Factors Affecting the Price of Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is a popular choice for homeowners and developers looking for durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing exterior walls. With its ability to replicate the natural beauty of wood without the drawbacks of warping, rotting, or fading, it’s no surprise that more people are opting for this modern type of cladding.
However, when considering composite boards for your house cladding project, understanding the factors that influence external cladding costs is the first step in for creating a realistic budget. There are several things to bear in mind, from material quality and design choices to the labour costs, the installation process and long-term value.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main factors impacting house cladding cost, helping you make an informed decision that delivers meaningful return on investment. Whether you're exploring premium options like Millboard or comparing alternatives, this article will provide clarity on what to expect when planning your exterior cladding project.
Explore the reasons to choose a modern alternative to timber cladding for your property
Here, we outline the main reasons your initial price estimate could change
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Explore why making the right choice from the beginning will pay off in the long run
Benefits of Choosing Composite Cladding
When the exterior of your home needs updating or you’re choosing the right cladding material for your dream home, composite cladding is a smart option. It’s viewed as a durable alternative to timber but doesn’t come with its downsides such as fading, rotting or warping. It offers advantages over aluminium cladding and uPVC cladding too.
Millboard composite boards are moulded from real oak and hand-painted to accurately resemble wood grain patterns. You could go for a wood-clad look or opt for a more contemporary appeal with less maintenance and long-lasting performance. There are multiple finishes and styles of Envello Cladding that give you versatile design options.
Key Factors Influencing Composite Cladding Prices
Every project looks different, but it’s important to understand how customising your house cladding affects your quote.
Material Quality and Durability
Choosing a premium external cladding option will surely increase the cost of your project but the quality of the cladding and aesthetic benefits can be worth it in the long run. Compare the benefits of Millboard composite cladding vs generic brands.
|
Feature |
Millboard |
Wood-Plastic Composite (brand-dependent) |
|
Moisture resistant |
★★★ |
★★ |
|
Mould resistant |
★★★ |
★★ |
|
Durable |
★★★ |
★★★ |
|
UV-resistant |
★★★ |
★★ |
|
Wood-effect |
★★★ |
★★ |
|
Design versatility |
★★★ |
★★★ |
Millboard are the leaders in composite cladding materials and no other brand replicates the natural beauty of wood. If you want to create the timeless appeal of a wood-clad home, with the structural integrity of polymer-resin composite, Millboard is an intelligent choice but it’s admittedly not the cheapest option.
Design and Aesthetic Options
Next, you’ll need to choose your desired cladding style, The composite cladding range can suit a wide variety of architectural styles from heritage to modern houses and commercial buildings. Explore the cladding options below:
- Shadow Line +: offers a sleek, simplistic facade which replicates the appearance of classic wooden panels. It’s a versatile, comforting and elegant external house cladding option.
- Board & Batten +: a more intricate design, it can easily enhance the look of your home or commercial buildings.
- Decor: Ideal for accent walls, or modern houses, Decor cladding reflects the eccentricity of the client. Customise your accent colours and finishes for a unique look.
Explore the approximate price per metre squared of the three cladding collections:
|
Shadow Line + |
Board & Batten |
Decor |
|
132-141 |
151-161 |
Approx. 192-221 |
Corner and starter trims (for the edges of the cladding), closures, screws and tools may affect price of your cladding project, especially if you have a challenging space or a complex drainpipe system.
Choosing the Right Colour for Your Project
Marginal price variation shouldn’t come into it when you’re choosing the perfect finish for the exterior of your home. However, to achieve a premium finish, the following colours are 7% more expensive:
How Does the Cost of Cladding Installation Vary?
Installing Millboard composite cladding is straightforward and hardly differs to the installation process of wooden cladding. Millboard can be sawn and screwed like timber so is relatively cost-effective to install. The size of the area and different trade rates with have a much larger impact on the cost of labour.
While simple to install, you’ll want to guarantee longevity by using a Millboard-approved installer. If you choose an independent company or install your own cladding, you may save on labour costs but risk compromising the performance of the premium cladding panels.
The Long-Term Value of Quality Composite Cladding
By choosing high quality composite materials to clad your property, you secure long-term aesthetic appeal and performance. Millboard panels are highly resistant to damage from moisture, insects, mould and impact. This means your building’s exterior requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking elegant for decades.
While you might invest more into quality materials, the benefits of composite cladding pay off in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Average Cost of Composite Cladding in the UK?
Composite cladding from Millboard costs between £140 and £170 per square metre, excluding any fixings or accessories. However, there will be some variation depending on your unique needs. For example, a single basic wall cladding will be a more cost-effective project. Meanwhile, complex exteriors may come with additional labour costs or a range of materials.
How Does the Orientation Affect the Price?
With Millboard, you can opt for horizontal cladding or vertical panels without affecting the cost per m2. However, there could be more waste with certain orientations which would be less cost-effective. Only vertical and horizontal configurations have been tested for fire safety compliance.