Exterior cladding cost is usually one of the first things homeowners ask about when planning to update a property’s exterior. The average cost to clad a house in the UK is about £3,800, but you’ll see prices anywhere from £2,800 up to £6,000, depending on materials, property size, and how fussy you are about the finish.
Material costs swing from £20 to £100 per square metre. Labour can add another £100 to £200 per day, depending on who you hire and where you live.
Picking the right cladding means weighing up your budget against the long-term value. Timber, uPVC, and aluminium all come at different price points and offer their own perks.
Single-storey homes cost less to clad than two-storey ones. The quality level you go for will shape both the upfront spend and how long the cladding lasts.
Material prices, labour, installation timescales, and extras like scaffolding or prep work all add up. If you want to avoid nasty surprises, it pays to know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Exterior cladding often cost between £2,800 and £6,000 for most UK homes, with material prices ranging from £20 to £100 per square metre
- Your choice of material makes a big difference: timber is usually most affordable, aluminium tends to be the priciest
- Labour costs jump around: £50 per day for a labourer, up to £200 per day for a cladding specialist
Exterior Cladding Cost Breakdown
Exterior cladding jobs can run from £1,500 to several thousand pounds, all depending on material, property size, and how tricky the installation is. The total bill includes materials per square metre, labour, and extras like scaffolding.
Average Exterior Cladding Cost for a House
Most people spend around £3,800 to clad a typical semi-detached house. That covers standard materials and a pro installation.
Cladding a single gable end or porch? Expect £1,500 to £2,100. Bigger detached homes with two or more storeys can hit £8,000 or more.
Bungalows usually cost less, since there’s not as much wall to cover and you can skip most of the scaffolding.
If your walls need repairs or insulation before cladding, your total spend will be higher.
Exterior Cladding Cost Per Square Metre
Material prices per square metre depend on what you choose:
| Material Type | Cost per m² |
| Metal | £20 |
| Wood/Timber | £20 |
| Fibre Cement | £30 |
| Composite | £35 |
| uPVC | £40 |
| Stone | £40 |
| Tile | £40 |
These prices only cover materials. Factoring in installation, the average cost is about £20 per m² for straightforward jobs.
Labour will add £50 to £200 a day, depending on whether you hire a general labourer or a specialist. Carpenters usually want £125 per day, while cladding specialists can ask for £150 to £200.
Exterior Cladding Cost by Property Size
Bigger properties mean more wall to cover and more labour hours, so the price goes up. Here’s a rough guide:
Small properties like garden rooms, sheds, or small porches: £500 to £1,500. These are quick jobs, usually done in a day or two, and rarely need scaffolding.
Mid-sized properties (think terraced houses or small bungalows): £2,000 to £4,000. These typically take 3-5 days and might need some scaffolding.
Large properties (detached houses or multi-storey homes): £5,000 and up, sometimes well over £10,000. Expect full scaffolding, several trades on site, and a job that could last a week or two.
Got bay windows, angled walls, or fancy details? Those features push the price up due to extra cutting and fiddly fitting work.
Supply and Installation Costs
If you’re handy and want to do it yourself, supply-only prices start at £17.30 per composite board, £15.06 for fibre cement, and £13 to £25 for timber boards.
Installation costs cover tradespeople and the extras. Scaffolding hire is £500 to £1,500, depending on how high and how long you need it.
Support battens run £100 to £300 for an average house. Add £150 to £400 for trims, starter strips, and fixings – these are essential if you don’t already have them. For an accurate quote, reach out to local installers with your wall measurements and project details.
Factors Influencing Exterior Cladding Cost
Several things shape your final exterior cladding cost. Material choice, property features, and where you live all matter.
Choice of Cladding Materials
Material is the biggest factor. Softwood timber starts at about £8/m², but you’ll need to prep and maintain it more often. uPVC averages £25/m², with composite sitting at roughly £36/m².
Premium stuff costs more. Western red cedar is £20 to £50/m², oak is £25 to £60/m², and stone cladding can hit £55/m² or more. Fibre cement boards average around £42/m².
Don’t just look at the sticker price. Cheap softwood might seem like a bargain, but you’ll pay more in the long run for paint, primer, and upkeep. Some materials need repainting every few years, while composite boards barely need any attention.
Durability is a big deal. Higher-quality materials often come with longer guarantees and better colour retention. If you’re not sure what fits your budget and needs, get in touch for a free quote.
Property Size and Complexity
Larger homes need more material and more time to install. A small bungalow is much cheaper to clad than a big house with lots of extensions.
