAN / LATTICE - intricate cut-out patterns inspired by Islamic geometric art.

Materials used for 3D panels:

1. MDF (most common premium category). CNC-milled to create sharp, precise relief. Paintable, laminate-able. Best finish quality.

2. PU (Polyurethane) - lightweight foam-cast panels with detailed relief. Cheaper than MDF, easier to install, but lower finish quality.

3. BAMBOO / WOOD - natural wood-fibre relief panels for the warm-natural look.

4. PVC - waterproof 3D panels for bathroom feature walls.

5. GYPSUM / PLASTER - traditional plaster-cast relief panels for classic architecture.

Best uses:

1. HERO FEATURE WALLS - behind TVs, beds, in foyers, behind bar counters. The physical depth of 3D panels is what makes a wall a feature.

2. DINING FEATURE WALLS - particularly hexagonal and wave patterns.

3. COMMERCIAL RECEPTION AREAS - corporate offices, hotel lobbies, salons.

4. RESTAURANT FEATURE WALLS - adds character and 'Instagrammability' to F&B interiors.

5. POOJA UNIT BACK PANELS - carved Moroccan or floral relief in cream/gold tones.

6. BATHROOM FEATURE WALLS (PVC versions) - basin wall, shower wall.

Critical: LIGHT THE 3D PANEL DELIBERATELY. The whole effect depends on shadow, and shadow needs directional light. A wall-washer LED on the ceiling above the panel, or a recessed LED strip at the base or top of the wall, brings out the relief dramatically. Flat overhead lighting flattens the 3D effect and wastes the panel.

Trade-offs:
1. PREMIUM PRICE - typically Rs 400-1500 per sq ft installed.
2. HARDER TO CLEAN than flat panels - the relief grooves catch dust.
3. WORKS BEST AS AN ACCENT, not a whole-room treatment. Wall-to-wall 3D panels feel overwhelming.

Currently 147 3D wall panel SKUs in MD's range - a focused premium category. Pair with plain matte louvers or flat painted walls in the rest of the room for the right balance.

Decorative wall panels are flat panels with printed, embossed or laminated decorative surfaces. Unlike louvers (vertical grooves) or 3D panels (physical relief), decorative wall panels are FLAT - the visual interest comes from the printed or laminated surface design.

What they are:

Flat panel boards (typically MDF, PVC, WPC or polystyrene core) with a decorative surface bonded or printed on the face. The most common format is 1220x2440 mm (standard 4x8 ft sheet) - one or two sheets cover most interior walls. Some come as 600x600 mm tile variants for design flexibility.

Material options:
1. MDF / HDF - premium interior feel, paintable.
2. PVC - wet areas, easy clean.
3. WPC - exterior cladding.
4. Polystyrene - budget DIY.

Looks available (the biggest range of any panel category):

1. WOOD-GRAIN - walnut, oak, teak, weathered. Often indistinguishable from real veneer at arm's length.
2. MARBLE VEINING - Calcutta, Statuario, Carrara, beige marble, dark green marble.
3. STONE TEXTURE - slate, sandstone, limestone, travertine.
4. BRICK-LOOK - red brick, cream brick, weathered brick.
5. FABRIC-LOOK and LEATHER-LOOK - soft tactile-feel surfaces for designer accents.
6. GEOMETRIC PRINTS - modern hex grids, chevron, abstract designs.
7. FLORAL and BOTANICAL - designer printed surfaces.
8. SOLID COLOURS - plain matte cream, sage, charcoal, navy, black, terracotta.
9. CEMENT-LOOK - industrial concrete-finish prints.
10. METALLIC - brushed brass, copper, oxidised steel prints.

Best uses:

1. WHOLE-ROOM WALL CLADDING - covering an entire room's walls in panels as a faster, cleaner alternative to painting or wallpapering. Particularly good in rental renovations and quick-turn project work.

2. SINGLE ACCENT WALL - one wall in a feature colour or pattern, with plain painted walls elsewhere. The simplest way to introduce a designed wall.

3. BEHIND RECEPTION DESKS, BAR COUNTERS, KITCHEN ISLANDS - defines a 'zone' with a different visual treatment.

4. CEILING CLADDING (for lightweight materials) - wood-look planks or printed panels on a ceiling create an architectural feature.

5. STAIRWELL WALLS - long, narrow walls along staircases benefit from decorative panels which add interest without the wall feeling claustrophobic.

6. COMMERCIAL FIT-OUT - café walls, retail interiors, hotel corridors, office branding walls.

Trade-offs vs other panel sub-categories:
1. LESS VISUAL DRAMA than 3D panels or louvers (which have physical depth).
2. EASIER TO INSTALL than louvers (large flat sheets vs many narrow strips).
3. LOWER COST per sq ft than 3D panels - Rs 100-400 per sq ft installed depending on material and finish.
4. EASIER TO CLEAN than 3D panels and louvers (no grooves to catch dust).

942 decorative wall panel SKUs at Material Depot - across all materials, looks and sizes.

Exterior wall panels are a separate sub-category from interior decorative panels because outdoor conditions are dramatically more demanding. Indian outdoor exposure includes direct summer sun at 45°C, monsoon rain for months, dust, pollution, bird droppings, temperature swings, and (in hill stations) freezing nights - all of which destroy interior-grade panels within months.

Exterior wall panels are designed to handle:
1. Direct UV sun without fading or yellowing.
2. Monsoon rain without absorbing water, swelling or growing mould.
3. Temperature swings (40°C summer to near-freezing winter in some climates).
4. Dust, pollution, bird droppings - wipe-clean surface.
5. 15-25 year exterior lifespan with minimal maintenance.
6. Wind load on facades (proper mechanical fixing required).

Material options for exterior:

1. WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) - the most common exterior panel material. Wood fibres + plastic polymer = wood look with weather resistance. Rs 300-700 per sq ft installed. 15-25 year lifespan. Used for facade cladding, balconies, soffits.

2. ACP (Aluminium Composite Panels) - two thin aluminium skins around a polymer or mineral core. Premium architectural facades - office buildings, hotels, commercial exteriors. Available in solid metallic colours, brushed finishes, wood-look prints, stone-look prints. Rs 200-800 per sq ft installed. 20-30 year lifespan.

3. HPL EXTERIOR GRADE (compact phenolic-resin laminates) - high-end architectural facade panels. Very durable, fully UV-stable, premium-spec projects. Rs 500-1500 per sq ft.

4. FIBRE-CEMENT PANELS - natural stone-look panels with real cement core. Heavy but very durable. Used for stone-look facades.

5. EXTERIOR PU STONE PANELS - lightweight stone-look polyurethane panels for facade feature walls.

Best LOOKS for exterior:

1. Wood-look WPC (walnut, teak, smoked oak) - the most popular exterior look. Gives homes a warm Mediterranean / Scandi feel.
2. Stone-look (slate, sandstone, limestone) - natural building look.
3. Solid neutrals (grey, charcoal, warm cream, terracotta) - modernist architecture.
4. Metallic ACP (brushed steel, brass, copper, oxidised) - commercial and architectural exteriors.
5. Cement / concrete-look - minimalist contemporary architecture.

Best uses:

1. HOUSE FACADES - full elevation cladding or feature columns/walls.
2. COMPOUND WALLS - clad concrete compound walls with WPC for warm wood-look.
3. BALCONY EXTERIOR CLADDING - the visible wall of a balcony from outside.
4. EXTERIOR COLUMNS - wrap concrete columns with stone-look or wood-look cladding.
5. SOFFIT CEILINGS - the underside of overhangs, balconies, porch roofs.
6. EXTERIOR BRANDING WALLS - restaurants, retail, offices.
7. BUILDING ELEVATIONS - apartment buildings, villas, commercial buildings.
8. POOL SURROUNDS - exterior pool walls and feature areas.
9. EXTERIOR SIGNAGE AREAS.
10. POSITIONS exposed to weather but visible from common areas.

Critical installation considerations:
1. PROPER MECHANICAL FIXING (rails + screws), not just adhesive. Wind load matters.
2. EXPANSION GAPS - exterior panels expand and contract with temperature; need 2-3 mm gaps at joints.
3. BACK-VENTILATION GAP - leave a small air gap between the panel and the wall to allow ventilation and drainage.
4. CORNER and edge profiles to keep water out of the cavity.
5. UV-STABLE adhesives and fixings only - standard interior products degrade outdoors.

124 exterior wall panel SKUs at Material Depot - focused range of weather-rated specifications.

Alabaster sheets are the most luxurious panel category at Material Depot - translucent decorative panels designed to be BACKLIT, so they glow from within. The effect is dramatic and hotel-suite premium - a stone-look wall that radiates warm light through marble or onyx veining patterns.

What 'alabaster sheets' actually refers to in the modern panel market:

1. ACRYLIC / RESIN ALABASTER (most common). Translucent acrylic or polyester resin sheets with marble veining, onyx swirls, or stone texture embedded inside. Premium ranges have realistic 3D veining that reads as natural stone. Typically 8-12 mm thick.

2. NATURAL ALABASTER (real stone). Quarried sedimentary stone (gypsum-based) sliced thin enough to be translucent. Premium, expensive, heavy - needs structural wall support. Used in luxury hotels, palaces, premium spa projects.

