What Is Cladding On A House?

Cladding is one of the biggest influences on how a house looks from the street. It can give a home the warmth of timber, the clean lines of contemporary panels or the traditional character of weatherboards.

However, house cladding does more than change the appearance of an exterior.

Cladding is the outer covering attached to a house’s external walls. It helps protect the building from the weather and creates its finished appearance. Common materials include timber, fibre cement, metal and composite boards.

The material you see is only part of the wall system. What sits behind it, how it is fixed and how it meets windows, doors and the roof all affect its performance.

If you are building, extending or renovating a Perth home, this guide explains the main cladding options, their advantages and drawbacks, and what to consider before choosing one, including expert tips from experienced Perth carpenters.

What Does House Cladding Do?

External cladding forms the outer skin of a building. Its primary roles are weather protection and appearance, while other benefits depend on the product and complete wall construction.

Helps Protect the Wall From Weather

Cladding helps manage exposure to rain, wind and sunlight.

However, it should not be treated as a completely waterproof covering on its own. Many systems also rely on membranes, flashings, cavities and drainage details behind the visible surface.

Creates the Exterior Finish

Cladding changes the texture, colour and proportions of a house.

Horizontal boards can create a traditional weatherboard appearance. Vertical profiles can emphasise height, while larger panels can produce a more streamlined facade.

Forms Part of the Building Envelope

The building envelope separates indoor spaces from outside conditions.

Cladding contributes to that assembly, but it does not automatically provide adequate insulation, airtightness or condensation control. Those outcomes depend on the whole wall design.

What Is Behind External Cladding?

A typical lightweight clad wall can include structural framing, insulation, a suitable wall membrane, battens or a cavity where required, and the external cladding.

The exact arrangement varies. There is no single layer sequence suitable for every product and location.

Particularly important details include window flashings, corner junctions, joints between materials and clearances above paving or soil.

These are worth discussing when comparing quotes. Ask what the installer includes behind the boards rather than judging the project only by the finished face.

What Are the Main Types of House Cladding?

Different materials suit different designs, maintenance expectations and budgets.

Timber Cladding

Timber cladding uses natural timber boards or profiles to create an exterior finish.

It can suit an entire facade or a smaller feature, such as an entry, upper-storey wall or extension.

Advantages of timber cladding include:

• Natural grain and variation.
• A warm appearance.
• A choice of board profiles and finishes.
• Flexibility for detailed architectural work.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Ongoing coating and maintenance requirements.
• Movement as moisture levels change.
• Weathering and colour changes.
• The need to select an appropriate species or treatment.

Some homeowners want timber to retain a freshly finished appearance; others prefer it to weather. Make that decision before choosing the species, finish and installation details.

Natural weathering should be a planned outcome rather than a substitute for looking after the timber.

Fibre Cement Cladding

Fibre cement cladding is manufactured using cement reinforced with fibres. It is available in boards, sheets and architectural profiles.

Depending on the product, it can create a weatherboard look, expressed vertical grooves or a flatter panelled finish.

Advantages of fibre cement cladding include:

• A range of profiles and textures.
• Options for painted finishes.
• Suitability for contemporary and traditional designs.
• Resistance to termite attack in the cladding material.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Product-specific fixing and joint requirements.
• Painting requirements for many products.
• The need to handle and cut boards correctly.
• Careful detailing around openings and junctions.

Many fibre cement products are supplied primed rather than fully finished. Check whether your quote includes painting and finishing exposed edges.

Termite resistance in the cladding also does not mean the timber framing behind it is protected from termites.

Composite Cladding

Composite cladding combines materials, often wood fibres and polymers, to create manufactured boards or panels.

Products differ substantially, so compare the actual specifications rather than treating “composite” as one uniform material.

Potential advantages include:

• Prefinished colours and textures.
• Timber-look options.
• Reduced need for regular painting or oiling in some systems.
• Profiles suitable for feature walls and facades.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Higher initial costs for some products.
• Product-specific expansion gaps and fixing systems.
• Restrictions on refinishing or changing the colour.
• A need to confirm suitability for the proposed application.