Property shape matters too. Simple rectangles are easier and faster to clad than a home with lots of angles, bay windows, or other quirks. Every window and door adds to the workload and creates more waste.
Scaffolding costs more if you’ve got a two-storey place or tricky access. Tight spaces near boundaries can make scaffolding a headache, and more levels mean more time and higher hire fees.
Own a listed building or a home in a protected area? You’ll probably need planning permission and maybe even specialist materials, which can really ramp up the cost.
Location and Labour Rates
Labour charges jump around the UK. Plasterers or carpenters usually charge £175 to £250 per day, and specialists like stonemasons can go up to £300.
Your material choice affects which tradesperson you’ll need. Stonemasons cost more than general builders, and some cladding specialists offer supply-and-fit packages that might limit your options for price comparison.
Urban areas tend to have higher labour rates, but rural properties can face bigger delivery fees. If your property is tough to access, expect to pay more for moving materials around. It’s a good idea to chat with a local pro to get a better idea of costs for your specific project and area.
Comparison of Exterior Cladding Materials and Their Costs
Cladding materials come in all shapes and prices. uPVC is usually the cheapest at £20-£60 per square metre. Timber ranges from £10-£60, depending on the wood. Composite lands at £50-£120, and stone or metal can reach £80-£150 per square metre.
uPVC and PVC Cladding
uPVC and PVC cladding are the go-to for budget-friendly exterior wall covering. You’ll pay about £20 to £60 per square metre.
PVC is lightweight, so it’s quick to install and keeps labour costs down. Honestly, uPVC doesn’t need much looking after – just a wash now and then to keep it tidy.
But let’s be real: it doesn’t look as rich as timber or composite, and the colour range is a bit limited. The finish can seem a bit plasticky up close.
uPVC works well for utility buildings or if you just want something cheap and easy. It shrugs off moisture and won’t rot or warp. If you’re not fussed about looks and just want something practical, PVC cladding is a solid pick.
Timber and Wooden Cladding Options
Timber cladding has a natural warmth and charm that’s hard to beat. Costs really depend on the wood you pick.
Softwoods like pine or larch are £10 to £40 per square metre. Premium hardwoods – cedar or oak – run £20 to £60 per square metre. Treated timber lasts longer but costs more than untreated.
Don’t forget the ongoing care. Wood cladding needs regular maintenance to avoid rot and weather damage. Staining, treating, and the odd repair all add up over time.
Finish quality also affects the price. Wooden cladding works for both classic and modern homes. If you’re not sure which wood suits your needs, talk to a local pro for advice and estimates.
Composite Cladding Cost
Composite cladding blends modern tech with a natural look. You’ll pay £50 to £120 per square metre, so it sits in the mid-to-premium range.
Yes, it costs more upfront, but you save on maintenance. Unlike timber, composite doesn’t need staining, sealing, or painting, and wood-free options don’t rot or attract bugs.
Composite cladding usually lasts longer than timber and keeps its appearance. It stands up to the weather, resists fading and warping, and doesn’t splinter.
Some composite products mimic real wood really well, minus the hassle. The low upkeep means you might actually save money over the years. If you’re curious, ask for a consultation and see how composite might stack up for your home.
Metal, Aluminium and Stone Cladding
Metal and aluminium cladding are tough and weather-resistant. Aluminium usually costs £30 to £50 per square metre, which is less than stainless steel.
Stone cladding is the luxury pick at £80 to £150 per square metre. Natural stone is super durable but takes a lot of labour to install.
Key features:
- Metal cladding stands up to weather and fire
- Aluminium offers lots of colour and finish options
- Stone cladding is perfect for heritage or high-end homes
- Both require little ongoing care
Metal might need extra insulation for better energy performance. Stone installation is complex, so labour can push the price up further. These materials suit contemporary homes or any project where you want durability and a distinctive look.
Additional Expenses and Long-Term Considerations
There’s more to the bill than just the cladding itself. Removal, repairs, maintenance, and insulation can all bump up your spend.
Removal of Existing Cladding
If you already have cladding or render, removing it adds £15-35 per square metre. The price depends on what’s there and how it was fixed.
Timber is usually easier (and cheaper) to remove than stone or concrete. If there’s asbestos, you’ll need a specialist, and that can cost £50-100 per square metre. Always get a survey first to check for hazardous materials.
Sometimes, you can clad over existing materials if the structure’s solid. This saves on removal but adds weight, so you might need a structural engineer to check if your walls can handle it.
Preparation and Repairs
Wall preparation usually eats up about 10-20% of your total cladding project costs. Before you even start installing cladding, most properties need a bit of repair work.