3. ONYX-LOOK SHEETS. Translucent acrylic specifically mimicking onyx stone - golden, amber, green, and warm beige translucent patterns. Most dramatic when backlit.

4. MARBLE-LOOK BACKLIT SHEETS. Translucent panels with marble veining - Calcutta, Statuario, beige marble - designed for backlit installations.

How they work:

1. The sheet is mounted on a frame about 50-150 mm away from the wall - leaving space behind for lighting.
2. LED strip lighting is mounted on the wall behind the sheet, facing forward into the cavity. Warm white 2700-3000K is the most popular colour; some installations use warm-tunable LED so the colour can be adjusted.
3. The LED light passes through the translucent sheet from behind.
4. Surface texture, veining and colour patterns are dramatically highlighted as the light passes through them.
5. The whole sheet glows like a giant lit panel.

The effect is unique to alabaster sheets and very different from any other panel - more like backlit stained glass or a giant lampshade than a wall panel.

Best uses:

1. POOJA UNIT / MANDIR BACK PANEL - the most popular Indian application. Warm-glowing marble or onyx behind the deities creates a reverent, spiritual atmosphere. Pair with brass diya stands and dim warm room lighting.

2. BAR WALL FEATURE - behind a home bar or in a restaurant. Onyx-look backlit panels are a designer-bar signature.

3. CEILING FEATURES - recessed glowing panels in a feature ceiling treatment. Hotel-lobby drama.

4. PREMIUM RECEPTION WALLS - corporate offices, luxury hotel lobbies, spa entrances. Sets the brand-luxe tone.

5. LUXURY BATHROOM FEATURE WALLS - backlit alabaster behind a bathtub, or on a vanity wall, creates a spa-resort feel.

6. STAIRCASE LANDING WALL - a backlit alabaster wall at a stair landing draws the eye up.

7. FOYER WALL - for high-end residential entrances.

Installation considerations:
1. Plan the LIGHT CAVITY at construction stage - typically 50-150 mm gap between wall and panel.
2. ELECTRICAL ACCESS for LED maintenance - leave a service panel.
3. WARM LED only - cool white kills the warm marble/onyx effect.
4. DIMMABLE LEDs to control the intensity for different moods.
5. PROFESSIONAL INSTALL - alabaster sheets are heavy and the lighting needs to be even (no hot spots).

205 alabaster sheet SKUs at Material Depot - premium niche category. Visit our Experience Centre to see backlit samples in person - the difference between catalogue photos and the real backlit effect is dramatic.

Soffit panels are ceiling-side cladding panels - designed for ceiling applications rather than walls.

Where soffits appear:
1. The underside of a balcony (visible from floor below or garden).
2. The ceiling of a covered porch or verandah.
3. Building eaves - overhanging part of a roof.
4. The underside of a pergola.
5. Decorative drop ceilings inside.

Materials:

1. WPC SOFFIT PANELS. Weather-rated wood-look - most popular for exterior balcony soffits. Walnut, teak, smoked oak. Doesn't rot, attract termites, or need annual sealing.

2. PVC SOFFIT PANELS. Waterproof, lightweight, easy. Common in covered walkways, parking ceilings.

3. ALUMINIUM SOFFIT PANELS. Premium architectural - commercial buildings, high-end residential.

4. CEMENT-FIBRE - high-end exterior commercial.

Best uses:

1. BALCONY CEILINGS - wood-look WPC transforms plain concrete ceilings.

2. PORCH AND VERANDAH CEILINGS - warmer, more inviting entry.

3. BUILDING EAVES - particularly visible south-facing facades.

4. PERGOLA UNDERSIDES - wood-look creates warm 'wooden pergola' look.

5. EXTERIOR COVERED WALKWAY CEILINGS - apartment complexes, hotels.

6. INDOOR DROP CEILING FEATURES - wood-look ceiling sections over dining areas, lobbies.

7. PARKING AREA CEILINGS - PVC or aluminium cladding over concrete.

Installation:
1. Metal grid framework, not direct adhesive to ceiling.
2. Concealed clip systems.
3. 5-10 mm expansion gaps at edges.
4. Ventilation gaps for moisture in exterior.
5. Professional install recommended for exterior soffits.

Cost: Rs 250-700 per sq ft installed.

The choice of panel material matters more than most buyers realise - it determines durability, where you can use the panel, how it ages, and the budget. Most decorative designs (wood-look, marble-look, stone-look, geometric) are available across multiple material types, so the decision really comes down to the application.

Full decision matrix:

CHARCOAL / POLYSTYRENE PANELS - the budget DIY option
1. Best for: low-budget feature walls, rental properties, weekend DIY projects, temporary installations.
2. Cost: Rs 50-200 per sq ft installed (the cheapest by far).
3. Lifespan: 5-10 years.
4. Installation: utility knife + construction adhesive. Solo DIY possible.
5. Skip if: kitchen (fire risk), bathroom (moisture), high-traffic walls, premium luxury feature walls.

PVC PANELS - the wet-area workhorse
1. Best for: bathroom walls, shower walls, wet kitchen back-walls, basement walls, balcony interior cladding, laundry rooms.
2. Cost: Rs 100-400 per sq ft installed.
3. Lifespan: 10-15 years.
4. Installation: fine-tooth saw + adhesive. DIY-friendly.
5. Skip if: directly behind a cooking stove (heat), fully sun-exposed exterior (use WPC), premium luxury feature walls (use MDF for the finish).

MDF PANELS - the premium interior workhorse
1. Best for: living room feature walls, master bedroom bed-back walls, TV unit back panels, foyer features, dining feature walls, indoor architectural louvers.
2. Cost: Rs 300-800 per sq ft installed.
3. Lifespan: 15-20 years.
4. Installation: needs jigsaw / circular saw, dust mask, usually 2 people for large panels.
5. Skip if: bathroom (swelling), exterior (weather), wet areas.

HDF PANELS - the durable premium
1. Best for: high-traffic interior, commercial spaces (hotel lobbies, restaurants, corporate offices), homes with kids and pets, long-life premium installations, fluted louvers needing sharp profile.
2. Cost: Rs 350-1000 per sq ft installed.
3. Lifespan: 20-25 years.
4. Installation: same as MDF.
5. Skip if: budget-tight (MDF works in most cases at lower cost), wet areas, exterior.

WPC PANELS - the exterior default
1. Best for: exterior wall cladding, house facades, compound walls, balcony cladding, outdoor soffit ceilings, pergola undersides, exterior columns, pool surrounds.
2. Cost: Rs 300-700 per sq ft installed.
3. Lifespan: 15-25 years outdoors.
4. Installation: usually fixed with screws and rails (heavier than PVC/polystyrene).
5. Skip if: premium INTERIOR hero walls (MDF/HDF give a richer interior feel).

The simple rule: match the material to the room, not the design.
1. Living, bedroom, dining, foyer (indoor dry): MDF or HDF.
2. Bathroom, shower, wet kitchen, basement: PVC.
3. Exterior, balcony, facade, outdoor ceiling: WPC.
4. Budget interior, DIY, rental: polystyrene.
5. Most designs are available in 3-4 of the 5 material families, so you can usually get the look you want in the right material for the application.

Charcoal panels (a confusing brand-term - the panels are actually made from EPS or expanded polystyrene foam, not charcoal) are the entry-level decorative wall panel in the Indian market. The name 'charcoal' comes from one of the early brand variants that had a charcoal-grey colour; the term has stuck to refer to all polystyrene-based panels regardless of colour.

What they are:
1. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam core - the same material as foam packaging, but denser and shaped into decorative panels.
2. Printed or laminated decorative face (wood-look, marble-look, stone-look, geometric patterns).
3. Typically 5-20 mm thick.
4. Lightweight - a typical 2400x300 mm louver panel weighs just 200-400 grams.

Pros:

1. The MOST AFFORDABLE panel type. Rs 50-200 per sq ft installed, which is half to one-third the cost of comparable MDF or WPC panels.

2. EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT. A single person can carry and install large panel runs. No lifting equipment, no team needed.

3. CUTS WITH A UTILITY KNIFE. No power tools needed - anyone can cut and fit these panels with basic hand tools. The simplest DIY panel category.

4. INSTALLS WITH CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE only - no nails, screws or special hardware. Direct stick to wall.

5. WIDE DESIGN RANGE - most popular looks (wood, marble, stone, geometric, fluted) are available in the polystyrene category.

Cons:

1. INDOOR DRY USE ONLY - polystyrene is not waterproof (the foam absorbs water slowly), not weather-rated, not for bathrooms or exteriors.
2. LOWER IMPACT DURABILITY than MDF/HDF/WPC. A bump or hard knock can dent the surface. Not great for high-traffic walls or homes with kids/pets.
3. NOT FIRE-RESISTANT. Polystyrene burns; this is a real concern near cooktops or in fire-safety-critical commercial spaces.
4. LOWER-END FINISH QUALITY than MDF/HDF - slight visible texture from the foam core, less premium look.
5. UV-SENSITIVE - direct sunlight can yellow polystyrene panels over years.

Best uses:
1. Budget feature walls in rental homes.
2. Quick-turnaround projects.
3. DIY weekend projects.
4. Bedroom and dining accent walls in budget interiors.
5. Commercial spaces with short refresh cycles (cafés, pop-up retail, set design).

