Composite vs Metal Cladding: Which is Better for Your Project?
Both metal and composite external cladding have numerous advantages, but the ideal choice ultimately depends on your project’s needs and personal preference. Composite options, such as Millboard’s Envello cladding range, delivers the timeless charm of natural wood cladding without the drawbacks, offering unmatched durability and low maintenance. On the other hand, metal facing is a popular choice for its contemporary finish and excellent fire resistance.
This guide breaks down the key considerations, from durability and thermal efficiency to environmental impact and design flexibility, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritise a natural wood effect or a modern aesthetic, discover how Millboard’s innovative composite solutions stack up against metal alternatives. Find the perfect match for your exterior walls whether it’s for a residential or commercial building.
Click on one of the sections below to learn more
- Understanding your cladding material
Explore the advantages and features of metal and composite cladding – learn the differences
- Advantages of composite cladding
Discover some of the benefits of mineral resin composite including durability, maintenance and aesthetic appeal
- Comparing composite to metal cladding
Compare materials at a glance, including fire safety, sustainability and more.
Understanding Your Cladding Material
Deciding on the best composite cladding material comes down to personal preference, but there are some performance, aesthetic and maintenance considerations. Composite cladding gives the appearance of real timber cladding without many of the disadvantages. Metal panels, such as aluminium, can offer a modern look, weather resistance and excellent fire-resistance.
What is Composite Cladding?
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is typically made by mixing recycled plastic, wood fibres or rice husks and other composite materials with resin. This process creates a strong material resistant to harsh weather conditions; it’s a great alternative to timber cladding. The appearance of composite material is very versatile, it can mimic the appearance of natural wood for a timeless design.
Millboard is the only brand that mould composite boards from real oak, giving them the unmatched beauty of natural wood grain. Millboard cladding also doesn’t contain any wood. Instead, it use stronger materials such as mineral stone, fibreglass and polyurethane resin which are resistant to rot and moisture penetration.
Explore the benefits of Millboard’s Envello Cladding collection
The Fundamentals of Metal Cladding
Metal panels are a popular option for cladding contemporary buildings. The powder-coating options are a huge advantage when it comes to versatility. Metal cladding has an excellent fire rating, and the design options are diverse. Coated metal cladding, although pricier, can be resistant to rot and moisture damage unlike timber counterparts.
Advantages of Composite Cladding
Millboard composite wall cladding can enhance both traditional and contemporary buildings. The Envello collection offers a variety of styles to suit your project or customers’ specifications. The panels themselves are resistant to moisture penetration and come with very low maintenance requirements compared to other cladding materials, such as timber or PVC cladding.
Millboard recognise the timeless appeal of timber cladding but understand its challenges and safety risks. Instead, we’ve created realistic wood effect to give the appearance of a timber-clad building project without its disadvantages.
- Mimics real wood grain
- Moisture, rot and insect resistant
- Highly UV resistant
- Low maintenance
- Creates a timeless home exterior
- High weather resistance and long-lasting
Durability and Longevity
When comparing the durability of different external cladding materials, metal and Millboard’s composite option are the most robust choices.
Provided your metal cladding doesn’t corrode over time, it can remain strong for decades. Although, the powder coating on metal cladding may not last as long. Scuffs, scratches and stains may need frequent upkeep and re-coating from time to time.
However, composite cladding may not be as physically strong as metal, the reinforced material is exceptionally robust and the wood-effect design will also keep the outside of your home looking elegant for decades. The highly UV-resistant coating keeps your home’s exterior resilient, with minimal upkeep.
| Feature | Composite (Millboard) | Metal |
| Moisture Resistance | Highly resistant | Requires protective coating |
| UV Stability | Highly UV-resistant | Coating may fade or chip |
| Rot & Insect Resistance | No wood, no rot | No organic matter |
Maintenance and Ease of Care
Both materials can be easily scrubbed with soapy water to restore their appearance. Composite cladding is moisture, rot and UV-resistant which means that with a simple seasonal clean, the panels can maintain their original timber appeal.
While simple to clean, metal cladding’s powder-coating can be subject to scratches and dents. If it does get damaged, you may need to arrange for a professional recoat.
Explore the long-lasting appeal of composite cladding.
Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility
Metal cladding comes with a variety of colours and design options but if you want a wood-effect look, Millboard cladding is the top choice.
There are so many options when choosing Millboard Envello Cladding. Three styles are available, Board & Batten+, Shadow Line+ and Decor. Choose from a range of colours and customise your accent lines with Decor panels.
Whether you have a soft spot for traditional cladding designs or prefer a striking, contemporary exterior of your home, configure your cladding boards horizontally or vertically.
Explore Envello Cladding options
Explore some Decor design options
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Fire Safety Considerations
Metal cladding, understandably, has the best fire resistance and reaction to fire. Metals and fire-resistant coating also won’t catch on fire, providing it with a Euroclass A rating when tested to EN 13501-1.
Composite cladding is not as resilient as metal when it comes to reaction to fire testing. Millboard cladding is tested to EN 13501-1 and has a fire rating of Euroclass D. Composite cladding is suitable for most low-level residential areas, if used subject to relevant building regulations.
Read about our cladding fire-testing
Cost comparison: Metal vs Composite
Stainless steel is the most robust and hard-wearing metal for exterior cladding but due to its preparation and sheer weight, it can be expensive to install on your project. Coated aluminium is a cheaper and more lightweight alternative to steel.
Other than real timber boards that come with maintenance, fire safety and moisture problems, realistic composite facing is the only option to achieve a realistic wood-clad look.
Millboard cladding is moulded from real oak and offer many different styles and colours. Other composite cladding boards may not guarantee an accurate wood-effect or the same performance advantages.
Explore our cladding case studies below
Comparing Composite to Metal Cladding
There are several similarities between metal and composite facing when considering performance. However, the choice comes down to personal preference. Choose between the best wood-grain composite or the modern look of metal.
| Feature | Millboard | Metal |
| Durability | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Aesthetic appeal | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Fire rating | ★ | ★★★ |
| Maintenance | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Sustainability | ★★ | ★★ |
| Cost | ★★ | ★ |
Frequently Asked Questions
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