Composite cladding still needs cleaning and correct installation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before committing to board layouts, joints or corner details.

Metal Cladding

Metal cladding can include prefinished steel or aluminium products in a range of profiles.

It is often chosen for modern homes, upper-storey additions and designs that combine contrasting materials.

Potential advantages include:

• Distinctive linear profiles.
• Prefinished colour options.
• Lightweight systems.
• A strong contrast with timber, masonry and glazing.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Exposure-specific corrosion considerations.
• Visible dents or scratches on some finishes.
• The need for compatible fasteners and flashings.
• Detailed planning at corners and openings.

For coastal Perth homes, confirm that the exact metal product is suitable for the exposure. Manufacturers offer different products for different marine environments.

Brick, Stone and Other Veneer Systems

Cladding is a broad term. Brick veneer, stone veneer and other applied systems can also form an external wall finish.

These have different support, weight and installation requirements from lightweight boards.

A thin stone veneer, for example, should not be assumed to function like a full masonry wall. Compare the complete construction system.

Is Cladding the Same as Weatherboards?

Weatherboards are a type of cladding, but not all cladding is weatherboard.

The term generally describes boards arranged to shed weather, commonly with overlapping horizontal courses.

Traditional weatherboards are timber, while manufactured products can create a similar appearance using other materials.

Cladding also includes vertical boards, large sheets, metal profiles and other exterior finishes.

If you like the weatherboard look, compare the material as well as the profile. Similar-looking products can have different painting, installation and maintenance needs.

What Is the Difference Between Cladding and Render?

Cladding generally consists of boards, sheets, panels or another outer covering installed as part of a wall system.

Render is an applied coating used to create a finished surface over a suitable substrate.

Some proprietary wall systems combine a panel substrate with a rendered finish, so these categories can overlap.

For a renovation, the choice depends on the existing wall, desired appearance and work required.

Ask to see examples of corners, windows and material transitions. These details often determine whether the finished exterior looks deliberate and well proportioned.

Can You Put Cladding Over a Brick House?

Sometimes, yes. However, cladding over brick needs a suitable design rather than simply attaching boards to the existing surface.

The proposed system needs to account for:

• The condition and suitability of the existing wall.
• The support and fixing arrangement.
• Moisture management.
• Window and door reveals.
• Eaves, gutters and downpipes.
• Ground clearances.
• The additional thickness of the facade.

Cladding changes the face of the wall. Existing windows may appear more recessed, and services may need to be repositioned.

Before deciding, compare the work required to overclad with other options. The neatest design is not always the one involving the fewest visible changes.

Can You Replace Old Cladding?

Yes. Recladding involves removing and replacing an existing exterior covering, although the scope varies.

Some projects involve one damaged elevation. Others update the entire house.

Removing the original material can reveal issues that were previously concealed, such as deteriorated framing or inadequate water-management details.

Allow for assessment of the wall behind the cladding rather than assuming replacement is only a cosmetic job.

For an older home, have potentially hazardous materials assessed before removal. Do not identify old sheet cladding by appearance alone.

What Cladding Suits Perth Homes?

There is no single best cladding material for every Perth property. Start with the site’s exposure and how much maintenance you are prepared to undertake.

Sun Exposure and Colour

Consider how the proposed colour will look across a large wall in direct sunlight.

View physical samples outside, beside your existing roof, windows and paving. A small sample under showroom lighting can give a different impression.

Check any manufacturer restrictions on paint colours or finishes before finalising the palette.

Coastal Locations

For homes near the coast, ask about the suitability of boards, coatings, flashings and fasteners.

A cladding product may suit the location while an unsuitable fixing or accessory creates a weak point.

Make sure the quotation identifies the proposed system rather than using a broad description such as “external cladding”.

Exposed and Sheltered Walls

A sheltered entry wall and an exposed upper-storey elevation may have different detailing and maintenance needs.

Discuss each elevation individually, especially when combining materials.

Bushfire-Prone Properties

Where bushfire construction requirements apply, the exact product and wall assembly need to suit those requirements.