Skip for:
1. Kitchen walls near the cooktop (fire risk).
2. Bathrooms (moisture).
3. Exterior or balcony use.
4. Premium luxury feature walls (use MDF/HDF for the finish quality).
5. High-traffic commercial spaces (durability).

PVC panels are made from polyvinyl chloride - the same plastic used in pipes, window frames and many cladding products. For decorative wall panels, PVC's defining property is being fully waterproof, which makes it the go-to choice for any wet-area application.

Construction:
1. PVC core (sometimes a hollow PVC structure for weight saving).
2. Printed or laminated decorative surface (wood, marble, stone, solid colour).
3. Typically 5-15 mm thick.

Pros:

1. 100% WATERPROOF. PVC doesn't absorb water, doesn't swell, doesn't rot, doesn't grow mould. This is THE biggest advantage and the reason PVC dominates bathroom panel applications.

2. LIGHTWEIGHT - significantly lighter than MDF/HDF/WPC of the same dimensions. Easy to handle and install single-handedly.

3. EASY TO CLEAN - wipe with water, mild detergent. Nothing to seal or protect, no special cleaners needed.

4. MODERATE COST - Rs 100-400 per sq ft installed, between polystyrene (cheaper) and MDF/HDF/WPC (pricier).

5. WIDE DESIGN RANGE - wood-look, stone-look, marble-look, geometric, plain solids. Most popular looks available in PVC.

6. EASY TO CUT - fine-tooth saw, jigsaw or hot wire cutter all work.

Cons:

1. LOWER HEAT RESISTANCE than MDF/HDF. Direct contact with hot surfaces (a pan handle, for example) can deform PVC. Avoid mounting PVC panels directly behind a cooking stove.

2. CAN DENT under sharp impact - sharp tools or heavy dropped objects can leave permanent marks.

3. UV DEGRADATION over time. Direct sunlight (years of exposure) can yellow PVC and weaken its UV-stable colours. For sun-exposed exteriors, WPC is the better choice.

4. NOT TRULY FIRE-RESISTANT (though more flame-retardant than polystyrene). Real fire-safety-critical spaces should use fire-rated panel categories.

Best uses:
1. Bathroom feature walls and basin walls - moisture-resistant.
2. Shower walls - fully waterproof.
3. Kitchen back walls (away from cooktop) - easy to clean of oil and steam.
4. Basement walls - moisture-tolerant.
5. Balcony interior walls - UV-protected balconies.
6. Laundry rooms, utility rooms.
7. Commercial restrooms and clinics.

Skip for:
1. Directly behind a cooktop (heat).
2. Premium living-room hero walls (MDF/HDF give a more luxe finish).
3. Full exterior sun exposure (use WPC instead).

MDF panels are the workhorse of premium interior decorative panels. MDF stands for Medium-Density Fibreboard - a manufactured wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, combining them with wax and resin, and forming the mixture into panels under high temperature and pressure.

Construction:
1. Compressed wood fibre core - dense, uniform, no grain pattern (unlike plywood).
2. Smooth machined surface - can be painted, laminated, veneered, or directly milled with decorative profiles.
3. Typical thickness: 12-25 mm for panel applications.

For decorative panels, MDF is used in two main ways:
1. MDF with a printed laminate face (the most common in the panel category).
2. MDF directly milled into fluted/louver profiles, then painted or laminated.

Pros:

1. PREMIUM INTERIOR FEEL. MDF is solid, dense and has the substantial 'thunk' feel you want in a premium wall feature. When you knock on an MDF louver wall, it sounds and feels solid.

2. DIMENSIONALLY STABLE. MDF doesn't warp, twist, swell or shrink in normal indoor humidity. The grain-less structure means no movement.

3. SMOOTH MACHINED SURFACE. Takes paint, laminate, veneer or decorative film beautifully. Every premium designer finish (matte walnut, sage paint, brushed brass vinyl) sits perfectly on an MDF substrate.

4. EASY TO MILL into intricate shapes. MDF can be CNC-cut into fluted profiles, decorative reliefs, custom geometric patterns. This is how most quality fluted louvers are made.

5. CONSISTENT QUALITY - no knots, no defects, predictable performance from one panel to the next.

6. PAINTABLE - unlike polystyrene or PVC (which don't take paint well), MDF accepts paint perfectly. Lets you custom-paint a louver wall to any colour after installation.

Cons:

1. NOT WATERPROOF. MDF swells dramatically if soaked. Don't use in bathrooms, exteriors, or anywhere water can sit on the panel.

2. HEAVIER than polystyrene or PVC. A 2400x300 mm MDF louver weighs 5-8 kg vs 200-400 grams for polystyrene. Installation needs 2 people or proper bracing.

3. MDF DUST is a respiratory irritant. Cut outdoors or with a dust extraction system. Wear a proper P95 mask, not just a cloth.

4. MORE EXPENSIVE than polystyrene - typically Rs 300-800 per sq ft installed.

Best for:
1. Premium feature walls in living rooms and master bedrooms.
2. TV unit back panels (where solid feel and dense look matter).
3. Bedroom bed-back walls - fluted MDF louvers full-height.
4. Foyer feature walls - the substantial feel is appropriate for the entrance.
5. Dining room feature walls.
6. Hotel-style luxury accent walls.
7. Office reception walls and conference room features.

Skip for:
1. Bathrooms (use PVC).
2. Exterior or balcony (use WPC).
3. Wet kitchens behind the sink (use PVC).

HDF (High-Density Fibreboard) is essentially MDF made denser. Same wood-fibre core, same resin binding, same manufacturing process - but compressed to a higher density (typically 850-1000 kg/m³ vs MDF's 600-800 kg/m³). That single difference cascades into better performance across the board.

Construction:
1. Wood fibres compressed at higher pressure and density than MDF.
2. Smoother surface, finer edge quality.
3. Same paintable, laminate-able, mill-able workflow as MDF.

Compared to MDF, HDF offers:

1. GREATER DENSITY AND HARDNESS. HDF resists dents and impacts much better than MDF. A hard knock that would mark MDF often leaves HDF unscathed. Important for high-traffic spaces.

2. BETTER DIMENSIONAL STABILITY under humidity. HDF moves even less than MDF, so the panel stays flat and joints stay tight over years. Particularly important for precise-fit fluted louver installations.

3. SMOOTHER MACHINED EDGES. When CNC-milled into fluted profiles, HDF produces cleaner, crisper edges than MDF. The flutes look sharper.

4. BETTER SCREW AND FASTENER HOLD. HDF holds screws and nails much more firmly than MDF - important for wall-mounted features that need to support weight (heavy mirrors, shelving on top of louvers, etc).

5. PREMIUM FINISH QUALITY. The denser surface accepts paint, laminate and veneer with less prep and gives a sharper, cleaner final look.

6. MODEST INCREASE IN COST. Typically 10-20% more than MDF - about Rs 350-1000 per sq ft installed.

Same limitations as MDF:

1. NOT WATERPROOF - indoor dry use only. Bathrooms and exteriors are off-limits.
2. HEAVIER than MDF - adds to installation effort.
3. CUTTING DUST is the same respiratory irritant as MDF.

Best for:
1. High-traffic commercial feature walls (hotel lobbies, restaurants, offices).
2. Long-life installations where 20+ year durability matters.
3. Homes with kids and pets (the higher impact resistance pays off).
4. Premium hotel-grade master bedroom and master bathroom (dry areas only) installations.
5. Architect-specified projects where the spec sheet calls for HDF.
6. Conference rooms and reception walls in corporate offices.

Pick MDF over HDF when:
1. Budget is tighter - MDF is 10-20% cheaper.
2. The installation is low-traffic (master bedroom, formal living room).
3. The look-and-feel will be hidden by paint or thick laminate (MDF works fine underneath).

Pick HDF over MDF when:
1. The wall sees impact, traffic or heavy fittings.
2. You want the sharpest, cleanest milled flute profiles.
3. Long-term durability is the priority.
4. The project spec demands it (commercial projects often spec HDF).

WPC stands for Wood-Plastic Composite - a category of materials that combine wood fibres (or wood flour) with plastic polymers (typically PVC, PE or PP) and additives, extruded into solid panels and profiles. WPC gets the warm wood-look of timber with the weather-resistance and durability of plastic. For exterior panel applications in Indian construction, WPC has effectively become the default specification.

Construction:
1. 50-70% wood fibre + 30-50% plastic polymer + additives (UV stabilisers, colourants, flame retardants).
2. Extruded into panels, planks or louvers.
3. Surface either embossed with wood-grain texture or printed with a digital wood design and topped with a UV-protective coat.
4. Typical thickness 8-15 mm for cladding panels; 10-25 mm for louvers.

Pros:

1. WEATHER-RATED. WPC handles direct sun, monsoon rain, temperature swings (Indian summers at 45°C and hill-station winters near freezing) without cracking, warping or delaminating. This is the headline reason WPC exists as a category.

2. WATERPROOF / MOISTURE-RESISTANT. The plastic binder makes WPC essentially waterproof. Doesn't swell, doesn't rot, doesn't grow mould.

3. WON'T ATTRACT TERMITES OR INSECTS. Unlike real wood, WPC has no cellulose that termites can digest. Important in tropical and humid climates.

4. REALISTIC WOOD-LOOK. Modern WPC ranges are very convincing - visible wood grain texture, natural colour variation between planks, realistic knots. From 2 m away, good WPC looks like real timber.