Common prep tasks? Here’s a quick list:
- Repointing brickwork (£20-40 per square metre)
- Replacing damaged timber (£30-60 per square metre)
- Treating damp issues (£200-800, depending on how bad it is)
- Installing backing boards or battens (£8-15 per square metre)
Older homes, especially Victorian and Edwardian ones, often need more intensive prep. Sometimes, they even need structural work before you can safely install cladding.
Don’t forget about building regulation fees. These usually run between £150 and £500, covering inspections and compliance paperwork.
Maintenance Costs
Different cladding materials come with their own maintenance routines. These ongoing costs can sneak up on you, so it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.
Vinyl and composite cladding only need a good clean with mild detergent every couple of years. If you hire someone, that’s usually £200-400 for an average house, though you could save by doing it yourself.
Timber cladding is more demanding. You’ll need to re-treat or repaint it every 5-8 years, typically at £15-25 per square metre.
Stone and fibre cement? Pretty low-maintenance – just occasional inspections and cleaning. Over 25-50 years, those savings add up.
Improvements to Insulation
Adding insulation while you’re installing cladding costs £15-35 per square metre. The payoff: heating bills can drop by 15-30% a year. Most people see this investment pay itself off within 5-10 years, thanks to lower energy costs.
Upgrading insulation also bumps up your property’s Energy Performance Certificate rating by one to three bands. That can boost your home’s value and maybe even get you a better mortgage rate.
Honestly, it just makes sense to combine exterior wall insulation with your cladding project. You’ll deal with less disruption and usually save money compared to doing the jobs separately.
Standard insulation materials include mineral wool (£12-20 per square metre) and rigid foam boards (£18-28 per square metre). Thicker insulation does a better job but needs deeper fixing systems, which can bump up install costs by £5-10 per square metre.
Exterior Cladding Installation Guide
Installing exterior cladding takes some planning. The expertise you bring in – or don’t – will shape your project’s timeline and final look.
Professional vs DIY Installation
Honestly, we think most people should hire a qualified cladding specialist. These pros know how to fit cladding properly, keep things weatherproof, and make sure you’re up to code.
DIY might look cheaper on paper, but the reality? You need special tools, scaffolding, and a solid grip on moisture barriers and ventilation gaps. One mistake and you’re looking at leaks, damage, or a voided warranty.
Pros usually work faster and leave less mess. They’re used to tricky spots like window reveals or roof junctions. Most reputable specialists also back up their work with solid guarantees.
When you add up tool hire, scaffolding, and wasted materials, the price gap between DIY and pro installation isn’t as wide as you might think. Get a free quote before you decide.
Installation Timescales
Cladding a typical house usually takes one to three weeks, depending on size and material. Smaller homes with simple designs can be done in as little as five working days.
What affects the timeline?
- Property size and height
- Architectural quirks
- Chosen cladding material
- Weather during installation
- Condition of the current walls
Timber and composite cladding usually go up quicker than stone or brick slip systems. uPVC sits in the middle – most semi-detached homes need seven to ten days.
Weather really matters. Rain can stop work on some materials, and cold can mess with adhesives. Installers usually build in some buffer time for delays.
Weather Protection and Durability
Wall cladding is your home’s first shield against wind, rain, and temperature swings. Fibre cement and composite cladding usually last 25-45 years and don’t need much attention, keeping moisture and rot at bay.
Brick and stone? They’re in it for the long haul – over 100 years, with only the occasional repointing. These materials naturally shrug off weather and keep their protective edge.
Some cladding types also boost insulation if you install them with proper backing. That cuts down on heat loss and can lower your bills. Investing in quality cladding tends to pay off through fewer repairs and longer-lasting protection.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Cladding changes a home’s look more than almost any other exterior upgrade. We’ve seen places completely reinvented – maybe you go for traditional timber for warmth, or fibre cement panels for a crisp, modern vibe.
Mixing materials can add visual interest without blowing the budget. Use premium timber or stone on the front, then more affordable PVC or composite on less visible sides.
There’s a huge range of colours and textures. Timber gives you natural grain, while manufactured options come in tons of shades. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll help you explore samples that fit your home and neighbourhood.
Impact on Property Value
Good exterior cladding boosts kerb appeal, which buyers definitely notice. Well-kept cladding says you’ve looked after the place, easing worries about hidden problems.
The value added depends on your material and how well it’s installed. Premium choices like brick, hardwood, or stone tend to deliver better returns than the cheapest options. Still, even mid-range cladding helps if it freshens up the exterior or solves maintenance headaches.
