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House Cladding

Introduction

There is no shortage of ideas and products that you can use to clad your home. Times have changed and there are lots of products to choose from. You can go for that classic look or perhaps you want to get that more modern look and feel.

You can create a different look by using some of the new cladding products or you could use an older style of cladding product that still looks good.

It does not matter what cladding solution you choose only that you choose wisely taking some important considerations into the decision process. You really want to pick some good quality products as they will last longer which will make them cheaper in the long run.

Quick Reference

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Corrugated Steel

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Fibre Cement Sheets

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Limestone

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Radial Cut Timber

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Manufactured Boards

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Plywood

Corrugated Steel

Corrugated steel has long been associated with roofing but today it is also been used on the exterior of homes. As a wall cladding product it makes a home look very modern and allows you to have nice sharp lines as well as curves to enhance the look.

One of it's advantages is that it reflects heat so it is a good solution for hot areas. Another advantage is that it is quite easy to install and to maintain. In fact the only maintenance that is needed is the occasional hose down which will remove any build up of dust etc.

Corrugated Steel also comes in a number of different colours so there should be one to suit your tastes and at the same time blend in with the rest of the home. The lighter colours will reflect the heat well.

Prices - You should expect to pay around $30 - $35 per square metre installed for corrugated steel which is quite reasonable and it gives your house that modern look and feel.

Fibre Cement Sheets

Good old fibro! Most Australians will know this type of cladding material as many homes in the 1950's and 60's were made with fibro. However the old fibro had asbestos fibres in it and these presented a danger to both the workers installing it and then those who lived in the home.

Thankfully today's version of fibro has got rid of the dangerous characteristics but at the same time it has kept the old version's benefits that were the ease of installation and being economical to use.

In the past this type of cladding was associated with cheaper mass produced homes but today it is being used to clad expensive designer homes. A benefit of it is that it can be rendered for a smooth extension to your brick home.

Prices - Expect to pay from around $15-$20 per square metre for Fibre cement sheets. This price is only for the supply of the product. Installation of it will double the price.

Limestone

Limestone is a beautiful looking cladding solution that occurs naturally in Western Australia. In fact in the West it has been used for a long time but know it is available to the Eastern states.

Limestone has a creamy colour to it and comes from a coral base and contains eye catching natural coral fossils.

It is available in blocks which are laid in exactly the same way as you would for bricks for an exterior wall. Limestone can also be used inside your home for feature walls.

Prices - It is not cheap but it is cheaper than an alternative like Sandstone. Expect to pay around $180 to $200 per square metre installed. This will give that classic look and feel that only stone can bring but the good news is that it will be about a third of the price of Sandstone.

Radial Cut Timber

Radial cut timber is a good choice for those people who want to enjoy the comforts and look of timber but are conscious about the environment. It offers a more economical way of using timber which has become a valuable and diminishing resource.

The timber resources are better used by cutting boards from the log in radial segments, which are made by cutting the log lengthways. By cutting like this it means there is less waste than conventional methods and gives a rustic, natural look that works well in a bushland area. You can use it to give your home a more country look and feel no matter where it is that you live.

Price - Radial cut timber will cost about $25-$30 per square metre to supply. Installation will cost you more. (Probably twice the amount)

Manufactured Boards

Manufactured boards when used as cladding give you that traditional cottage type of look but they use new technology to get this look and feel.

In the past when timber weatherboards were used on a large scale they were considered by many to be cheap and not so sturdy. So to give them a better look they were made to imitate the look of sandstone. Today, everyone loves them for their classic period style but the price of good quality timber boards can be costly and out of the reach of many.

Manufactured boards are quick and easy to install and can be pre-primed to cut down on painting which is great for those of us not into painting.

Prices - You should expect to pay around $20 - $25 per square metre for manufactured boards. Remember this in only for the supply of the boards and installation will be more. Installation will probably double the price.

Plywood

Plywood has been used in the building industry for a long time now but mainly in a background role. Lately it has come out from hiding and has some new features and looks. These new textured looks are great if you are looking for a contemporary style for your home.

One of the advantages that Plywood offers is that it is very strong which means that you need less external framing to brace a building where there are large openings.

Plywood possesses timber's natural qualities but is made from plantation grown pines which means that it is good to the environment.

You can use Plywood to create adventurous curves and it also can be used inside the home on walls, floors and the ceiling.

Prices - Expect to pay about $25 per square metre installed for Plywood which makes it a very well priced cladding alternative.

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