Is Timber Cladding a Cost-Effective Building Material?

Making a structure with all the best building materials often racks up the cost quite quickly. However, what if we told you there was a material that was cost-effective, sustainable, long lasting, and attractive? That’s right, timber cladding could be the solution for you!

At NORclad, we’re experts in timber cladding solutions for various designs and purposes, and in this article we’ll show how it sits against other cladding options – helping you to find the right material that matches your budget and build.

Don’t hesitate – get in touch today for bespoke advice on our timber!

What is the Cheapest Cladding Material?

Multiple different options for cladding like metal, timber, or even cement render each come with their own benefits and suit a niche in design. However, if you’re on a budget or are looking to cut costs while still adding a distinct look and feel to your building, comparing the costs can help you find the right material for you.

Costs can vary greatly depending on the material, supplier, treatments, and the size of your building. However, here is our approximate guide to help you get started:

Timber

At NORclad, we believe timber cladding is the most cost-effective long-term option for your exterior and interior cladding. Not only does it provide a beautiful, natural finish, the range of treatments and coatings mean you can get a bespoke look to truly fit your build.

In terms of cost, timber cladding often weighs in at around £20-£30 per square metre, although prices can vary depending on what treatments you need and what timber you choose. However, the long-term benefits of timber mean you will often be able to make back the costs over time.

Explore timber cladding options at NORclad >

Metal

Metal claddings tend to be made out of aluminium or steel, and offer a contemporary look for modern builds, especially in urban environments. As can be expected from metal, it is one of the most expensive options, with prices ranging from £30 to over £50 per metre squared.

While metal can be good if you want a clean finish, you need to be careful – rust and the elements can wear it down if it isn’t properly treated and maintained, resulting in a less-than-desirable look over time.

Additionally, the weight and hardness of metal can make it more difficult to install than other options, meaning you may end up paying more for the initial installation.

Composite

Composite cladding blends wood fibres and plastic to produce a flexible, durable, fire-resistant option that can stand the test of time. However, this convenience does come at a cost, with cladding sitting at around £30-40 per m².

Despite the wood-like appearance of the boards, composite cladding doesn’t have the same authenticity or evolution that timber cladding offers. Additionally, at the end of their life, composite boards are harder to recycle due to the blend of materials – making them less sustainable than pure, natural wood.

Learn more about composite vs timber cladding >

Render

Typically more of a budget option, render can cost as little as £10 per square metre, although some types could run you up to £35+. Render can be a convenient way to provide extra protection and detail to your house’s exterior, but doesn’t quite offer the same level of insulation and aesthetics that cladding provides.

Learn more about render vs timber cladding >

Out of all these options, we believe that timber truly offers the most benefits – but how expensive is it really to install?

How Expensive is it to Install Timber Cladding?

Labour costs for cladding installation often make up most of the price for adding it to your building. The values we’ve already given pertain to the material alone, but you also need to factor in the workers’ time and expertise for the installation process itself.

Out of all the options, timber cladding can be seen as one of the least labour intensive. Where a metal cladding project could see prices rise from £30 to £325 per square metre when labour is included, timber cladding might only rise to £100 from the same level. Again, this is all subjective and can vary between projects, so request a quote or talk to a specifier to ensure you have a full understanding of what the costs will be before you commit to a purchase.

However, despite the price advantages of timber cladding installation, its main value doesn’t come from the building process, but instead from the long-term benefits you receive after the fact.

How Much Does Timber Cladding Cost in the Long Term?

There are four main factors to determine the long-term costs of cladding:

1. Longevity

The primary factor to consider when looking at the long-term cost of your cladding is how long it will last. You can think of the initial cost as an investment, split over the number of years that the cladding endures. The greater this window, the more cost-effective it will be, and with warranties of up to 30 years on our timber cladding – and expected lifespans of far longer – you can see how timber cladding will stand the test of time.

2. Maintenance

Throughout the lifespan of your cladding, you will likely need to perform at least some base level of maintenance. With some materials like metal, the frequency of this maintenance and the cost of repairs or rust removal can quickly ramp up the overall amount you end up spending. Timber cladding offers a low-maintenance alternative, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetics and benefits of your build, stress free.

3. Energy Savings

As well as being cost-effective to install, timber cladding can actually save you money (and hassle) in the long run. With both heat and sound insulative properties, timber cladding can improve the atmosphere in your home, while also trapping heat during the winter and preventing heat from being absorbed during the summer – regulating the temperatures inside and lowering your energy bill.

4. Disposal

You might think that it’s a little early to be thinking about the costs of removing and replacing your cladding, but these are factors to consider when thinking about the overall cost. Timber cladding is often more easily recyclable compared to other options, either through incineration or through testing and processing, meaning it can enter back into the production cycle – resulting in lower costs and greater sustainability.

Find out more about our timber cladding treatments, offering warranties of up to 30 years >

Cost-Effective Timber Cladding from NORclad

While metal, composite, and render each have their own uses, timber cladding takes top spot if you’re looking for a durable option that provides long-term benefits to your expenditure, and to the beauty of your property. At NORclad, we offer a huge range of timber cladding options to help you get the right look (and price) to suit your budget and build. To find out more, request a quote or contact us today!

Find out more about the costs of a commercial cladding project >

Check out our guide to top trends for timber cladding and decking >