Exterior cladding changes the entire look and feel of your home. Whether you are renovating a tired facade or adding cladding to an extension, the material you choose affects aesthetics, maintenance, insulation, and cost. Here is an honest overview of the main options available for Melbourne homes.
Timber cladding
Timber cladding has a natural warmth and character that is hard to replicate with other materials. Hardwoods like spotted gum and blackbutt are popular choices for their durability and rich colour. Treated pine weatherboards remain common on period home restorations.
The trade-off with timber is maintenance. You will need to paint or oil timber cladding every few years to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. For homeowners who appreciate the look of natural timber and are prepared to maintain it, there is nothing better.
Fibre cement cladding
Fibre cement products like Scyon Linea and Scyon Axon have become extremely popular for modern Melbourne homes. They are low maintenance, termite resistant, fire resistant, and available in a range of profiles from traditional weatherboard to contemporary panel designs.
Fibre cement can be painted any colour, giving you complete design flexibility. It is typically more affordable than timber cladding and requires less ongoing maintenance. The installation is straightforward for an experienced carpenter, and the finished result is clean and consistent.
Composite and aluminium cladding
Composite cladding products offer a timber-look finish without the maintenance of real timber. They are manufactured from a blend of materials and come in a range of colours and profiles. Aluminium cladding is another modern option that provides a sleek, contemporary finish.
Both composite and aluminium cladding are essentially maintenance-free once installed. The upfront cost is higher than fibre cement but the long-term maintenance savings can make them economical over the life of the building.
Considering new cladding for your home? We can assess your property and recommend the best option.
Book a Site VisitHow to choose the right cladding
The right choice depends on the style of your home, your budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. For period homes, timber weatherboards maintain authenticity. For modern builds and renovations, fibre cement and composite products offer versatility and low maintenance.
We install all types of exterior cladding and can advise on the best option for your specific project. One of our Werribee projects featured exterior cladding as part of a complete backyard transformation, and the cladding completely changed the look of the home from the outside.