When people start looking at temporary structures for the first time, the cladding type often catches them off guard. PVC, solid wall and insulated are not just aesthetic choices. They perform differently, cost differently and suit entirely different applications. Choosing the wrong one is a mistake that shows up quickly once the structure is in use.
PVC Structures
PVC structures are the most straightforward option. An aluminium frame goes up first and heavy-duty PVC sheeting is fixed to it. They are the cheapest and fastest to install, and for a lot of applications that is exactly what you need.
They work well for basic covered storage, outdoor working areas, seasonal overflow, agricultural use and short-term event cover. If you need something up quickly and the main job is keeping the weather off, PVC is usually the right call.
The limitations are real though. PVC provides minimal insulation. In January it will be cold inside. In July it can get genuinely unpleasant. If your use case involves people working in the building all day, or goods that need a stable environment, PVC will not do the job. It also has a fairly industrial look, which may or may not matter depending on where it is going.
Solid Wall Structures
Solid wall structures swap out the PVC sheeting for rigid panel cladding, typically steel or aluminium or solid UPVC walls.. The result is a building that looks and feels much closer to a permanent structure. The internal environment is quieter, warmer and better finished in every way.
This is what we used for the Mid Kent Golf Club temporary clubhouse and for the Surrey primary school classrooms. Both jobs needed a building people would be comfortable using day in and day out over several months. PVC would not have been right for either.
Solid wall is the go-to for classrooms, offices, welfare units that need to feel like proper facilities, retail and hospitality pop-ups, and exhibition or event structures where appearance matters. You can also combine solid wall panels with full-height glass sections and glazed doors, which is something we do regularly on exhibition builds like the Finlay Hillhead project.
The trade-off is cost and installation time. Solid wall is more expensive than PVC and takes a bit longer to put up. For the right application it is worth every penny. For a basic storage shed it is overkill.
Insulated Structures
Insulated structures take solid wall construction and add proper thermal performance to it. The cladding panels have a foam or mineral wool core, which means the building genuinely holds a stable temperature regardless of what the weather is doing outside.
The applications where insulated structures earn their keep are year-round industrial use, storage of temperature-sensitive goods, pharmaceutical and food production, extended educational facilities and any welfare installation that will be occupied for a long stretch of time. Running costs are genuinely lower over a longer period because you are not constantly fighting to heat or cool the space.
They are the most expensive option and the slowest to install. If you are using the structure for less than 12 months and temperature control is not a requirement, you probably do not need to go this far. If you are looking at a multi-year use case, insulated is the only sensible answer.
Steel Frame Structures
Worth a mention here because the question comes up. For very large spans above 30 metres, very long-term use, or situations where you need the structure to carry an overhead crane or a mezzanine floor, our steel frame structures are the answer. They are essentially a prefabricated permanent building that happens to be removable.
Which One Should You Choose
Go with PVC if the job is basic weather protection and budget is the priority. Go with solid wall if people will use the building regularly and the finish matters. Go with insulated if you need the building year-round for 12 months or more, or if what is inside needs a stable temperature.
All three are available for hire or purchase. If you want a recommendation based on your specific situation, book a free site visit or call 0203 758 3315.