What is composite cladding? A complete buyer’s guide

If you’re considering cladding and comparing your options, it can be useful to understand how it works, the benefits and where it can be used so you can choose the right option for your home and garden. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

What is composite cladding?

Composite cladding is an exterior wall covering made from a blend of recycled wood fibre and high-grade recycled plastics (HDPE). This material provides an extremely durable and environmentally friendly solution that mimics the texture and visual appeal of timber while offering additional benefits. 

Unlike traditional timber cladding, composite cladding boards are moisture resistant, less prone to warping or splitting and are extremely durable in the British climate. These boards are low maintenance and will keep your exterior looking its best for decades.

The benefits of composite cladding

When comparing materials for the exterior of your home, it’s important to understand the benefits of composite cladding so you can make an informed choice. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this material.

1. Low maintenance

Traditional timber cladding requires regular maintenance such as staining, oiling or painting to keep it looking its best and to prevent problems such as warping, splitting, cracking and rotting. On the other hand, composite cladding offers an extremely low maintenance solution and only requires an occasional wash to remove surface dirt or debris to keep it looking its best. Annual treatment is not required which is why it’s a popular option with many homeowners looking to improve the look of their home.

2. Resistant to rot and insects

Wood is a natural material and, without regular treatment, can be vulnerable to rot and pests. Composite cladding is not prone to these issues because the plastic content prevents moisture absorption, significantly reducing the risk of decay.

3. Withstands the British climate

We all know how unpredictable the British weather is with frequent heavy rainfall, high humidity, frost and ever-changing temperatures and conditions. Timber cladding can be vulnerable in these conditions which means its lifespan can be cut short. Composite cladding can withstand these conditions without cracking, splitting, expanding and contracting or fading with UV light.

4. Long lifespan

High-quality composite cladding can last between 20-25 years when properly installed and cared for. Its longer lifespan can make it a more cost-effective option than timber cladding because it does not need to be replaced as regularly.

5. Maintains aesthetic appeal

Timber weathers and fades naturally and can develop imperfections on the surface over time as cracking and splitting occur. Composite cladding maintains its uniform appearance despite exposure to the weather and UV rays.

Common uses of composite cladding

Composite cladding is an extremely versatile material which means it can be used for a variety of applications, whether commercial or residential. From updating an existing property to planning a new garden building, composite cladding provides an aesthetic and functional solution. Here’s just some of the ways it can be used:

House facades

Composite cladding can be used as an exterior finish for modern renovations or buildings. It provides a clean, architectural look and weather resistance, offering additional protection for your home or building.

Extensions and loft conversions

Cladding is a great way to differentiate a new extension from the original structure of your home. Instead of trying to match brickwork exactly and creating a mismatched look, composite cladding can provide a complementary addition.

Garden rooms and home offices

As more people now work from home, garden offices and studios have become a popular addition to many homes. Composite cladding offers a modern and durable exterior finish that helps your new garden building to blend seamlessly with the rest of your garden and landscaping.

Log cabins and outdoor living spaces

Cladding can be used to enhance or modernise your traditional timber log cabin. It can also provide additional protection to external walls exposed to the elements and guard against rot or insect damage.

Privacy screens and boundary walls

Composite cladding offers a great way to create contemporary privacy screens to prevent neighbours from being able to see directly into your garden or patio. It’s also a great way to create a focal point on your patio and to distinguish it from other areas in your garden.

Using cladding in your garden can help the exterior of your home feel more inviting and improve the design of your space.

Feature panels

Composite cladding can be used to create a range of features in any outdoor space including feature walls, balcony cladding, upper storey accents or chimney surrounds. Using cladding as an accent material is a great way to add depth and texture to the overall design of your outdoor space.

Composite vs timber cladding: a quick comparison

When choosing the right finish for your home or project, the two main options are composite and timber cladding. Both offer a natural, aesthetically appealing finish but they differ in terms of performance, maintenance requirements and long-term costs. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right option.

Appearance

Timber offers a natural aesthetic appeal that can be difficult to replicate as each board has its own unique grain pattern and variations in colour. However, over time it weathers and fades, can split or crack and change colour depending on exposure or treatment. 

Composite cladding is designed to replicate the natural appearance of timber but offers more consistently in terms of grain textures and colour. It will maintain this colour over time and is resistant to cracking and splitting.

Maintenance requirements

Maintenance is one of the key differences between the two materials. Timber usually requires regular staining or painting to keep it looking its best and to protect it from rot and insect damage. Most timber cladding requires treatment every one to three years to maintain its appearance and weather protection. On the other hand, composite cladding only requires regular washing and inspection, significantly reducing long-term upkeep time and cost.

Durability and weather resistance

Timber is a natural material which means it expands and contracts in response to moisture and temperature changes which can affect the look and performance of the material over time. Proper installation and maintenance can reduce some of these issues but movement is a natural characteristic of wood.

Composite cladding is designed to offer better stability but is more resistant to moisture, rot and insect damage. This makes it particularly suitable for high rainfall areas and coastal environments.

Choose composite cladding for modern, low maintenance exterior upgrades

Composite cladding is a popular choice because it offers the natural appearance of timber with added durability. It is the perfect way to modernise your home, create a stylish garden building or separate different zones of your garden, adding a contemporary look while standing up to the unpredictable British weather.

When choosing cladding, think about how it will perform and age over time. Cladding is a great way to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your home and provide a modern and welcoming look and feel.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home or garden, take a look at our full range of cladding here. For more advice and guidance, please contact our friendly customer service team.