Walk through any interior-materials market in Foshan and you will meet a confusing list of wall panels: carbon crystal board, PVC panels, WPC fluted panels, PS mouldings and SPC boards. They can look similar in photos, but they behave differently on site. This buyer’s guide explains what each one is, where it works best and what to ask your supplier before you order.
Quick comparison
| Panel | Core | Typical format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon crystal board | Bamboo-charcoal / PVC co-extruded core with decorative film | Flat sheets, 1220 mm wide, 2440–3000 mm long, 5/8/9 mm | Large flat feature walls with wood, stone, fabric or metal looks |
| PVC wall panel | PVC | Sheets or profiles | Budget wall lining, humid areas |
| WPC grille / slat panel | Wood-plastic composite or PVC | Fluted profiles, approx. 2400–3000 mm | Slatted timber look on walls and ceilings |
| PS panel | Polystyrene | Rigid moulded profiles | Crisp decorative mouldings and lines |
| SPC panel | Stone-plastic composite (mineral-filled) | Sheets and profiles | Higher impact resistance, commercial corridors |
Carbon crystal board
Carbon crystal board is the most versatile option for large, flat walls. A decorative film – wood grain, marble, fabric, leather, metallic or printed art – is laminated onto a lightweight co-extruded core. Sheets are big (1220 mm wide and up to 3000 mm long), so a wall is covered quickly with few joints.
- Pros: huge choice of finishes, waterproof core, no painting, can be V-grooved to wrap corners.
- Watch out for: the face film quality (scratch resistance, colour fastness) and the core density – ask for the weight per sheet and a physical sample.
Popular ranges: wood grain, stone & marble, fabric & leather, metallic and continuous-pattern murals.
WPC grille and slat panels
WPC fluted panels create the slatted timber look that has become standard in hotels, cafés and residential TV walls. Profiles interlock with tongue-and-groove joints and are fixed to the wall or a batten frame.
- Pros: 3D slatted effect, waterproof and termite-proof, easy to cut.
- Watch out for: profile wall thickness and straightness over the full length; check end caps and trims are available in the same colour.
PS and SPC panels
PS panels are rigid polystyrene profiles that hold sharp mouldings – ideal for classic panelling lines and trims. SPC panels add mineral filler to the PVC, giving a denser, more impact-resistant board for corridors, kitchens and commercial areas.
How to choose: five questions
- Is the area humid? All five panel types resist water far better than MDF; for wet zones, choose PVC-based boards with sealed joints.
- Is fire performance specified? Ask for the fire-rated version and the test report that matches your local code.
- Flat wall or 3D effect? Flat feature walls suit carbon crystal board; a slatted look needs WPC profiles.
- How much impact will it take? High-traffic corridors favour SPC.
- What is the substrate? Boards can go on a flat wall with adhesive; uneven walls need a batten frame first.
Ordering from China: practical tips
- Ask for a physical sample of every finish you plan to use – screen colours are only a reference.
- Confirm sheet length, thickness and weight on the quotation, not just the model number.
- Order matching trims, corner profiles and adhesive in the same shipment.
- Combine panel types and other finishes in one mixed container to reach the MOQ.
FAQ
Is carbon crystal board the same as PVC panel?
It is a type of PVC-based panel, but with a co-extruded bamboo-charcoal core and a laminated decorative film, giving a much wider choice of finishes than plain PVC panels.
Can these panels be installed directly on concrete walls?
Yes, if the wall is flat and dry. Fix with nail-free adhesive or clips; otherwise install a light timber or metal batten frame first.
Need help choosing? Send us your room sizes and design references and we will propose suitable panels with FOB pricing within 24 hours.