5. 15-25 YEAR LIFESPAN outdoors. Far longer than real wood (which needs annual care and replacement every 8-15 years) or paint on plaster (which fails fast on exteriors).

6. LOWER MAINTENANCE than wood. No annual sanding, no staining, no sealing. Hose down twice a year. That's it.

7. NON-COMBUSTIBLE OPTIONS - some premium WPC ranges are fire-rated.

8. RECYCLABLE - many WPC formulations use recycled plastic and wood waste, with a smaller environmental footprint than fresh timber.

Cons:

1. MORE EXPENSIVE than polystyrene or PVC - typically Rs 300-700 per sq ft installed. However, the long lifespan and zero maintenance make it cheaper over 15-20 years.
2. HEAVIER than PVC and polystyrene - installation needs proper fixings, not just adhesive.
3. UV COLOUR FADE possible over many years. Premium WPC ranges are UV-stabilised to minimise this; budget ranges fade faster.
4. Slightly less flexible than PVC - won't wrap tight curves.

Best uses:

1. EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING - house facades, compound walls, exterior feature walls.
2. BALCONY interior cladding - gets sun and monsoon exposure.
3. SOFFIT CEILINGS - outdoor and verandah ceilings.
4. PERGOLA and gazebo undersides.
5. BALCONY PRIVACY PARTITIONS - vertical WPC louvers as screens.
6. EXTERIOR COLUMNS - wrap concrete columns with WPC cladding for a wood-look.
7. POOL surround walls.
8. COMMERCIAL building exteriors - restaurants, retail, hotels.
9. BUILDER projects where 25-year exterior durability is specified.

Don't use WPC for premium interior hero walls - MDF/HDF give a richer interior feel. WPC's strength is OUTDOOR use; using it indoors works but it's not the optimal pick.

Louvers (also called fluted panels or rafters - these three terms describe the same product) are one of the most versatile design elements in modern Indian architecture and interiors. The combination of vertical line, physical depth, light-catching shadow and easy installation makes them dominant in 2026 feature wall design.

Top benefits:

1. Visual depth and rhythm. Vertical grooves catch light differently across the day - bright in morning sun, shadowed in evening lamp-light. Adds real architectural character to a wall without needing contrasting colours.

2. Makes ceilings feel taller. The vertical line of louvers naturally draws the eye upward, which makes ceiling height feel greater than it actually is. Particularly useful in apartments with standard 9-10 ft ceilings.

3. Hides wall imperfections. Louvers are mounted on a backing strip that creates a small air gap with the wall - so minor wall flaws (hairline cracks, uneven plaster, old paint patches) are completely hidden underneath without any wall prep.

4. Acoustic benefit. The vertical grooves naturally diffuse and absorb sound waves, reducing room echo and improving acoustic comfort. Especially noticeable in large open-plan living rooms and dining areas.

5. Easy LED integration. Recessed LED strips behind the louver backing create dramatic wash lighting through the gaps - one of the most loved designer effects right now. Warm 2700K LED behind sage or walnut louvers, lit deliberately in the evening, creates a hotel-suite feel.

6. Cable and wiring management. Power outlets, TV cables, sconces and AV wiring can run behind the louver backing, completely hidden from view. Particularly useful behind TV units where wiring is otherwise a visible eyesore.

7. Durability. Quality louvers last 15-20 years without needing re-painting or re-finishing. PVC and WPC louvers handle moisture; MDF and HDF louvers stay stable indoors.

8. Indoor AND outdoor applications. WPC louvers are weather-rated and work as exterior facade cladding, balcony walls, compound walls and ceiling soffits.

9. Massive design range. Wood-look (walnut, oak, teak), solid colours (cream, sage, charcoal, black), metallic (brass, copper, oxidised), stone, geometric variants. Different flute profiles (V-shape, square, half-round, deep, shallow) give different visual effects.

10. The single most-saved feature wall element of 2026. Pinterest, Instagram and real architect / designer projects all consistently feature fluted louvers behind TVs, beds, in foyers and dining areas. The trend is mature and not dating quickly.

Best uses for louvers:
1. TV unit back panel - vertical lines frame the screen architecturally.
2. Bedroom bed-back wall - full-height behind a king bed.
3. Foyer / entrance feature wall - strong first impression.
4. Dining feature wall - behind the dining table.
5. Living room hero wall.
6. Bar walls, café-style accent corners.
7. Office cabin walls - adds character to corporate interiors.
8. Exterior facade cladding (WPC).
9. Ceiling soffits - vertical grooves on a ceiling create visual interest.
10. Restaurant and commercial space feature walls.

The fluted louver TV unit is the single most popular modern Indian feature wall design of 2026. Combines vertical line, depth, shadow, warm wood tones and LED accent lighting for the hotel-suite premium feel that homeowners aspire to.

Design recipe:

1. FLUTED LOUVER BACK PANEL - full-height, floor to ceiling, behind the TV.
   - Material: MDF or HDF (premium feel). PVC if humidity concern.
   - Profile: square or deep V flutes for modern look.
   - Number: 7-10 flutes per 300 mm panel.
   - Colour: walnut (most popular), smoked oak (Pinterest favourite), matte black (moody modern), warm cream (luxe minimal).
   - Width: 1.5-2x the TV width, or floor-to-ceiling column centred behind TV.

2. TV MOUNTED PROUD with 50-75 mm air gap between TV back and louver surface. Fluted texture visible AROUND the TV. Articulating wall mount holds TV out.

3. CABINETS / OPEN SHELVES on either side. Same wood tone as louvers but SMOOTH laminate (not fluted). The fluted-vs-smooth contrast at same colour is the sophistication.

4. LED STRIP LIGHTING in two places:
   - Behind the TV (15-25 mm gap, warm 2700K strip hidden behind TV bezel) - halo glow around screen, reduces eye strain.
   - Behind/between louvers - recessed LED at base or top washes light up/down the flutes, highlighting texture in evening.

5. ACCENT MATERIAL STRIPE - thin vertical line of contrast material between louver column and side cabinets. Brushed brass, matte black, or contrasting wood. Designer detail.

6. FLOATING TV CONSOLE BELOW the TV. Wood-laminate or stone/quartz-top with LED uplight beneath, wash-lighting the floor and lower louvers. Floating keeps floor visible and room feeling bigger.

7. SYMMETRY MATTERS. Louver column centred behind TV. Cabinets on either side mirror-image. Floating console centred.

Popular variations:
1. WALNUT louvers + walnut cabinets + brushed brass + cream walls = classic warm modern.
2. SMOKED OAK louvers + smoked oak smooth cabinets + matte black accents = Japandi.
3. MATTE BLACK louvers + warm wood cabinets + brass = dramatic moody luxe.
4. CREAM louvers + cream surround + soft sage accent = warm minimalist.
5. MARBLE-LOOK PANEL BACK + walnut louver SIDE WALLS = luxe with character.

Avoid:
1. Glossy white louvers behind TV - screen glare reflects.
2. Mixing too many wood tones - pick one wood family.
3. Fluted louvers ABOVE TV only - looks unfinished.
4. Undersized louver column - at least 1.5x TV width.
5. Wrong lighting colour - cool white kills warmth. Always 2700-3000K.

Cost: full louver TV unit (8x10 ft wall + cabinets + LED) typically Rs 50,000-1,50,000.

Bed-back feature wall is the second most popular feature wall in modern Indian homes (after TV unit walls). The wall behind the bed is the first thing you see in the morning and last at night, so it sets the room mood.

Design recipe:

1. FULL-HEIGHT FLUTED LOUVERS behind the bed. Floor to ceiling. Less looks unfinished.

2. WIDTH = bed width + 300-600 mm extension on either side. Bedside tables sit IN FRONT of the louver wall, framed by it. King-size (1830 mm wide): louver wall 2.4-3 m wide. Queen-size: 2-2.5 m wide.

3. MATERIAL: MDF or HDF louvers for premium feel and acoustic quality (slight sound diffusion welcome in bedroom).

4. PROFILE: square or U-shaped flutes for calm; deep V for drama. Most popular: square, 7-10 per 300 mm panel.

5. COLOUR by mood:
   - WARM WALNUT - most popular, premium.
   - SMOKED OAK - Pinterest Japandi favourite.
   - SOFT CREAM - calm, light, makes small bedrooms bigger.
   - SAGE GREEN - Pinterest-aesthetic, calm.
   - MATTE BLACK - moody hotel-suite (large bedrooms with good light only).
   - WARM BEIGE / MUSHROOM - warm neutral.

6. WALL LIGHTS / SCONCES mounted on or in front of louvers. Brass or matte black, ~1.5 m height on either side of bed. Layered lighting; replaces/supplements bedside lamps.

7. CONCEALED LED STRIP at top of louvers (wash down) OR behind upholstered headboard (halo behind bed). Warm 2700K, dimmable.

8. UPHOLSTERED HEADBOARD in front of louvers. Fabric or leather in complementary tone. Soft fabric pairs with hard fluted texture.

Alternatives:

1. 3D WAVE or HEXAGONAL - sculptural drama. Modern minimalist bedrooms.
2. FABRIC-LOOK PANEL - soft tactile, hotel-suite feel.
3. MARBLE-LOOK SLAB - book-matched behind bed, most luxurious.
4. LEATHER-LOOK PANEL - premium boutique-hotel feel.
5. ALABASTER BACKLIT PANEL - extreme luxury glowing wall.

