What Is The Difference Between Wood and Composite Cladding?

Exterior cladding has been a popular choice for many years since it provides an appealing appearance and a long life to the exterior of a home. There is an increasing selection of cladding materials on the market today, ranging from standard wood cladding to composite cladding. What is the best to choose between these two common cladding materials?

Before selecting a cladding material, examine the different elements that influence it. Such as total cost, longevity, the amount of upkeep required, and how you want it to look. In today’s market, most consumers still prefer wood cladding or composite cladding because they both offer advantages.

Let’s now examine these two cladding materials to assist you in determining which is better for the exterior of your home.

Cladding materials made of wood

Common wood cladding materials include pressure-treated timberwood, hardwood, and softwood cladding. Most construction supply businesses sell wood cladding as a conventional external cladding material.

One of the best things about wood siding is that each board has a unique texture and wood grain appearance. So no two walls look alike once the boards are installed.

Cladding made of composite materials

When compared to wood cladding, composite cladding is a more environmentally friendly new material. It’s constructed of a combination of recyclable polymers and wood fibers. These ingredients work together to make composite siding more durable and long-lasting.

Composite cladding is a man-made exterior decorative product. And that comes in a number of colors and does not require sanding or painting. It also does not require routine maintenance or upkeep, which saves money on manpower.

The distinctions between wood cladding and composite cladding

1. Cost

Pressure-treated wood cladding is the least expensive type of cladding. The cost of acquiring and manufacturing the material is often minimal. While the cost of hiring someone to install wood cladding is common. Of course, higher-quality wood cladding is more expensive. Some wood cladding is significantly more expensive than standard composite cladding.

Because composite wall cladding necessitates more fabrication processes. So it might be more expensive to purchase and install. It is worth noting that the long-lasting durability and low-maintenance nature of composite materials reduce future maintenance expenditures.

This means that after many years of use, the cumulative cost of composite cladding is less than that of wood cladding. As a result, composite cladding has a reduced overall cost in the long run.

Get Sample Package for Free!

Discover the Benefits of Our Product

Click to Claim

2. Install

Composite cladding materials are just as simple to cut as wood cladding. And you can get the desired size with typical construction tools. Furthermore, composite cladding frequently has a snap design, making it easy to install and secure. You may DIY build your exterior project yourself if you have basic carpentry skills and follow the installation instructions provided by the composite cladding manufacturer.

Real wood cladding can be untidy to install and difficult to cut to the correct size because the boards split when cut. In high moisture situations, such as when there is a lot of rain, the boards will bend and expand, making it difficult to anticipate when to install and how much to use.

3. Care and upkeep

Because composite cladding does not require sanding, varnishing, sealing, or painting, maintenance is minimal. Simply install the composite cladding and enjoy the new look of your home for years to come.

Furthermore, insects and pests are unable to infiltrate composite cladding materials because the plastic component of this material naturally repels termites and moths.

Wood cladding, on the other hand, necessitates greater upkeep. Many people think of weathered cladding as a classic look for older homes. But because wood absorbs water, it can rot and bend with time.

Furthermore, insects can seep into the wood or wood cladding, weakening the boards. You will need to perform regular maintenance on the wood cladding, which means that the cost of labor will rise even after the planks have been installed.

4. Durability

When compared to wood siding, composite cladding lasts far longer. Because it is constructed of wood and plastic, this sort of board is quite robust. It will not decay, twist, or crack over time. To keep your composite cladding looking new for longer, simply clean it with a brush and warm water on a regular basis.

Wood cladding warps in damp weather because it absorbs moisture. This is especially true if it had not previously been cleaned. Because external cladding is frequently exposed to the elements, you should consider it if you live in a rainy area and don’t have the time or money to treat your wood on a regular basis.

Furthermore, wood cladding is a dangerous material because wood is a common combustible. Although composite cladding is not totally flame retardant, it is far more fire-resistant than wood cladding.

5. Stunning appearance

Installing composite cladding on the exterior of your home is a simple way to instantly update its appearance. Composite siding is available in a variety of colors and finishes. They range from natural tones such as teak and ivory to muted tones such as lime and charcoal. This makes it simple to personalize the exterior of your property.

Pressure-treated wood panels are available in fewer hues. If you pick wood cladding, you may need to paint it to achieve the desired finish or color.

Wood cladding, on the other hand, with its natural texture and warm wood tones, is the finest option to give the exterior of your home a classic and warm appearance.

Installing slat-patterned cork cladding is a terrific method to give your property a Scandinavian vibe. You can paint or varnish it to achieve the desired look.

6. Environmental impact

Because composite siding is constructed of wood fibers and recyclable plastics, it helps to reduce plastic waste and safeguard the living environment.

The wood fiber in composite material is derived from sheet offcuts, tree branches, and other non-usable materials. In other words, the usage of composite cladding can help to reduce tree chopping while simultaneously protecting forest resources.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the external cladding material you choose will not only give an extra layer of security to your property, but it may also make a significant difference in how the structure looks and feels. And can even make a significant difference.

Consider the cost of purchasing, the cost of installation, the longevity of the product, and the look you want when selecting the best product for you. After you’ve considered these impacting elements, you may select the cladding material that’s best for you.

Related Post

• Why use composite cladding on exterior walls?
• 11 Common Problems and Solutions for Composite Decking
• Composite Decking Transforms Your Outdoor Living Space