9 different types of cladding in New Zealand: pros and cons

10 September 2019

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First impressions matter, and they last. So, when building or renovating a home, one of the most difficult, time-consuming and important decisions will relate to the choice of exterior cladding. Whether a new build or a reclad, the cladding options are vast, each with their own benefits and quirks.

What types of cladding are available?

Cladding in New Zealand presents a true smorgasbord of options. Traditional timber cladding, rustic stone cladding, modern metal cladding — the list goes on.

The answer to which will be best for you depends on many things specific to your property like its location and local climate, while other factors like cost, expectations around lifespan and performance, aesthetics and more.

1. Timber cladding

Timber cladding is a trusted and reliable option, providing a warm and familiar appearance with the robustness of timber. Durable and able to withstand significant weather events, weatherboard homes have stood strong for decades in New Zealand with many Victorian and Edwardian-style villas and bungalows still popular today.

This makes timber weatherboards are solidly bankable option, given they will not only protect your home for many years to come but also have resale value when it is time for your next move. It does require a bit more ongoing maintenance compared to some other options, typically by way of painting or staining, but in doing so you'll ensure you get an excellent return on investment.

Pros of timber cladding

Warm, familiar aesthetics
Robust and durable
Longevity when well maintained
Popular in New Zealand
Environmentally friendly when sourced responsibly

Cons of timber cladding

Ongoing maintenance is required to keep it at its best
If not cared for, is susceptible to rot
A flammable material (treatments can mitigate this risk)
Varying qualities and price points

A great use of TMT Tuscan cladding, part of JSC's Thermally Modified Timber range.

2. Natural stone cladding

Natural stone cladding is a premium rustic choice for exterior wall cladding in New Zealand. It is solid and formidable, especially against the elements and emanates a sense of permanence and timelessness when used as a facade.

While it's rare to find an entire house clad in natural stone, you will see it used as the main cladding option on the most visible and prominent sections of a home. The most common types of natural stone used tend to be sandstone, limestone and schist to name a few.

Stone provides exceptional insulation and is non-porous and non-absorbent, offering moisture protection and weather resistance. Its size and weight make it typically more costly and time-consuming to transport and install.

Pros of natural stone cladding

Formidable and solid
Natural, rustic appearance
Long-lasting with little maintenance required
Unique choice that will stand out
Weather resistance

Cons of natural stone cladding

Premium products, are often more expensive than alternatives
Requires a specialised stonemason for installation
Size and weight make it slower to work with and install
Less variety in aesthetic options

A classical use of Splitstone Ahi/Vitric Natural Stone Cladding from Hinuera Natural Stone.

3. Fibre cement cladding

Fibre cement is a stable, reliable and durable cladding solution that can be trusted to do its job – stand the test of time with very little need for maintenance.

Fibre cement consists of sand, cement and cellulose fibres and is most commonly applied in sheets or horizontal boards. It has strong energy efficiency and has high levels of fire resistance and resistance to rot and termites.

While it may offer less character than timber or stone cladding, it is usually more budget-friendly and is available in an endless variety of colours and finishes, allowing room for individual flair and design.

Pros of fibre cement cladding

Resistant to rot, termites and fire
Low maintenance with no seasonal treatments required
Huge variety of colours and finishes
Can be one of the more cost-effective cladding materials

Cons of fibre cement cladding

Lacks the character of natural alternatives according to some
Isn't as popular as some other cladding materials
Professional installation from a cladding installer is recommended to ensure proper fitting

Browse the best fibre cement cladding products on ArchiPro

Stylish and sophisticated Cedral Fibre Cement Cladding.

4. Brick cladding

Bricks are considered a highly effective exterior cladding option, aesthetically pleasing, known for its longevity and incredibly robust in our environment. They are an undeniable favourite among homeowners and developers in New Zealand, seen as a tried and tested cladding material that has very low associated risk.

Bricklaying is a little more time-consuming than installing weatherboards (as an example) which can add to costs in the early stages. Understandably, the more complex the design, the more labour hours you'll need to pay to get the job done. It is also one of the heavier exterior cladding materials which can add to freight costs, depending where you are in the country.

Once installed, however, bricks are almost maintenance-free with great durability to give you decades of use with total peace of mind.

Pros of brick cladding

Superb durability and longevity
Almost no maintenance required
Aesthetics that appeal to many
Fire-resistance, thermal efficiency and sound insulation

Cons of brick cladding

Can be time-consuming to install
A heavier cladding material to handle and transport
May be more appropriate alternatives for complex architectural designs

A stunning use of Create Range Bricks from Canterbury Clay Bricks. | Photography: Anthony Turnham – SNAP Photography

5. Brick veneer cladding

Brick veneer mimics the appearance of natural brick (these days often indistinguishable), but is much lighter making it easier to transport and quicker to install. It's a versatile cladding option which is also often used internally for fireplaces, backsplashes, walls and sidings.

Being so lightweight, brick veneer can be installed on most residential walls and is much easier to manipulate during installation than its natural counterparts. Durable and fireproof, brick veneer looks appealing without any need for paint — and therefore should be considered a highly effective cladding option.