Trending combinations:
1. Walnut louvers + cream walls + brass sconces + linen bedding = warm modern luxe.
2. Smoked oak + soft sage walls + brass + neutral linen = Pinterest Japandi.
3. Cream louvers + warm cream walls + brass + blush textiles = soft feminine.
4. Matte black + cream walls + brass + warm wood furniture = moody luxe.
5. Marble-look book-matched + cream walls + brass + fabric bench = hotel suite.

Avoid:
1. Busy patterned panels behind bed - too active for sleep.
2. Glossy white louvers - morning light glare.
3. Cool blue/grey louvers - feels clinical for bedroom.
4. Bold geometric 3D - too busy.
5. Inadequate width - narrower than bed looks unfinished.

Living room feature walls are the showcase of the home - the surface guests notice first, the wall behind your daily life.

Top options:

1. FLUTED WOOD-LOOK LOUVERS behind TV. #1 most-installed living room feature wall in modern Indian interiors. Walnut and smoked oak most popular. Detailed in TV unit Q&A.

2. MARBLE-LOOK BOOK-MATCHED SLAB behind TV. Two slabs mirrored creating continuous vein pattern. Calcutta white, deep green, black marble. Luxe formal hotel-suite. Premium alternative to fluted louvers.

3. 3D RELIEF PANEL (hexagonal, wave, geometric) behind media console. Sculptural drama. Particularly good with high ceilings and ambient lighting.

4. STONE-LOOK PANEL (ledger stone, slate, sandstone) behind fireplace or TV. Particularly good with real or electric fireplace - completes hearth look.

5. PU STONE ACCENT WALL for café/loft aesthetic. Brick-look or weathered stone gives industrial-loft feel. Pairs with steel-frame TV unit and Edison-bulb pendants.

6. METALLIC ACCENT STRIP between louver sections - narrow brushed brass, copper or matte black vertical strips. Designer detail.

7. WOOD-LOOK PLANK PANELS laid herringbone or chevron - wall-mounted wood-look in graphic pattern. Café aesthetic, Pinterest-popular.

8. PLAIN MATTE COLOURED PANELS - solid sage, deep forest, terracotta, warm cream as calm feature contrast. Understated designer choice.

9. FABRIC-LOOK PANELS behind sofa or reading corner - soft tactile feature.

Design rules:

1. ONE FEATURE WALL PER ROOM. Two walls compete; eye can't settle.

2. FEATURE WALL is usually wall you see entering - typically TV wall, wall opposite entry, or wall behind main seating.

3. PAIR with cream / warm-white / soft beige in rest of space. Calm surround lets feature be hero.

4. 60-30-10 RULE: 60% neutral base (cream walls, warm wood floors), 30% feature wall, 10% accents (brass, frames, decor).

5. FURNITURE in front should COMPLEMENT, not compete. Clean-lined TV console, not ornate cabinet fighting the panel.

6. LIGHT FEATURE DELIBERATELY. LED strip, wall-washer or recessed warm spots. Without lighting, even premium panels read flat.

7. SCALE FEATURE TO ROOM. 2 m tall feature in 6 m ceiling looks lost. Floor-to-ceiling makes biggest impact.

Avoid:
1. Multiple feature walls - too busy.
2. Bright glossy whites - dating, budget feel.
3. Small relief patterns in large rooms - fussy at scale.
4. Mismatched undertones - cool grey marble with warm walnut clash.

Dining feature walls are rewarding because the wall is constantly framed by table and chairs, becoming the visual centre of every meal.

Options:

1. FLUTED LOUVERS in warm wood-look. Most popular dining feature wall. Walnut, smoked oak or warm cream full-height behind table. Pair with pendant centred over table - directional light catches flute shadows in evening.

2. MARBLE-LOOK BOOK-MATCHED SLAB. Luxury formal entertaining. Calcutta white, beige marble or deep green book-matched. Pair with warm wood table and brass pendant.

3. 3D HEXAGONAL or WAVE PANELS. Sculptural drama. Modern contemporary dining. Relief catches pendant light, changes through meal.

4. BRICK-LOOK PU STONE. Mediterranean café / bistro. Reclaimed wood table, Edison bulb pendants, brass accents. Most-saved café look.

5. STONE-LOOK (limestone, slate, sandstone). Natural, grounding, Mediterranean. Particularly good opening to garden or balcony.

6. DEEP COLOUR LOUVERS (forest green, deep navy, terracotta, deep teal). Moody evening dining. Pair with brass pendant, warm wood table, cream walls.

7. WOOD-LOOK PLANK PANELS in herringbone - designer wood wall behind dining. Café feel.

8. METALLIC ACCENT - brushed brass or copper as vertical strip behind table. Subtle premium.

Design tips:

1. LIGHT WITH PENDANT CENTRED OVER TABLE. Directional light throws warm light on panel behind, bringing out texture and shadow.

2. PAIR WITH WOOD-TONE DINING TABLE complementing panel - warm walnut table with walnut louvers, smoked oak table with smoked oak panels.

3. HANG ONE LARGE ART OR FEATURE MIRROR in front of panel - but never both. Either complements (one) or competes (two) with panel.

4. SCALE PANEL to wall. At least as wide as table + 600 mm on either side. 6-seater table: typically 2.4-3 m wide.

5. FULL-HEIGHT reads designed; half-height looks unfinished.

6. WARM LIGHTING essential - pendant + warm 2700K LED, not cool fluorescent.

Avoid:
1. BUSY PATTERNS behind dining - too active during meals.
2. BRIGHT GLOSSY WHITES - clinical for evening dining.
3. MULTIPLE FEATURE ELEMENTS - pick panel OR art OR mirror.
4. COLD COLOURS (icy blue, cool grey) - uninviting in dining.
5. INSUFFICIENT PENDANT LIGHTING - panel falls flat.

Foyer / entrance is first impression of your home - for you, for guests, for the family. Panels set the entire mood in first 5 seconds.

Options:

1. FLUTED LOUVERS - full-height behind console table. Most popular foyer feature in modern Indian homes. Walnut or smoked oak louvers create warm welcoming entrance. Pair with console, mirror and pendant lamp.

2. MARBLE-LOOK SLAB PANELS - book-matched marble for luxe formal entrance. Calcutta white, beige marble, onyx-look. Premium villa / penthouse aesthetic.

3. STONE-LOOK PANELS (slate, sandstone, limestone) - warm Mediterranean welcome. Good with traditional or transitional architecture. Sandstone most popular for 'arrived' feel.

4. 3D RELIEF PANEL (hexagonal, wave, geometric) - bold designer entrance. Modern minimalist homes. Light deliberately with wall-washer LED.

5. ALABASTER BACKLIT PANEL - premium luxury glowing entry. High-end residential, boutique hotel entrances. Onyx-look backlit particularly dramatic.

6. METALLIC ACCENT - narrow brushed brass or copper strip between louver sections, or single metallic panel accent. Designer detail without dominating.

7. CARVED MOROCCAN PANEL - Bohemian, traditional Indian or fusion homes. Cream/gold tones work best (warm welcome).

Design recipe:

1. PANEL FEATURE WALL behind console table.
2. CONSOLE TABLE in warm wood (or matching panel tone).
3. LARGE MIRROR above console - amplifies foyer visually and functional (last-look before leaving).
4. PENDANT LAMP centred over console - warm 2700K. Lights panel from above + creates focal point.
5. RECESSED WARM LED above panel washes down panel face, highlighting texture.
6. SMALL CERAMIC OR BRASS DECOR on console - vase, bowl. Personal touch.
7. FLOOR is calm warm-tone (cream marble-look or warm wood-look) - floor recedes, panel and console are heroes.

Best width: full wall behind console, floor-to-ceiling. Small above-console panel looks unfinished.

Combinations:
1. Walnut louvers + walnut console + brass mirror + brass pendant + warm cream floor = classic warm luxe.
2. Smoked oak louvers + light wood console + rattan pendant + cream travertine floor = Mediterranean Japandi.
3. Cream marble slab + matte black console + black-framed mirror + matte black pendant = modern minimal luxe.
4. Sandstone PU stone + warm wood console + brass + cream floor = warm Mediterranean.
5. Alabaster backlit (warm onyx) + matte black console + brass = boutique-hotel premium.

Avoid:
1. Cool grey marble entrance - cold, not welcoming.
2. Bold patterns in foyer - overstimulating on entry.
3. Multiple feature elements - keep it minimal.
4. Heavy ornate furniture blocking panel.
5. Cold fluorescent lighting - kills warmth.

Pooja unit / mandir is one of most personal spaces in an Indian home. Back panel should feel reverent, calming, traditional in mood even when home is modern.

Options:

1. ALABASTER BACKLIT PANEL - translucent stone-look glowing warm behind deities. Most premium. Refracts diya/lamp light beautifully, adds quiet shimmer. Onyx-look or warm beige marble-look in alabaster gives most spiritual atmosphere. Warm 2700K backlight LED.

2. MARBLE-LOOK PANEL - Calcutta white with gold veining, beige marble, Botticino, Italian Yellow. Classic Indian temple aesthetic - white or cream marble traditional choice for centuries.