Low-maintenance cladding is a plus for buyers who don’t want constant upkeep. On the flip side, materials needing regular refinishing might put some people off, no matter how good they look.
Get in touch with SPS Roofing Ltd
It’s worth digging into a cladding specialist’s credentials before you hire. Look for contractors registered with trade bodies like the Federation of Master Builders.
Always get at least three detailed quotes. You want to see a breakdown of material costs, labour, and extras like scaffolding and waste removal. Book a free consultation with local experts to compare properly.
Ask to see photos of previous jobs and get references from recent clients. Good installers are happy to share their work – and if you can, visit a live job site to see how they operate.
Make sure your chosen specialist has the right insurance, including public liability cover of at least £5 million. They should also give you written guarantees for both materials and their workmanship – five years minimum is a good benchmark.
Exterior cladding doesn’t just protect your home – it can totally transform how it looks and even bump up the value. Picking the right material is about balancing the upfront spend with long-term performance. It’s more than just a facelift. If you need a free quotation for your next exterior cladding project, get in touch with our expert team at SPS Roofing Ltd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trying to figure out the real cost of exterior cladding? Here are some straight answers to the questions we get asked most.
What factors influence the price of installing exterior cladding on a property?
Several things drive the cost of cladding. The size of your property is a big one – bigger buildings need more materials and take longer to finish.
Complex designs bump up costs, too. Lots of windows, odd angles, or unusual shapes mean more cutting, more waste, and more labour.
Where you live can nudge prices up. Hard-to-reach homes or those on hills might face higher labour charges.
How you install matters as well. Some cladding uses tongue and groove, others feather board. Each method takes different skills and time.
How does the choice of materials impact the overall cost of exterior cladding?
Material choice makes the biggest difference. Basic uPVC usually runs about £40 per square metre, while timber and metal options start closer to £20.
Fibre cement averages £30 per square metre. Composite cladding is about £35, striking a balance between cost and durability.
Stone or tile cladding? Think £40 per square metre or more. They look great but cost more upfront.
Even within each category, quality varies. Higher-end boards last longer and need less upkeep, which can save you money in the long run.
Could you provide a price range for cladding a standard residential home?
Full house cladding projects usually cost between £8,000 and £45,000 for average UK homes. For a standard two-bedroom place, you’re looking at £3,500 to £8,000, depending on size and materials.
Two-storey homes typically need about £8,000 for full cladding. If you’re just doing a single wall or gable, expect £1,500 to £2,100.
The average cost per square metre is around £20, including both labour and materials. Your choices can push this up or down.
Budget materials keep things cheaper, while premium options like cedar or zinc raise the total. Best bet? Get a quote tailored to your project.
What additional costs should be considered when budgeting for exterior cladding?
Scaffolding is a big extra cost, especially for taller homes. Most two-storey jobs need it, adding hundreds or even thousands to your bill.
Support battens are a must for most cladding. They create a gap for weatherproofing and insulation, so factor them in if you don’t already have them.
Don’t forget trims and fixings – corner trims, starter strips, and the right screws all add up.
If you’re taking off old cladding, you might need a skip. It’s also smart to replace or repair gutters while the scaffolding’s up; new guttering kits start at around £250.
Some timber cladding needs ongoing care. Paint, stain, or treatment products will add to your long-term costs if you go that route.
How much could labour charges add to the total expense of exterior cladding projects?
Labour costs swing a lot depending on who you hire. Cladding specialists usually charge £150 to £200 per day for their expertise.
General builders come in at £100 to £150 daily. They can handle most installs but might not be experts in every material.
Carpenters charge around £125 and up per day, especially good for timber and composite cladding.
General labourers with the right skills range from £50 to £200 per day. That’s a wide range, mostly down to experience and local rates.
How long your project takes is key. Single-storey homes or bungalows go faster, while big or complex projects take longer and cost more in labour.
Do the dimensions of the building significantly affect the cladding installation cost?
Building size really does drive cladding costs up or down. A tiny garden shed costs a fraction of what you’d spend on a five-bedroom detached house, mostly because there’s just so much less to cover.
The number of storeys changes things, too. Single-storey places usually skip the scaffolding, but if you’ve got multiple floors, scaffolding becomes a must – and that isn’t cheap.
It’s not just about surface area, though. More windows, doors, or quirky architectural bits mean extra cutting and fiddly work, which eats up more materials and time.
If you’re cladding a semi-detached or detached house, expect to pay more than you would for a terraced home. More exposed walls mean more cladding and sometimes trickier corners to deal with.
