Wall cladding is an important part of any home and most homeowners will have to add it to their home at some point. It can be hard to know exactly what you need when it comes to wall cladding. 

It’s always a good idea to talk to your wall cladding installer about what cladding will best suit your home. They’ll be able to provide advice and suggestions to help you choose a material that fits in with your budget and style. 

As with any home reno task, it can be a good idea to do some research before you contact a wall cladding specialist. So here are some of the important aspects of wall cladding that will help you make your choice. 

Benefits of wall cladding

Though it’s not technically necessary for your home, almost every home will have some form of cladding installed. The benefits of wall cladding come in three main categories 

Visual appeal

A house without cladding, whether internal or external, will look like it’s still under construction. Once the cladding is installed, it can be one of the main things that people see when they look at your home. 

The range of materials and cladding designs means that you can choose the right look for you.

Insulation

Apart from making your home look finished, wall cladding adds extra insulation to your home. Better insulation keeps your home cool in those hot summer days and warm in the frigid winter. 

It also helps increase your energy efficiency and can bring save you money on your energy bills. A well-insulated home will usually need less energy to keep it comfortable. 

It raises the value of your house

An added benefit of wall cladding is that, once installed, it will usually raise the value of your property. This makes it a great long-term investment if you decide to sell it in the future. 

Types of wall cladding

There are a lot of different materials that you can use for wall cladding and each of them comes with its own benefits. 

Generally, there are two main types of wall cladding. Internal and external. Whether you’re looking for internal or external wall cladding, consider each material based on its own merits and the unique qualities each has to offer.

Internal wall cladding

Internal cladding can be installed for its protective qualities or its appearance.

• Stone: Often chosen for its looks, stone wall cladding can be made of real stone or concrete. Both provide the look of stone, without the cost. Being lightweight, it’s easily installed and generally doesn’t require foundations or structural modification.
• Fibre cement: Another popular internal wall cladding is cellulose fibre-reinforced cement. Made of cement, ground sand, cellulose fibre and water, it’s made to look like traditional tongue and groove timber wall panelling. It’s resistant to insects, moisture and fire, strong and long-lasting. It can either be stained or painted. 
• Laminate: This provides panelling or cladding for internal wet areas, such as in the bathroom or shower. Laminate doesn’t chip, fade or require grout, ensuring a mould-free shower area. Laminate can withstand higher impacts than ceramic tiles.
• Plywood: This is also another type of cladding and is used for its attractive appearance. It’s non-structural and made of hardwood such as Hoop or Radiata Pine.

Other types of internal wall cladding can include PVC, aluminium, steel and brick.

External wall cladding

Some types of external wall cladding include:

• Steel: This is a very popular type of cladding in Australia due to its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Although it doesn’t provide great insulating properties, insulation is placed under it. It’s more flexible than other types of external wall cladding, allowing for structural movement and wind resistance.

• Stone: The same product used inside can also be used externally. 
• Wood: Timber wall cladding is resistant to wind and tough environmental conditions. It’s a good insulator and can be covered in a range of finishes to offer additional protection (such as paints and stains).
• Aluminium: Powder coated or anodised to further protect this cladding, aluminium is strong, pest resistant and easy to install. It is more costly than other types.
• PVC/Vinyl: Another type of external wall cladding, PVC is ideal for those on a budget. Insulation-backed, there is a wide selection of colours.

How much does wall cladding cost?

Cladding should be professionally installed to get a good finish. Cladding installers may charge between $50 and $80 per hour, depending on the type of cladding, if you're using a combination of claddings and the complexity of the job.

Many services will include the cost of materials in their quotes but it can always be a good idea to know what everything should be costing. The cost of cladding materials is usually charged per square metre.

Cost of cladding materials

Some costs you can expect to pay for wall cladding materials include:

• $3.20 - $6.85 per metre for weatherboard cladding
• $3.25 - $11.75 per metre for timber cladding
• $14 - $36.50 per m2 for aluminium cladding
• $30 - $100 per m2 for vinyl cladding
• $100 - $150 per m2 for stone veneer

Do I need any permits to install my wall cladding? 

Regulations for cladding in Australia can vary by state and depend on the type of cladding used. Certain combustible types of cladding may not be permitted or will need special permissions.

Hiring a wall cladding installer

When you're ready to hire a wall cladding installer, take the time to make sure they're right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed or qualified?
• Are you insured?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What is included in the quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?
• Can I see examples of your work?

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before you settle on a service provider. The cheapest option may not always be the best though, so make sure to pay attention to what is included in the quote and their track record.