3. CARVED MOROCCAN / LATTICE RELIEF PANEL in cream/gold. Traditional Indian intricate carving gives heritage feel. Good for traditional or fusion interiors.

4. SANDSTONE OR LIMESTONE PU STONE - warm natural grounding. Good for traditional Indian homes. Pair with small marble or wood platform for deities.

5. FLUTED LOUVERS in cream, warm gold, or soft sage. Modern minimal mandir for contemporary apartments. Pair with brass diya stands and warm LED.

6. 3D WAVE or CARVED RELIEF in cream or warm gold - sculptural texture catches diya light.

7. PLAIN CREAM OR WARM BEIGE PANEL with brass or wood accents - minimalist mandir for modern open-plan apartments.

Lighting (half the design):

1. WARM 2700K LED ONLY - never cool white. Cool kills warm spiritual feel.
2. DIMMABLE LED STRIP behind deity area or top-mounted wall-wash. Gentle glow not competing with diya flames.
3. BRASS DIYA STANDS with real flame supplement LED - moving warm flame is centrepiece.
4. AVOID DIRECT OVERHEAD BRIGHT WHITE - kills atmosphere.
5. For alabaster backlit, dimmable warm-tunable LED to adjust glow by time of day.

Pairings:
1. Backlit alabaster (warm beige) + brass diyas + warm LED + wood platform = premium luxe mandir.
2. Cream marble + gold brass deities + warm cream walls = classic Indian.
3. Carved Moroccan cream/gold + brass + warm dim lighting = traditional intricate.
4. Cream fluted louvers + brass deity platform + warm wall-wash = modern minimal.
5. Sandstone PU stone + traditional wood frame + brass lamps = warm grounding.

Avoid:
1. BRIGHT GLOSSY WHITE - reflects flames distractingly, reads cold.
2. BOLD COLD COLOURS (cool grey, deep blue, teal) - clash with warm spiritual feel.
3. HEAVY INDUSTRIAL or modernist looks - incongruous.
4. BUSY CONTEMPORARY PATTERNS - wrong tone.
5. COOL WHITE LIGHTING - kills warmth.

Bathroom feature walls have one non-negotiable requirement: WATERPROOF MATERIAL. Bathroom humidity, splash, soap, steam destroy non-wet-rated panels within months. PVC is the standard - fully waterproof, easy to clean, available in most popular looks.

PVC options:

1. MARBLE-LOOK PVC - book-matched marble behind basin or shower. Calcutta white, beige marble, dark green. Luxe spa without real marble maintenance.

2. PVC FLUTED LOUVERS - vertical lines behind basin, shower walls, or feature columns. Same aesthetic as MDF louvers but waterproof. Cream, walnut wood-look, matte black most popular.

3. PVC STONE-LOOK (slate, sandstone, limestone) - moody spa feel. Slate-look popular for modern dark luxury bathrooms.

4. PVC 3D RELIEF (hexagonal, wave, scalloped) - sculptural feature. Hex behind basin or fish-scale in shower for high impact.

5. PVC WOOD-LOOK - wood-look feel in bathroom without rot. Smoked oak or warm walnut PVC behind vanity creates hotel-spa feel.

Best locations:

1. BASIN WALL / VANITY FEATURE - most popular. Single feature behind basin and mirror.

2. SHOWER WALL - single feature inside shower, three plain walls surrounding. Marble-look or stone-look work well.

3. BATHTUB SURROUND - wall behind soaker tub creates spa-bath feel. Marble-look or stone-look.

4. POWDER ROOM FULL WALL - small powder rooms / guest bathrooms. Bold feature on all 4 walls (or 3 + mirror wall). Small space takes pattern well.

Installation:

1. WATERPROOF MEMBRANE on wall behind FIRST. PVC protects against splash, but water behind panel = mould.

2. PVC-SPECIFIC ADHESIVE (manufacturer-recommended) - standard contact cement doesn't bond reliably to PVC.

3. SILICONE-SEALED PERIMETER - sanitary-grade silicone at floor-wall, wall-ceiling, panel-edge joints.

4. EXPANSION GAPS - 2-3 mm at edges (PVC expands/contracts).

5. PROFESSIONAL INSTALL recommended - waterproofing details matter.

Avoid:
1. MDF, HDF, polystyrene - fail in bathroom humidity within months.
2. Real wood - rots in bathroom humidity.
3. Open-grooved heavy 3D directly in wet shower zone - traps water and soap.
4. Non-UV-stable colours in bathrooms with direct sunlight.

Cost: Rs 250-700 per sq ft installed. Premium PVC ranges look indistinguishable from natural stone or wood.

Panel installation varies by panel type, wall surface and application. Here's the general 8-step process plus material-specific notes.

General 8-step installation:

1. SURFACE PREPARATION. Clean wall thoroughly - remove dust, oil, loose paint. Check level and flatness (panels need a relatively flat surface; minor unevenness up to 3 mm is fine, larger needs patching). Patch any major cracks. Dry surface - moisture under panels causes failure.

2. MEASURE AND PLAN. Mark out where each panel goes on the wall using chalk line or pencil. Plan cuts to fall at edges (corners, around outlets) so they're less visible. Plan louver vertical alignment from one wall edge. Take a photo of your plan before installing.

3. CUT TO SIZE. Measure twice, cut once.
   - MDF/HDF/WPC: fine-tooth saw, jigsaw, or circular saw with carbide blade.
   - Polystyrene: utility knife or hot wire cutter.
   - PVC: fine-tooth saw or jigsaw.
   - For curves, openings (electrical outlets, switches), use a jigsaw.
   - Cut on the BACK of the panel so any chipping doesn't show.
   - Wear dust mask for MDF/HDF.

4. APPLY ADHESIVE. Construction adhesive on the back of panel and/or on the wall:
   - INTERIOR DRY: Fevicol Heatx, Fevicol SR, or premium construction adhesive.
   - PVC PANELS: PU-based or PVC-specific adhesive (manufacturer-recommended).
   - WPC PANELS: PU-based adhesive + mechanical fixing on rails (interior); rail system for exterior.
   - EXTERIOR: UV-stable adhesive + mandatory mechanical fixing on rails.
   - Apply in beads or zig-zag pattern covering 60-70% of the panel back.

5. POSITION AND PRESS. Start from one edge, work across systematically. Press panel firmly to wall, use a level on every panel (and across multiple panels) to maintain straight lines. For louvers, vertical alignment is critical - check with a spirit level on every other panel.

6. SECURE. Adhesive holds most interior panels alone. For large/heavy panels (over 4 sq ft), or all exterior panels, additional mechanical fixing:
   - Screws into wall studs or wall plugs.
   - Rail systems with concealed clips (most professional method).
   - Brad nails for small interior panels.

7. SEAL EDGES. Silicone bead at perimeter joints:
   - Floor-to-panel joint.
   - Panel-to-ceiling joint.
   - Wall-to-panel corner joints.
   - Around outlet penetrations.
   - For bathroom panels: sanitary-grade silicone for moisture sealing.

8. ALLOW CURE. 24-48 hours before heavy contact, mounting TVs, or moving furniture against panels.

Louver-specific tips:
1. PLAN VERTICAL ALIGNMENT from one wall edge - usually the corner where most visible.
2. EXPANSION GAP 2-3 mm between panels (especially exterior - temperature movement).
3. EDGE PROFILES OR CORNER TRIM for clean finish at edges and corners.
4. CONCEAL CABLE MANAGEMENT during install - once panels are up, retrofit is hard.

Exterior cladding considerations:
1. ALWAYS mechanical fixing on metal rails - adhesive alone fails outdoors.
2. BACK-VENTILATION gap (15-25 mm) between panel and wall.
3. WEATHER-SEALED EDGES with appropriate exterior silicone.
4. DRIP EDGES at bottom for water management.

Professional installation typical cost: Rs 80-200 per sq ft labour for interior; Rs 150-400 per sq ft for exterior cladding. DIY-feasible for small interior projects (under 50 sq ft) with basic carpentry tools.

Adhesive choice is one of the most undervalued decisions in panel installation. The wrong adhesive - even with a correctly installed panel - leads to panels detaching within 6-18 months. The right adhesive holds for 15-25 years.

By panel material:

INTERIOR DRY APPLICATIONS (polystyrene, MDF, HDF louvers on dry interior walls):

1. FEVICOL HEATX. The most common construction adhesive used by Indian carpenters. Heat-resistant, paste consistency, holds well. Reasonable open time for positioning. Cost: ~Rs 300-400 per 1 kg.

2. FEVICOL SR (Solvent-Based Contact Adhesive). Faster grab, the workhorse for laminates and similar. Good for small panel installations.

3. SIKABOND (or similar premium European construction adhesive). Higher cost but stronger long-term hold. Used for premium projects.

4. STANDARD CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVES (Liquid Nails, Dr. Fixit, etc) - work for most interior dry panel applications.

PVC PANELS (bathroom feature walls, wet kitchen areas, basement walls):

1. PU (POLYURETHANE) BASED ADHESIVE - Sika PU range, Fevicol PU. Bonds to PVC reliably.

2. PVC-SPECIFIC CONTACT CEMENT. Designed specifically for PVC bonding.

3. MANUFACTURER-RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE only. PVC panel suppliers often specify a specific adhesive - use that.

