Composite Cladding vs Timber Cladding

Some home improvements make an instant impact. Composite cladding is an ideal way to conceal your less-than-perfect walls or simply upgrade your home’s facade with a sleek, contemporary appearance. Timber is a timeless material brimming with natural beauty, whereas composite cladding is designed with low maintenance and durability in mind. But that’s not the complete picture.

Selecting the best materials is crucial to the success of any decorative scheme, so which ones are best for your next renovation project?

Composite Cladding VS Timber Cladding – What’s The Difference?

Wood cladding exudes authenticity. The natural warmth of the material makes it a go-to for exterior cladding when aesthetics are uppermost. Properly installed and maintained, timber cladding can be a long-lasting option.

If you’re looking for an alternative, composite cladding won’t warp, fade or rot, making it a low-maintenance, hard-wearing choice.

The primary difference between timber and composite cladding lies in their composition. Timber is a natural material, but it should always be sourced from forests that are FSC-certified to avoid deforestation.

Composite cladding is engineered using recycled plastics and waste hardwood, minimising environmental impact and eliminating the need for toxic chemical treatments.

Why Choose Composite Cladding?

You need to cover a tired brick facade or spruce up a guest bedroom, and cladding seems like an interesting design choice. But what are the positives of choosing composite cladding for your project? Here are a few common questions that can showcase this innovative material’s key benefits.

How Durable Is Composite Cladding?

Composite cladding offers exceptional weather resistance and is highly resistant to wear. Unlike timber, it won’t warp or rot, making it ideal for exterior cladding.

Does Composite Cladding Require Painting Or Staining?

Pre-finished composite cladding panels don’t require oiling, staining or sealing. There’s no annual maintenance or treatments needed — simply wash every 3-6 months to remove any dirt or grime.

Is Composite Cladding Easy To Install?

Installing composite cladding is quick and easy using the connector clips supplied. Your panels can be glued or battened to the wall for fast, professional results inside and out.

Does Cladding Make Your House Warmer?

Exterior cladding has multiple benefits for your home. The added layer of protection protects the building envelope and shields it from the elements, creating an insulation gap for warmth and energy efficiency.

Will Composite Cladding Look As Good As Timber?

With its sleek, contemporary aesthetic, composite cladding adds a flawless finish to interiors and exteriors. Modern composites replicate the look and feel of wood, offering a stunning natural finish without the hassle.

Is Composite Cladding Cost-effective?

Timber generally has more affordable upfront costs than composite. But the cost of maintenance can rapidly add up, making composite a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Design Ideas For Using Timber Cladding

Wrapping your home in composite cladding does much more than disguise minor cracks or flaws in your brickwork.

It’s easy to create country cottage charm with tongue-and-groove in warm Stone wash or weather-beaten Grey. Simple vertical lines look effortlessly contemporary — try the unique four rib profile of Black Castellated exterior cladding for impact.

Rather than cladding the entire facade, consider using cladding as a feature around a porch or bay window — Dark Grey cladding makes a sleek contrast to red brick. Complete the look with composite cladding accessories such as colour-matched joists for a seamless finish.

Moving inside, composite cladding is a fantastic choice for high-moisture environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens, creating a country-luxe or spa-like vibe. Try a feature wall in Ash Grey Decor Clad for a light-reflecting Scandi aesthetic.

Interior cladding is also a stunning choice for a living space or bedroom, creating a cosy, Mid-Century ambience that adds interest to a single wall, ceiling, or the entire room.

How To Choose The Best Cladding For Your Property

If you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free cladding solution, here’s what to bear in mind:

• Durability
• Sustainability
• Maintenance requirements
• Aesthetics and design options
• Protection
• Ease of installation

Composite cladding easily ticks all the boxes for hard-wearing cladding that rapidly transforms the aesthetics of your home, delivering a stunning result.

Transform Your Walls With Composite Cladding From Modern Garden

At Modern Garden, we specialise in helping you spruce up your outdoor space with fantastic composite solutions. With extended warranties and guaranteed prices on our composite cladding products, why not give your worn-out facade an enduring makeover? Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Call 01695 557711 and we’ll be happy to help.

Composite Cladding FAQs

Do I Need A Membrane Under Composite Cladding?

We recommend installing your exterior cladding over a breathable membrane to provide insulation and moisture protection, while also extending the lifespan of your cladding.

Do You Need Ventilation Behind Cladding?

Absolutely. You should allow a minimum 38mm gap for ventilation and drainage.

Do I Need Permission To Put Cladding On My House?

You don’t generally need planning permission for exterior cladding, but there are exceptions if you live in a listed building, conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).