That being said, like fibre cement cladding discussed previously, it doesn't quite have the same allure as real brick cladding, nor does it have quite the same level of robustness. Consulting a cladding professional is highly recommended to avoid moisture issues between the veneer and the structural wall.

Pros of brick veneer cladding

Closely mimics the appearance of bricks
Lightweight and quick to install
Durable with little ongoing maintenance required

Cons of brick veneer cladding

Not quite the same allure as natural brick
Isn't quite as robust
Professional installation highly recommended

A solid family home in Bethlehem constructed with refurbished with brick veneer cladding by Irie Architectural Design.

6. Metal cladding

Profiled metal cladding is widely considered a reliable cladding option. Offering a modern and creative feel, aluminium and steel are the most popular metal cladding materials. They are available in a range of profiles, most commonly corrugated or trapezoidal.

While steel is usually more expensive, it is also more durable, with aluminium composite panels (ACP) often cheaper to build with but less robust. Both offer architects and builders all sorts of opportunities when it comes to design and construction which is why you'll see a lot of modern builds using these cladding materials.

With metal, you don't have to worry about rot or insect damage, though corrosion can be an issue for some types of metal cladding (treatments are usually available). Noise from the rain against metal cladding can also be a little more pronounced as well as denting and scratching, which doesn't impact brick by comparison.

Pros of metal cladding

Modern aesthetics
Presents architectural design opportunities
Low maintenance with no threat from rot or insects
Durable and relatively lightweight

Cons of metal cladding

Anti-corrosion treatments for some types of metal cladding
Pricing can vary widely between different options
Prone to denting and scratching
Noisier during rainfall them some other cladding materials

You'll struggle to find a better use of metal cladding than that here at Blackpool House by Glamuzina Architects. | Photography: Samuel Hartnett

7. Concrete cladding

Concrete cladding has a relatively long lifespan and can last for several decades with proper installation and maintenance. The exact lifespan of concrete cladding depends on several factors such as the quality of materials used, environmental conditions, and exposure to elements. In general, concrete cladding can last for up to 50 years or more before needing significant repairs or replacement. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of concrete cladding.

Modern concrete cladding comes in a variety of textures, colours and finishes making it a viable option for many architectural styles. It is a heavy substance to transport and work with, requiring the hands of experienced professionals. The production of concrete also requires a lot of energy so there is usually a larger carbon footprint when using this cladding type.

Pros of concrete cladding

A strong, durable cladding option
Offers decades of use with proper installation
Minimal maintenance required with no threat of corrosion or warping over time
Excellent fire resistance and sound insulation

Cons of concrete cladding

A heavy material with professional tools and expertise required
Can be more costly than some other options
Often draws a higher carbon footprint
Robust and reliable

Find the concrete cladding solution your project needs on ArchiPro

Robust and reliable Ezpanel 50mm AAC Concrete Panel Cladding from Specialized Construction Products.

8. Stucco

Stucco is a form of plaster cladding that was used in about 15% of New Zealand homes in the 1940s - 1960s meaning it still has a presence to this day. Its textured appearance is unique and has a certain degree of charm that appeals strongly to some.

When properly applied and installed, stucco is durable which is why many of these homes still exist to this day. It's a non-combustible material giving it fire resistance and has good sound insulation properties too.

It does require a bit of maintenance over its lifespan to prevent cracks and water ingress as moisture can cause significant damage over the long term if it gets into the underlying structure. The installation of stucco requires the expertise of an experienced professional.

Pros of stucco

Unique, distinctive appearance
Durability when installed properly
Non-combustible material with strong fire resistance
Good sound insulation

Cons of stucco

An older style of cladding
Requires care and ongoing maintenance
Professional expertise usually required to install and upkeep
Water ingress can severely compromise stucco

A stylish stucco home in Westmere with an atleration and extension by Dorrington Atcheson Architects. | Photography: Emma-Jane Hetherington

9. uPVC cladding

uPVC cladding, sometimes called vinyl cladding, is a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution that offers great convenience for those with busy lives. Often taking the form of weatherboards, they can look strikingly similar to their natural timber counterparts.

The upkeep is very simple with no regular painting or staining required. Soap and warm water are usually more than enough to keep the surfaces of uPVC cladding clean. They are also typically very lightweight, making them easy to work with and less labour-intensive to install.

Many modern uPVC cladding options are made from recycled materials though might not be recyclable themselves. They also suffer from the same stigma that other non-natural products on this list do, with some put off by the perception of them.

Pros of uPVC cladding

Cost-effective, low-maintenance solution
A variety of convincing aesthetics available
Lightweight and easy to work with
Many made from 100% recycled materials

Cons of uPVC cladding

uPVC material doesn't appeal to all
Disposal of products can have negative environmental impacts
Small repairs can be tricky without replacing an entire panel

These Palliside uPVC Weatherboards by Dynex are made from 100% recycled materials.

Getting you started with the main types of cladding options in New Zealand

So there you have it. The main types of cladding materials you'll come across in New Zealand and how each appears and performs in different ways. Having covered the bases, you're in a great position to dig deeper into those that make your shortlist in your journey to find the perfect cladding solution for your home.

(This article was updated on 26th February 2024)

Discover an extensive range of high-quality cladding solutions on ArchiPro

Top banner image credit: European Larch Cladding from Rosenfeld Kidson & Co.