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The cost of cladding a house can vary widely, ranging from $30 to $150 per square meter, depending on the material, installation complexity, and project scope. Fibre cement cladding is generally more affordable, costing $40 to $70 per square meter, while metal cladding typically ranges from $50 to $100 per square meter.
Cladding is a prevalent feature in Australian residential construction, particularly in detached homes. The widespread use of various cladding materials indicates their popularity. Whether you're choosing vinyl, timber, metal, or fibre cement cladding, knowing the real costs upfront can save you thousands. Cladding serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, offering weather protection, insulation, and fire resistance. Cladding prices depend on the type of material used, the size of the project, and the surface of the wall.
The Australian cladding market was valued at approximately AUD 7.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.22% between 2025 and 2034. This growth reflects the ongoing demand for cladding in both new constructions and renovations.
Expect to pay between $30 and $150 per square meter for materials alone, with additional costs for labor and installation ranging from $230 to $310 per square meter. Aluminium cladding is generally on the lower end, while stone veneer is the most expensive. This cladding installation cost guide will discuss the different types of cladding materials that one can apply, the costs of the cladding, and other factors that will affect the final cost.
The cost of cladding can depend on the material, cladding area, the installation company, and your location. We have discussed here the types of cladding, their advantages, and prices. You can compare to find the cheapest way to do cladding.
Vinyl cladding is popular because of its cheap price, fast fixing and it is easy to maintain. Commonly produced from PVC, vinyl cladding can be styled to resemble other materials; for instance, timber, although it is more weather-resistant.
Cost Range: Vinyl cladding mostly ranges from $400 to $600 for every one hundred square meters.
Factors Influencing Cost: It may rise depending on the type of vinyl and the pattern, finishes and even the difficulty level involved in the work. It is possible to buy vinyl with slightly better characteristics or with UV protection or better thermal insulation and this comes for a higher price.
Fibre-cement cladding currently boasts excellent performance on the market due to its sturdiness and adaptability. Consisting of cement, sand and cellulose fibres it forms a durable and long-term solid surface that can be painted to a range of styles and colours.
Cost Range: It approximately costs within the project that is between $50 and $75 for every square meter of the fiber-cement cladding.
Factors Influencing Cost: Prices will vary depending on the brand, the thickness of the cladding and any pre-coated features. Few superior quality fiber-cement products could include better specific qualities or glosses which will cost more.
Metal cladding is widely used in modern construction projects because of its elegance, and its high performance as a material. It will also ensure it can withstand weather conditions, fire and pests hence making it effective for use in different climates and environments. Further, Metal Cladding usually does not need much maintenance to be done on it making its gains even more worthwhile in the long run.
Cost Range: In total, metal cladding average costs from $80 to $150 per square meter. This price may vary based on the material used, aluminum, steel or aluminium is normally cheaper as compared to steel.
Factors Influencing Cost: The type of metal used is a factor hence aluminum costs less than stainless or corten steel. Type of the finish used such as powder coating or anodizing is also another aspect that determines the price to be charged.
Timber cladding established a warm natural feel which is mostly preferred for its traditional look. It can be sourced from different kinds of wood and this can come in different prices.
Cost Range: Horizontal timber cladding mostly ranges from $60 up to $100 per square meter. The average cost of timber cladding varies by material, ranging from $40–$80 per m² for softwoods like pine to $100–$250+ per m² for premium hardwoods such as spotted gum or blackbutt. Prices include materials only and may rise with custom finishes or installation.
Factors Influencing Cost: Prices differ according to the timber type used such as the hardwood or softwood, the kind of treatment and polishing done and whether the installation process is complicated or not. While Australian hardwoods may cost more than softwoods because they are more valuable owing to their durability and their looks.
Composite coverings are made of such compounds as wood pulp and plastic so ensuring it is easy to maintain and resembles timber. It is also widely known for being highly resistant and very easy to maintain at the same time.
Cost Range: Fibre cement costs normally range from $80 to $130 per square meter in the case of composite cladding.
Factors Influencing Cost: The cost could diminish based on the brand that is being used, the type of brick cladding and whether it is pre-finished or not. Incremental costs of such extra features or complexity in producing a better quality composite may border on the higher range.
The case with brick and stone cladding is that it gives a traditional look that is very much desired and it also provides superior protection. They work usually based on their timeless appearance as well as their resilience.
Cost Range: Basically, the price of brick cladding varies from $100-$150 per square meter while stone cladding varies from $120-$200 per square meter.
Factors Influencing Cost: Cost differences depend on the stone or brick used, the density of the work and other treatments or coatings that may be applied. The use of custom-cut stone or the highest quality of bricks may also lead to a further increase in cost.
Apart from what has been mentioned above in the material cost, other issues may influence the total amount of money you may spend on your cladding work.
Some costs encompass installation costs, which are usually part of the total costs. The complexity of the project and the location can affect these costs:
Complexity of the Project: Straightforward layouts could be cheaper to install, but designs or structures with numerous bends or in multiple stories raise the labor component of cost.
Location: Cladding installation cost also differs within the different regions. Sydney and Melbourne tend to be on the higher end, while Perth and Adelaide may offer slightly more affordable rates due to lower labour and material costs. In Australia, average cladding costs vary by city, with prices typically ranging from $80 to $150 per square metre.
Before cladding can be installed, certain preparatory work may be required, adding to the overall cost:
Removal of Existing Cladding: However, in cases where old cladding has to be stripped, this will translate to extra cost. It can be time-consuming and normally comes with some disposal charges.
Repairs and Surface Preparation: In the case of repairs of the underlying walls or any other painting preparatory work like a rectification of structural cracks or levelling the surface then the total costs are bound to rise. Planning and preparation for the cladding installation are crucial in order not to face difficulties while installing it.
