Building Code Glossary
Decorative Materials: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define decorative materials, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Decorative materials is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative …” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009), Interior Finishes (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Decorative Materials — IBC 2009, Definitions:
All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative materials do not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish and materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Decorative Materials, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative materials do not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish and materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings) and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative materials do not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish and materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate. |
Where decorative materials is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| Interior Finishes | IBC 2009 | 14 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Plastic | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire-resistance-rated Construction | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about decorative materials, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The provisions of this chapter shall govern interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings, decorative materials and decorative vegetation in buildings.
For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim and decorative materials below the design flood elevation shall be flood-damage-resistant materials.
Fiber reinforced polymer or fiberglass reinforced polymer used as decorative materials or trim shall comply with Section 806.
The terms decorative materials is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what decorative materials covers:
- Interior Finish — IBC 2009: Interior finish includes interior wall and ceiling finish and interior floor finish.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Decorative Materials: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finishes (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Plastic (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Interior Finish | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Interior Finish: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of decorative materials?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative materials do not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish and materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on decorative materials?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What does "decorative materials" mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), including foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative …” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What are the building classifications used in building codes based on?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as decorative materials, which the IBC 2009 defines as “All materials applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamers and surface coverings), and all other materials utilized for decorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks, straw, vines …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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