Panels which are 'decorative' and insulating - do they exist?

Apr 25, 2026 Last reply: 2 months ago 4 Replies

I'm looking for some insulating panels to use in my little boat which has one face that is 'decorative' in the sense of being OK to look at and, probably, possible to paint etc. The insulation doesn't have to be very good, just enough to minimise condensation, we're not looking to keeping the boat warm inside in the winter or anything like that.



I can't find anything suitable.



All of the glass wool, rock wool and organic fibre based ones seem to either have no coating at all or just a sheet of paper which won't be anywhere near robust enough.



Expanded polystyrene is just messy! :-)



Extruded polystyrene (XPS) might work but I think it's too rigid, I need a little flexibility.



I have used closed cell foam (Plastazote) in a few places, it works OK but the surface isn't ideal as it's not all that smooth.



Any ideas anyone?


Would the foil-backed stuff designed to go behind radiators be any good?

Look at insulated flooring products. eg chipboard:

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Some vinyl flooring also have an insulated backing, eg felt. You can also use underlay. Presumably a wood effect LVT would make a nice wood panelling effect:
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Possibly LVT plus underlay on a wall would have enough flexibility to smooth out bumps. Although you might need to check fire resistance - not sure what standards are required for an boat, as onboard fires when away from land are Not Fun.

Theo

Not really, unless you like a silver lining to your bedroom! :-) I want something that doesn't need further finishing if possible.

Yes, thanks, I'll take a look at those. The flammabilty side was why I quite fancied glass wool and rock wool but I can't find any of those that come in nicely finished panels.

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