Some cladding materials require ongoing maintenance, which should be factored into your budget:
Vinyl and Fiber-Cement: These are commonly used cladding materials that need little attention in terms of regular maintenance. Vinyl cladding can be mostly washed and cleaned every once in a while, but some amount of checks will have to be done more often on fibre-cement cladding due to damage or wear.
Timber: It needs to be treated periodically, sealed or painted more frequently to keep its good looks as well as to have a long-lasting value. If timber is not properly maintained then there can be some problems such as timber rotting or getting a different colour.
Metal and Composite: Usual and require very little attention, though may need occasional repairs, checks and washing all over. It is important that the metal cladding be examined for rust or corrosion that may be present while the composite cladding remains in its stable state although it should be cleaned so that dirt and debris are not accumulated.
Recladding a house in Australia typically costs between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the home's size, cladding material, and labour involved. Timber, vinyl, and composite options vary in price, and costs can increase with structural repairs or insulation upgrades.
Painting a house is typically much cheaper upfront than cladding. On average, exterior painting costs range from $20 to $40 per m², depending on the paint type, number of coats, and surface preparation. It’s a cost-effective way to refresh your home’s look but usually needs to be redone every 7–10 years due to weathering and fading.
Cladding, on the other hand, is a bigger investment with costs ranging from $30 to over $200 per m² depending on the material (e.g., vinyl, timber, fibre cement, or metal). While more expensive initially, cladding can offer long-term advantages such as improved insulation, reduced maintenance, enhanced weather resistance, and a modernised exterior that may boost property value.
Painting is cheaper short term, but cladding can be more cost-effective over time if you’re looking for better durability, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
Whether it’s cheaper to clad or render a house depends on the materials used, labour costs, and the condition of your existing exterior. Generally, rendering is cheaper upfront, especially with basic cement render, but cladding offers longer-term benefits and insulation options.
Rendering gives a smooth, modern finish and may be more cost-effective for a simple refresh. Cladding, while more expensive upfront, can provide added insulation, durability, and minimal maintenance, potentially reducing long-term costs.
Timber cladding is generally cheaper than brick in terms of upfront material and installation costs. On average, timber cladding costs between $80 and $150 per m², while brick veneer or full brickwork typically ranges from $100 to $180+ per m², depending on the type of brick and labour rates.
However, the cost difference goes beyond materials. Brick is more durable, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance, which may reduce long-term upkeep costs. Timber, while more affordable initially, may require regular sealing, painting, or staining to maintain its appearance and protect against weathering or pests.
Timber cladding is more budget-friendly upfront, but brick may offer greater value over time due to its longevity and lower maintenance needs.
a. Choose Cost-Effective Materials:
For instance, if you are restricted by the costs of the project, then you may choose cheaper cladding material such as vinyl or fibre-cement. These choices are reasonably priced yet offer sturdiness and appearance as the benefits it offers.
b. Compare Quotes:
When hiring a contractor be sure to get several estimates by different contractors so that you see you are being charged fairly for the job. Each quote should comprise a breakdown showing the materials used, and the labour cost among other expenses. This way you can beat the system by comparing the quotes which give you the best deal and still extra costs are not included.
c. DIY Installation:
However, this method of installation is ideal if an individual has the required skills and experience in the process because it will help in cutting costs that might be incurred on labour. But do not forget, that if it is done wrong it can cause problems in the long-term, for example, water leakage or harm to the structure of a building. Professionals should be hired especially if a person is not so sure of his or her capabilities.
d. Consider Long-Term Value:
Although the initial cost of various types of cladding may be a factor to look at, think of the value of the cladding after a long time. Purchasing better quality products or long-lasting varieties may mean that you will spend less in maintenance, and use the product for a longer time.
To provide a clearer picture of how these costs translate into real-world scenarios, let’s consider a few examples:
Example 1: Standard Vinyl Cladding Installation:
For a standard single-story home with a total wall area of 200 square meters, choosing vinyl cladding would involve:
Material Cost: At $50 per square meter, the cost for vinyl cladding would be $10,000.
Installation Cost: At $40 per square meter, installation would cost $8,000.
Additional Costs: Allowing $1,000 for the removal of existing cladding and surface preparation, the total cost would be approximately $19,000.
Example 2: Premium Fiber-Cement Cladding:
For a two-story home with a total wall area of 300 square meters, opting for fibre-cement cladding would involve:
Material Cost: At $65 per square meter, the cost for fibre-cement cladding would be $19,500.
Installation Cost: It costs around $50 per square meter, installation would cost $15,000.
Additional Costs: Allowing $1,500 for preparation and potential repairs, the total cost would be approximately $36,000.
Example 3: High-End Metal Cladding:
For a modern home with a total wall area of 250 square meters, choosing metal cladding would involve:
Material Cost: It costs around $100 per square meter, the cost for metal cladding would be $25,000.
Installation Cost: It costs around $55 per square meter, installation would cost $13,750.
Additional Costs: Allowing $2,000 for preparation and removal of existing cladding, the total cost would be approximately $40,750.
The cost of cladding in Australia varies widely depending on the material chosen, the size of the project, and additional factors such as installation and maintenance. For example, stone cladding typically comes with a higher upfront cost due to its natural beauty and durability, while vinyl cladding is often a more affordable and low-maintenance option. Wall cladding materials also vary in price based on the type and quality. It’s important to factor in not only the material costs but also the expertise of cladding installers, as proper installation ensures longevity and optimal performance. You must focus on how to find a cladding installer near you. By understanding the price ranges for different cladding options and considering factors such as preparation work and long-term maintenance, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and home improvement goals.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.
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