Material finder

Find a cladding material that fits the brief

Start with your priorities, then inspect the trade-offs. The best finish is the one that suits the building as well as the mood board.

A sensible place to start

Composite cladding

Engineered boards designed to mimic timber with less routine treatment.

Maintenance
Low
Typical life
25–50 years
Also consider
uPVC
Open the calculator This is a shortlist, not a suitability assessment. Check the whole wall system with a competent professional.
Material sample

Budget-led refreshes

uPVC cladding

Lightweight boards with low routine upkeep and a wide colour range.

Reasons to shortlist

  • Low upkeep
  • Lightweight
  • Usually quick to install

Things to check

  • Can expand with temperature
  • Finish quality varies
  • Not suitable for every fire-safety context

Fire-safety note: Product classification varies; verify the exact system.

Material sample

Natural appearance

Timber cladding

Natural boards with warmth and character that weather over time.

Reasons to shortlist

  • Natural finish
  • Repairable
  • Many profiles and species

Things to check

  • Needs detailing against moisture
  • Appearance changes outdoors
  • Treatment may be required

Fire-safety note: Species, treatment and system design affect performance.

Material sample

Durability with low upkeep

Fibre cement cladding

Stable, low-maintenance boards made for a crisp painted finish.

Reasons to shortlist

  • Dimensionally stable
  • Low upkeep
  • Good colour consistency

Things to check

  • Heavier to handle
  • Cutting controls matter
  • Subframe costs can be significant

Fire-safety note: Often offers strong classifications, but verify the complete system.

Material sample

Timber look, easier care

Composite cladding

Engineered boards designed to mimic timber with less routine treatment.

Reasons to shortlist

  • Low routine upkeep
  • Consistent appearance
  • No regular staining

Things to check

  • Quality varies
  • Movement gaps are important
  • Colour can weather

Fire-safety note: Composition differs widely; check current classification documents.

Material sample

Modern detailing

Metal cladding

Crisp aluminium or steel systems for contemporary elevations.

Reasons to shortlist

  • Long service potential
  • Crisp profiles
  • Recyclable material options

Things to check

  • Higher starting cost
  • Specialist detailing
  • Dents can be visible

Fire-safety note: Panel cores, coatings and the wall build-up must all be checked.