NEVER use standard interior construction adhesive on PVC - bond is unreliable.

WPC PANELS (premium interior or exterior cladding):

1. PU-BASED CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE - strong bond to dense WPC.

2. UV-STABLE PU for exterior applications - interior PU degrades fast outdoors.

3. COMBINED WITH MECHANICAL FIXING ON RAILS - adhesive alone is insufficient for WPC weight, especially exterior. Always use both.

EXTERIOR PANELS (ACP, WPC, HPL):

1. UV-STABLE STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE - Sika 252 or equivalent. Designed for exterior structural bonding.

2. PRIMARILY MECHANICAL FIXING ON METAL RAILS. Aluminium or galvanised steel rails with concealed clips. Adhesive is supplementary, not primary.

3. ALL WEATHER-RATED COMPONENTS - adhesive, fasteners, sealants all UV/weather-rated. Interior-grade components fail outdoors within months.

Quantity guidance:
1. INTERIOR: 1 kg adhesive covers ~30-40 sq ft of panel installation.
2. EXTERIOR: 1 tube of structural adhesive (~300 ml) covers ~10-15 sq ft (more material per panel for weather resistance).

What to AVOID:

1. FEVICOL SH (white PVA wood glue) - wrong product for panels. PVA glue is for porous wood-to-wood joints, not panel-to-wall.

2. GENERIC SUPER GLUE - too brittle, fails under thermal movement.

3. STANDARD WOOD GLUE on PVC or WPC - won't bond reliably.

4. INTERIOR ADHESIVE FOR EXTERIOR - fails under UV and weather.

5. EXPIRED ADHESIVE - buy in quantities you'll use within 6 months. Old adhesive doesn't bond reliably.

6. WET WALL ADHESIVE APPLICATION - wall must be dry. Moisture interferes with bond.

7. SKIPPING THE PRIMER on some surfaces - premium adhesives specify wall primer for difficult substrates (smooth tiled walls, glossy paint).

Professional installer tip: use the adhesive specified by the panel manufacturer. They have tested compatibility with their products. Sticking with what your panel supplier recommends is the safest path.

Whether panels are fire-rated, waterproof or acoustic depends entirely on which variant of which material you specify. Most categories have both standard and rated variants - and for commercial projects, the rated variant is often required by code.

FIRE RATING:

1. STANDARD POLYSTYRENE: not fire-rated. Polystyrene burns. Should NEVER be used near cooktops, in commercial fire-safety-regulated spaces, or where fire risk matters.

2. STANDARD MDF / HDF: not inherently fire-resistant. The wood-fibre core burns. Standard MDF is fine for most residential interior applications but not fire-safety-critical spaces.

3. FIRE-RATED MDF / HDF (FR variants): manufactured with fire-retardant additives. Available from major panel brands. Higher cost (20-50% premium) but required for many commercial spaces.

4. STANDARD PVC: moderately flame-retardant but not certified fire-rated.

5. FIRE-RATED PVC: certified fire-rated variants available for commercial use.

6. WPC: depends on the polymer used. Standard WPC has moderate fire resistance; FR-rated variants available.

7. ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE PANELS (ACP): the aluminium skins are inherently non-combustible. The core determines overall fire rating - PE (polyethylene) core ACP has the worst fire performance; mineral-core ACP is fully fire-rated.

8. COMMERCIAL SPACES often require fire-rated panels by local fire-safety code. Restaurants, hotels, high-rise commercial, public-access buildings, hospitals. Check the local code with your architect.

WATERPROOF / MOISTURE RESISTANCE:

1. PVC PANELS - fully waterproof. Don't absorb water at all. Bathrooms, shower walls, wet kitchen areas, basements.

2. WPC PANELS - fully waterproof. The plastic polymer binder makes WPC essentially waterproof. Exterior, balconies, wet areas, swimming pool surrounds.

3. MDF / HDF - NOT waterproof. The fibreboard core swells dramatically when wet. Indoor dry use only.

4. POLYSTYRENE - moisture-resistant on the surface but the foam core slowly absorbs water through any cut edge or gap. Not for genuinely wet areas.

5. ALUMINIUM (ACP) - inherently waterproof. Used for exterior cladding.

6. WATERPROOF-COATED MDF - premium MDF with moisture-resistant coating. Better than standard MDF but still not for genuinely wet areas.

ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE:

1. DEDICATED ACOUSTIC PANELS exist (see the dedicated Q&A): fabric-wrapped, perforated wood, slat acoustic, foam acoustic, 3D acoustic. Specifically designed to absorb sound.

2. FLUTED LOUVERS naturally DIFFUSE sound - the vertical grooves scatter sound waves, reducing room echo. Mild but real acoustic benefit. Important in large open living rooms and home theatres.

3. STANDARD FLAT WALL PANELS have limited acoustic value. Solid panels actually REFLECT sound, similar to plain walls.

4. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) - the standard acoustic metric. 0 = no absorption, 1 = complete absorption. For home theatre, look for NRC 0.7+. For office: NRC 0.5+.

Specifying for commercial / fire-safety projects:

1. Ask MD specifically for fire-rated, acoustic, and waterproof variants.
2. Get the panel data sheet - fire rating (Class A, B, C), NRC value, water absorption percentage.
3. Check local fire-safety code requirements with your architect.
4. Sample certificates may be required for code-compliant installation.
5. For high-rise residential and public-access commercial, fire-rated is essential.

Most residential panel installations don't need fire-rated or acoustic variants. But for commercial projects, hotel and restaurant installations, and homes near fire-prone areas (kitchens, fireplaces), it's worth checking the rating.

Panel project budgets are easy to underestimate because most people think only about the panel price per sq ft. In reality, a panel project has 4 main cost components.

4 cost components:

1. PANEL ITSELF - Rs 50-1500 per sq ft depending on material and design:
   - Polystyrene louvers/panels: Rs 50-200 per sq ft.
   - PVC panels (any look): Rs 100-400.
   - MDF louvers: Rs 200-600.
   - HDF louvers: Rs 250-700.
   - WPC panels (interior or exterior): Rs 300-700.
   - Premium 3D relief MDF: Rs 400-1500.
   - PU Stone panels: Rs 250-700.
   - Marble-look slab panels (book-matched): Rs 600-1500.
   - Acoustic panels: Rs 400-1000.
   - Alabaster sheets (translucent backlit): Rs 800-2500.
   - Imported designer ranges: Rs 1000-3000+.

2. ADHESIVE & ACCESSORIES - Rs 30-100 per sq ft
   - Construction adhesive: Rs 20-60 per sq ft.
   - Premium PU adhesive for exterior: Rs 50-100.
   - Silicone sealants for edges: Rs 10-30.

3. EDGE PROFILES, CORNER TRIMS, FINISHING - Rs 100-500 per running ft
   - Aluminium edge profiles: Rs 80-200 per running ft.
   - Corner trims: Rs 100-300 per running ft.
   - Custom-finished trim: Rs 200-500.

4. LABOUR - Rs 80-400 per sq ft depending on complexity
   - Standard louver/wall panel install: Rs 80-150 per sq ft.
   - Complex louver patterns, custom cuts: Rs 150-250.
   - 3D relief panels with detailed cutting: Rs 200-300.
   - Exterior cladding (rails, weather-sealing): Rs 200-400.
   - Backlit alabaster (electrical + mounting): Rs 300-600.

Typical installed costs by project type:

BUDGET FEATURE WALL (polystyrene louvers in bedroom or rental):
1. Panel: Rs 50-150 per sq ft.
2. Adhesive: Rs 20-30.
3. Labour: Rs 80-150.
4. Total: Rs 200-400 per sq ft installed.

MID-RANGE LOUVER FEATURE WALL (MDF/HDF in living room):
1. Panel: Rs 250-600 per sq ft.
2. Adhesive: Rs 30-50.
3. LED strip + driver (optional but recommended): Rs 100-200 per running ft.
4. Trims: Rs 50-100.
5. Labour: Rs 100-200.
6. Total: Rs 500-1200 per sq ft installed.

PREMIUM MARBLE-LOOK SLAB feature wall (book-matched):
1. Panel: Rs 600-1500 per sq ft.
2. Adhesive: Rs 50-100.
3. Labour (book-matching needs skill): Rs 200-400.
4. Total: Rs 800-2500 per sq ft installed.

EXTERIOR FACADE CLADDING (WPC):
1. Panel: Rs 300-700 per sq ft.
2. Rail system + fasteners: Rs 100-200.
3. Weather-sealing: Rs 50-100.
4. Labour (mechanical install): Rs 200-400.
5. Total: Rs 600-1500 per sq ft installed.

BACKLIT ALABASTER BAR WALL or pooja unit (premium):
1. Panel: Rs 800-2500 per sq ft.
2. Cavity construction + electrical: Rs 200-500.
3. LED + driver + smart control: Rs 300-500.
4. Labour (specialist install): Rs 400-800.
5. Total: Rs 1500-4000 per sq ft installed.

