Top 5 Weatherboard Cladding Materials

Weatherboard cladding has long been the Australian favourite amongst home designs, providing the real appearance and convenience. When building a new residence or updating the exterior of your current one, the right materials of weatherboard cladding in place can determine whether it becomes a home or a house. At Finish Painting & Maintenance Pty Ltd, we know the importance of superior materials and quality finishing to provide integrity and appeal.

This guide will provide a detailed overview of weatherboard cladding materials, advantages and disadvantages, best applications, and home tips for keeping your home looking its best.

What Is Weatherboard Cladding?

Weatherboard cladding is an exterior siding that shields buildings from severe weather conditions and makes them more aesthetically pleasing. Composed of various weatherboard materials, the boards overlap one another to create an effective barrier against water, wind, and temperature fluctuations.

The two main types are hard and soft weatherboarding:

• Hard weatherboarding – Highly durable against environmental forces and very long-lasting to be used for a prolonged period.
• Soft weatherboarding – Less hard work and lighter but requires more maintenance in the long term.

There are various kinds of weatherboarding, all with their benefits. The key is to understand the variation of weatherboard different types and choose the best for your home’s needs.

Types of Weatherboard Cladding and Their Differences

Rusticated Weatherboard

• Has a bevelled edge with a shadowed appearance, creating depth.
• Found in heritage homes, giving a traditional weatherboard house appearance.

Linea Weatherboard

• A sleek, modern option known for its crisp lines and uniform look.
• Hardie Linea Weatherboard is a leading brand, known for its durability and versatility.

Bunnings Weatherboard vs. Other Options

• Bunnings weatherboard provides readily available solutions for DIY projects.
• While cost-effective, these options may lack the customisation and durability of professionally sourced weatherboard materials.

Weatherboard Different Kinds and Custom Finishes

• Pre-primed, stained, or raw weatherboard cladding materials allow for full personalisation.
• Homeowners often choose weatherboard painting to complement their design aesthetic.

For those planning to refresh or maintain their exterior, consider professional exterior house painting in Melbourne to ensure a long-lasting, flawless finish.

The Best Weatherboard Cladding Materials: Pros, Cons & Best Uses

Timber Weatherboard

Overview: A traditional and widely used material, known for its natural beauty.
Pros: Sustainable, aesthetically appealing, customisable through weatherboard painting.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to termites and rot.
Best Applications: Ideal for heritage homes and properties that prioritise natural materials.

Fibre Cement Weatherboard (Hardie Linea Weatherboard)

Overview: A high-performance engineered material that mimics wood while offering superior durability.
Pros: Low maintenance, pest- and water-proof, fire-proof.
Cons: Heavier than other weatherboard cladding materials, requiring professional installation.
Best Applications: Homes in bushfire-prone areas or regions with extreme weather.

Vinyl Weatherboard

Overview: A cost-effective, lightweight alternative to standard cladding weatherboard products.
Pros: Budget-friendly, low maintenance, color-fade protection.
Cons: Less premium look, may fade over time.
Best Applications: Budget-conscious homeowners and rental properties.

Metal Weatherboard (Aluminium & Steel)

Overview: A modern weatherboard cladding option that offers longevity and durability.
Pros: Fire-resistant, pest-proof, minimal upkeep.
Cons: Higher initial investment, industrial appearance may not suit all homes.
Best Applications: Contemporary home designs, coastal properties.

Composite & uPVC Weatherboard

Overview: Engineered to offer the aesthetic appeal of wood with enhanced performance.
Pros: Rot-resistant, energy-efficient, long-lasting.
Cons: Higher cost, may not achieve the authentic look of timber weatherboard.
Best Applications: Eco-friendly home projects, modern housing developments.

Key Considerations When Choosing Weatherboard Cladding Materials

The optimum weatherboard cladding products vary on several considerations, such as:

• Budget: Timber is pricey to maintain, and vinyl is the cheapest.
• Climate: Fibre cement can withstand wet environments, whereas metal will work best in coastal zones.
• Durability: Hard weatherboarding lasts longer than soft weatherboarding.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Rusticated weatherboard is the choice of some homeowners for an old-world appearance, while other homeowners choose linea weatherboard for a streamlined, contemporary look.

If your exterior house is in need of a makeover, get in touch with a house painter near me to have the best finish for your cladding.

How Long Does Weatherboard Cladding Last?

Lifespan varies depending on weatherboard cladding materials:

• Timber weatherboard: 15-25 years with regular maintenance.
• Hardie Linea Weatherboard (Fibre Cement): 30-50 years.
• Vinyl Weatherboard: 20-40 years.
• Metal Weatherboard: 40+ years with proper care.
• Composite/uPVC Weatherboard: 25-50 years, based on elemental exposure.

Routine maintenance, such as pressure washing before exterior painting, can greatly extend the lifespan of your cladding.

DIY vs Professional Weatherboard Cladding Installation

While DIY installation is possible, hiring experts ensures the highest quality finish. Professional services can also prevent issues such as warping or poor weather sealing. Similarly, when deciding between DIY vs professional painting, a professional touch can make all the difference in longevity and visual appeal.

Cost of Weatherboard Cladding

The total investment depends on material type and installation complexity:

• Timber weatherboard: $80 – $120 per square metre.
• Fibre cement weatherboard: $100 – $150 per square metre.
• Vinyl weatherboard: $50 – $90 per square metre.
• Metal weatherboard: $150 – $200 per square metre.
• Composite/uPVC weatherboard: $120 – $180 per square metre.

To understand the overall expenses, check out our guide on the cost of exterior house painting for additional insights.

Weatherboard Cladding Maintenance Tips

• Regularly inspect for cracks, warping, or moisture damage.
• Repaint every 5-10 years for timber weatherboard.
• Use pressure washing before exterior painting to keep surfaces clean.
• Ensure proper sealing to prevent water damage.

Choosing the Best Weatherboard Cladding Materials for Your Home

Choosing the best weatherboard cladding materials provides your house with durability, effectiveness, and class. Hardie linea weatherboard, bunnings weatherboard, or rusticated weatherboard, whichever you would like to have, comes with special advantages perfectly suited for various houses.

To add a professional finish, Finish Painting & Maintenance Pty Ltd provides quality painting services to beautify and guard your weatherboard house. From refinishing the outside of your home to repainting your current cladding, our professional staff guarantees a blemish-free finish every time.

Ready to give your home’s exterior a makeover? Call us now for professional guidance and top-notch painting services!

All rights reserved for Finish Painting & Maintenance Pty Ltd 

ⓒ Copyright 2024