Do not assume every fibre cement, timber or composite product has the same suitability. Have the proposed specification checked for the property.

Does Cladding Insulate a House?

Cladding can contribute to thermal performance, but most cladding should not be treated as a replacement for insulation.

The complete wall construction determines how effectively the home limits unwanted heat transfer.

When recladding, it may be practical to review insulation and other concealed layers while access is available.

Ask what can be improved as part of the work and what is included in the quote. Installing new exterior boards alone does not guarantee a warmer winter interior or cooler summer home.

How Much Does House Cladding Cost?

There is no useful single price for every cladding project.

A material-only rate per square metre does not represent the complete installed cost.

Your quotation may need to include:

• Removal and disposal of existing materials.
• Wall inspection and repairs.
• Membranes, battens and supporting components.
• Cladding boards or sheets.
• Fixings, flashings and trims.
• Scaffolding or access equipment.
• Changes around windows, doors and services.
• Painting or other finishing.
• Design, engineering and approvals where required.

A simple wall with few openings is different from an upper-storey facade with multiple windows, corners and material changes.

Compare quotes for the same scope and finish. Also consider maintenance costs, particularly where future access will require scaffolding.

Does House Cladding Need Council Approval?

It depends on the property and scope of work.

In Western Australia, some repair and maintenance work may be exempt from a building permit, but an exterior alteration should not automatically be treated as exempt.

Changing the material or wall system can raise building-compliance considerations. Planning requirements may also apply, particularly where heritage controls or other property-specific restrictions are involved.

Check with the relevant local government and building surveyor before work begins.

Perth properties fall within different local government areas, so obtain advice for the actual address rather than assuming one council’s guidance covers the whole metropolitan area.

How Do You Maintain House Cladding?

Follow the care instructions for the specific product and coating system.

A practical inspection should look for damage, loose components, deteriorating finishes and changes around windows or joints.

Timber: Monitor the finish and recoat as required for the species, coating and exposure.

Fibre cement: Maintain the paint system and inspect joints and damaged areas according to the product instructions.

Composite: Clean using approved methods and check that joints and clearances remain unobstructed.

Metal: Follow the supplier’s washing instructions and have damaged finishes or corrosion assessed.

Avoid assuming pressure washing is suitable for every exterior. An aggressive cleaning method can damage finishes or force water into vulnerable junctions.

Common Cladding Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Only From a Small Sample

Look at larger examples and completed projects. Board width, joint spacing and repetition change the appearance across a whole facade.

Comparing Material Prices Alone

Include preparation, trims, access, finishing and repairs when comparing options.

Ignoring Window and Corner Details

Ask how the cladding will finish at openings and meet adjoining materials.

Assuming Low Maintenance Means No Maintenance

Even prefinished products need care and inspection.

Covering Existing Problems

New cladding should not conceal an unresolved leak or deteriorated wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cladding Structural?

Most conventional external cladding is a non-loadbearing covering. However, some engineered systems perform additional functions. Confirm the role of the specified product rather than assuming all wall panels are interchangeable.

Can You Clad Just the Front of a House?

Yes, a feature elevation can be part of a designed renovation. Plan how it meets the existing finishes at corners and openings.

Is Cladding Waterproof?

Not necessarily by itself. Weather resistance depends on the complete installed system, including relevant membranes, flashings and drainage details.

Can Cladding Be Installed Vertically or Horizontally?

Some products allow both orientations; others are designed for one. Follow the installation details for the exact product.

How Long Does Cladding Last?

Service life depends on the material, installation, exposure and maintenance. A product warranty is not the same as a guaranteed lifespan for the complete wall.

House Cladding With Skyline Concepts

House cladding shapes the appearance of your home while forming an important part of its weather protection.

The best choice balances the look you want with the existing construction, site exposure, installation requirements and future maintenance.

At Skyline Concepts, we provide carpentry and cladding installation across Perth, including timber, composite and architectural cladding.

Whether you are planning an extension, updating an exterior or replacing old cladding, we can discuss your project and help bring the finished design together.