Don't forget to budget for:

1. 10% WASTAGE on panel quantity - sometimes 15% for complex patterns.
2. LED STRIP + DRIVER for backlit installations - adds Rs 200-500 per running ft.
3. MECHANICAL FIXING (rails, screws) for exterior - adds Rs 100-200 per sq ft.
4. EDGE TRIMS, BEADINGS, ACCESSORIES - Rs 100-500 per running ft.
5. DEMOLITION & REMOVAL if replacing existing wall treatment.
6. SITE PREP - wall leveling, crack repair, electrical re-routing.
7. SITE VISIT AND CONSULTATION - FREE at Material Depot.
8. CONTINGENCY - 10-15% on top for unforeseen issues.

Material Depot provides free detailed quotes for your specific project. Share room dimensions, shortlisted panels, and we calculate panel + adhesive + accessories quantities. We also work with empanelled installation partners across Bangalore if you need installation services.

Material Depot stocks decorative panels in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses and finishes to fit any wall, design and application. The right size to choose depends mostly on the sub-category - each panel type has its own standard sizes shaped by how it's manufactured and installed.

Typical SIZES by sub-category:

1. Louvers / fluted panels / rafters - the most common format is long vertical strips:
   • 2400x300 mm (8 ft x 1 ft) - the standard
   • 2900x300 mm - slightly longer
   • 600 mm wide variants for shorter walls
   • Custom lengths available on request
These are designed to run floor-to-ceiling without joins on most walls.

2. 3D wall panels - typically modular tiles:
   • 500x500 mm or 600x600 mm individual tiles (tile up across a wall)
   • Larger 1200x600 mm sheets for fewer joints
   • Plug-together hexagonal or geometric pieces

3. Decorative wall panels - large flat sheets:
   • 1220x2440 mm (the standard 4x8 ft panel) - covers a typical wall in 2-3 sheets
   • 600x600 mm tile variants

4. Exterior WPC panels - planks and panels:
   • 2900x150 mm planks (the WPC plank standard)
   • 1200x600 mm panels
   • Specialty profiles for soffit and facade

5. PU Stone panels - modular tile format:
   • 600x300 mm or 600x400 mm (the typical 'brick-look' tile)
   • 1200x600 mm slab format

6. Acoustic panels:
   • 600x600 mm tiles (for grid-system ceilings)
   • 600x2400 mm wall panels
   • Custom shapes for designer feature walls

7. Alabaster sheets - large-format for hero installations:
   • 1200x600 mm
   • 2400x1200 mm

Typical THICKNESSES:

1. Louvers: 12-22 mm including the backing strip (the visible flute height is 8-18 mm).
2. 3D wall panels: 18-30 mm at the deepest relief peaks (the visible depth - what creates the shadow).
3. Decorative wall panels: 3-8 mm (these are thin flat sheets).
4. Exterior WPC: 8-12 mm for cladding.
5. PU Stone: 15-25 mm - the depth gives the realistic stone look.
6. Acoustic: 9-25 mm (the thicker, the better the absorption).
7. Alabaster: 8-12 mm.

FINISHES - over 15 distinct families across 6,500+ SKUs:

1. WOOD finishes (largest category - 2,400+ SKUs):
   • Matte wood-grain (walnut, smoked oak, washed oak, teak, weathered)
   • Glossy wood
   • Textured wood with real grain feel

2. STONE finishes:
   • Slate, sandstone, ledger stone, cobble, river stone
   • Brick-look (red, cream, weathered)

3. MARBLE finishes (900+ SKUs):
   • Calcutta, Statuario, Carrara, beige marble, deep green marble, black marble

4. SOLID COLOURS:
   • Plain matte (cream, sage, charcoal, terracotta, deep green, navy, black)
   • Solid glossy
   • Textured solids (cement, concrete-look, fabric-finish solids)

5. PATTERNED (1,000+ SKUs):
   • Geometric prints
   • Floral and botanical
   • Abstract designer prints

6. EMBOSSED / 3D RELIEF:
   • Wave, hexagonal, brick, diamond, organic curves

7. METALLIC:
   • Brushed brass, copper, oxidised steel, rose gold

8. SPECIALTY:
   • Fabric-look, leather-look, cement-look, rustic, weathered

Visit our Experience Centre to see all sizes and finishes in person, or use the filters on materialdepot.com/panels to narrow down by size, thickness, finish and look.

Decorative panels are designed for low-maintenance interior use. A quick wipe-down every few weeks keeps them looking new for 15-20 years. The previous answer here mistakenly described solar-panel cleaning (turn off power, etc.) - for decorative wall panels the routine is much simpler and there are no electrical safety issues.

Routine cleaning (works for almost all panel types):

1. Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or feather duster.
2. For fluted louvers specifically: use a soft brush (or vacuum with brush attachment) to clear dust from the grooves - this is where dust settles.
3. Marks, smudges and light stains: wipe with a damp (not soaking wet) microfibre cloth and a mild detergent or dish soap solution. Wipe in the direction of the panel grain or grooves, not across.
4. Wipe dry immediately afterwards with a clean dry cloth to prevent water marks and streaks.
5. For finger marks, oily stains and kitchen splash: a mild glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner on a microfibre cloth, then dry.

What to AVOID:

1. Abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, scratch pads - scratch panel surfaces and dull the finish.
2. Harsh chemicals - bleach, ammonia, acetone, nail polish remover, paint thinner, strong solvents. These can damage panel finishes and protective layers.
3. Excessive water on MDF and HDF panels - these are not waterproof; surface moisture from a damp cloth is fine, but soaking the panel can cause swelling and delamination.
4. Steam cleaners - the heat can warp panels and damage adhesive joints.
5. Acidic cleaners (vinegar at full strength, lime-scale removers) - can etch metallic finishes and damage some surface coatings.

Material-specific care:

1. Charcoal / Polystyrene panels - dust with a soft cloth; avoid strong solvents that can dissolve polystyrene. Light damp cloth wiping is fine.

2. PVC panels - fully waterproof. Can be wiped with water freely, mild detergent as needed. Most forgiving panel type to clean.

3. MDF / HDF panels - damp cloth only, never soaking wet. The fibreboard core absorbs water through any tiny gap and can swell. If a spill happens, dry immediately.

4. WPC exterior panels - hose down with water 2-3 times a year to remove dust, pollen and mild bird droppings. Mild detergent for stubborn stains. WPC is weather-rated, so a gentle pressure wash is fine.

5. Acoustic fabric panels - vacuum monthly with brush attachment to remove dust from the fabric. Spot-clean stains with a fabric cleaner (test on an inconspicuous area first). For heavy soiling, professional upholstery cleaning is the safest option.

6. Alabaster sheets - soft dry cloth only. The natural translucent surface is delicate; avoid wetting and avoid any abrasion. If wet, blot immediately with a soft cloth.

7. PU Stone panels - soft brush for dust in the texture grooves; damp cloth for marks. Most PU stone has a protective surface coating, so light cleaning is fine.

Annual deep clean: once a year, do a thorough dust + damp-wipe of all panel surfaces. Check for any loose edges, gaps at the joints, or damage that needs attention. Re-attach any loose panel edges with construction adhesive. Re-caulk perimeter silicone if it's cracked or yellowed.

With this minimal care, quality decorative panels look essentially the same after 15-20 years as they did on day 1.

Material Depot delivers panels across Bangalore and across India. The previous answer here mistakenly referenced US shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL ground) which isn't relevant for our Indian customer base. Here's how panel delivery actually works:

Delivery timeframes:

1. Bangalore (in-store pickup or doorstep delivery): typically 3-5 business days for in-stock items. Same-day pickup available from the Experience Centre for smaller orders.

2. Major Indian metros (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata): 5-10 business days through trusted freight partners.

3. Other cities and towns: 7-14 business days. We use established freight carriers with track-and-trace.

4. Special-order items (custom finishes, imported designer ranges, large bulk orders): additional 2-4 weeks lead time on top of the standard delivery time.

5. Project / contractor orders (5,000+ sq ft): scheduled phased delivery available to match installation pace. Contact our team for project logistics.

Packing standards - panels are fragile and need careful packing:

1. Panels are packed in protective cardboard or plywood crates with foam cushioning at corners and along edges.
2. Each panel face is film-protected with a peel-off plastic to prevent scratches during transit and handling.
3. Bundles are bound with strapping to prevent panel-to-panel friction.
4. Fragile categories - alabaster sheets, deep 3D relief panels, large-format decorative sheets - get extra padding and 'fragile' marking.
5. Heavy items (PU stone, WPC) are pallet-packed for safe forklift handling.

What to do on delivery - the inspection protocol:

1. Inspect every box AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY (before signing the delivery receipt). Look for visible damage to the outer packing.
2. Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt before signing. This documents the issue at handover.
3. Open the boxes and check the panels against your order WITHIN 24 HOURS. Verify design, finish, size and quantity.
4. Take photos of any wrong product, damage, or shortfall.
5. Report issues within 24 hours via WhatsApp +91-8121523945 or call us, with the photos.
6. Our policy: we replace wrong-product deliveries free of charge, and replace breakage above 10% of the order quantity free of charge. Industry-standard transit breakage (2-3%) is absorbed by your wastage buffer.

Special services for project / contractor orders:
1. Phased delivery scheduling to match installation pace.
2. Pre-cut / pre-mitred panels for large feature wall projects.
3. Installation coordination with empanelled partner contractors.
4. On-site quantity verification at delivery.

Order tracking: every order gets a tracking ID. You can call or WhatsApp to check status anytime.

How can I choose the right panel for my project?