Beyond Vinyl: Meet Wood Look

Beyond Vinyl:  Meet Wood Look

By Michelle Ko

When it comes to commercial wallcoverings, performance and aesthetics often come at a cost—to human health and the planet. But what if you could have the realistic look of wood, the durability of high-performance vinyl, and an uncompromising commitment to sustainability, all in one?

Meet Wood Look—Carnegie’s newest collection of PVC-free wallcoverings crafted from a plant-based wood cellulose composite: a feedstock similar to paper. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of commercial interiors while honoring the beauty of nature, Wood Look is a breath of fresh air in the world of wallcoverings.

Why Wood Look

 

As we continue to challenge industry norms, we asked a simple question: What if wallcoverings could deliver both form and function without the environmental cost? Our research pointed to a major gap in the market: clients were searching for realistic, wood-inspired wallcoverings that didn’t come with the typical vinyl baggage—chlorine, plasticizers, heavy metals, and other harmful compounds.

We listened—and delivered a solution. Wood Look is:

  • ✅ 100% PVC-free
  • ✅ Free of finishes, chlorine, and formaldehyde
  • ✅ Made without heavy metals or ozone-depleting chemicals
  • ✅ Type II durability, bleach-cleanable, and scrubbable
  • ✅ Inherently stain-resistant and antimicrobial—no added finishes required
  • ✅ Backed by a Health Product Declaration (HPD) for full transparency


In other words, it performs like vinyl—but without the damage inherent in chlorine chemistry.

Sustainability Made Simple

The Wood Look collection is made from a sustainable blend of 62% cellulose composite and 38% polyester. In this context, the cellulose composite refers to a material derived from wood pulp, sourced from FSC-certified forests. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity, respect Indigenous and local communities, and support long-term ecological health. This combination of renewable natural fibers and durable synthetic content allows us to offer a product that delivers the beauty of wood with a commitment to environmental responsibility, ideal for clients seeking transparency and sustainable design solutions.

At Carnegie, sustainability isn't an added layer—it's the starting point to creating beautiful, high-performing products designers want. The Wood Look line is a reflection of our commitment to helping designers create a better future. By using renewable, plant-based materials, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the carbon footprint of our products. And because our wallcoverings are completely finish-free, there's no risk of harmful off-gassing or exposure to toxic additives. It’s safe during production, in-situ, and at end of life—delivering peace of mind for both human health and the planet.

A Specifier's Dream

Beyond the beauty and environmental benefits, Wood Look is built to fit seamlessly into your workflow. It’s easy to specify, competitively priced, and engineered for longevity—making it an ideal solution for commercial, hospitality, workplace, and healthcare interiors alike.

Ready to Rethink Vinyl?

The Wood Look collection invites you to stop compromising, and embrace materials that mirror the natural world—without contributing to its depletion. Whether you’re creating a standout feature wall or refining the backdrop of a serene space, the Wood Look collection offers rich texture, subtle elegance, and unmatched performance.

Order your samples today and discover the look of wood, redefined.

Additional Resources:

About the Author

Michelle Ko is a marketing manager with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a background as a textile designer, she has hands-on expertise in researching and developing textiles, including Xorel. Passionate about storytelling, education, and collaboration, she loves uncovering the deeper truths behind trends and innovations—exploring not just what we love, but why we love it.

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