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Is Composite Cladding Expensive?

February 14, 2025

Adding an extra layer of protection to the exterior of your home can change the appearance of old or unsightly walls. In addition, it can provide more insulation and weatherization and make the exterior easier to clean. Therefore, remodeling the exterior of your home is a wise investment. Not only does exterior cladding make a home look better, it can even increase the value of a home.

In the past, people would have opted for wood cladding, brick cladding, or the more modern aluminum cladding. Nowadays, more people will choose UPVC cladding and composite cladding. As an alternative to traditional wood cladding, composite cladding is the most durable option. Style is certainly important when choosing outdoor cladding. However, most people are more concerned about its cost.

This guide will detail the prices of different types of exterior cladding for your home. This can help you choose the right cladding material. In addition, we will discuss why composite siding should be your first choice.

What is Composite Cladding?

Composite cladding is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. It’s durable, requires little maintenance, and is environmentally friendly. COOWIN’s composite wall cladding is made from FSC-certified wood fibers and recycled HDPE. It is available in a wide range of colors and surface textures to meet your multiple design needs.

COOWIN also has a more robust and durable line of capped composite cladding. These composite siding panels also have a strong polymer shell around the perimeter to better protect the boards.

COOWIN composite siding is available in many different styles. You can create a home with a traditional look or you can design a modern look for your home. Whichever design style you want, composite cladding can meet your needs. Additionally, COOWIN can be customized to fit your needs.

If you want a high-quality alternative to standard wood cladding panels, composite cladding is what you need. It offers all the benefits of wood without bringing about problems such as rot, UV damage, or warping. As well as making the structure of your home stronger, it adds a protective layer. This prevents moisture from entering the house and keeps it warm and cozy.

Capped Composite Wall Cladding CO-09

Capped Composite Wall Cladding is highly adaptable to various weather conditions, considered one of the best choices for outdoor decor material.

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How Much Does Composite Cladding Cost?

While composite cladding may be more expensive than other traditional house siding materials. However, one should not overlook the added benefits of investing in this attractive and durable material.

Composite cladding costs between $4 and $20 per square foot. It is important to note that this is the price of the material only and does not include the cost of installation. Composite siding has the look and feel of solid wood and comes in a variety of colors and styles.

When choosing, try to buy a high-quality composite cladding brand such as COOWIN and Timbertech. This is because high-quality composite siding is stronger and more durable and will protect and decorate your home better.

Prices for Other Types of Exterior Cladding

Wood, vinyl, stone veneer, and aluminum are other types of exterior cladding. You should choose the best exterior cladding for your home according to your budget.

MaterialsPrice (Per Square Foot)Labor Cost (Per Day)
Wood$3 to $25$200 to $1,800
Vinyl$3 to $16$200 to $1,800
Aluminum$5 to $30$200 to $1,800
Stone Finishes$15 to $30$200 to $1,800

Cost of Wood Cladding

Wood cladding is still the easiest and least expensive option for cladding the exterior of your home. In addition, the price of wood cladding can vary depending on the type and origin of the wood used. However, in general, wood cladding costs between $3 and $25 per square foot.

For most homeowners, the common types of wood used are cedar, red shirt, pine, and spruce. Of these, cedar and red shirt wood are the strongest and last longer as exterior cladding. In addition, the price of lumber can change from time to time depending on the availability in the market. Therefore, timber is not always the cheapest option.

Type of WoodPrice (Per Square Foot)
Cedar$6 to $20
Redwood$10 to $25
Pine$3 to $8
Spruce$4 to $10

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl cladding ranges in price from $3 to $16 per square foot. Vinyl siding is famous because it is inexpensive and long-lasting. And it doesn’t require much maintenance and can last 15 to 20 years. In addition, vinyl cladding is similar to composite cladding in that it is available in a variety of colors.

Aluminum Cladding

Aluminum is one of the strongest exterior cladding materials. Aluminum cladding costs about $10 to $30 per square foot. It offers excellent protection, corrosion resistance in inclement weather, and a long service life. In addition, aluminum composite panels (ACP) are a less expensive alternative to expensive aluminum cladding. Aluminum composite panels are less expensive, costing about $5-15 per square foot.

Stone Cladding

Stone cladding on a building’s exterior can give a classic look and feel. At $15 to $30 per square foot, stone cladding is one of the most expensive types of cladding. In addition, stone cladding is very durable and can last a long time. However, it needs to be installed by a professional. Therefore, to figure out the cost of installing stone wall cladding, you also need to account for additional labor and installation costs.

Composite-Wall-Cladding-3

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Composite Cladding Project

The price of a composite cladding project can change for a number of reasons. Therefore, if you want to get a good idea of the cost of a cladding project. Then you need to consider factors such as the size of the project, practicalities, and other additional costs.

Labor Costs

Buying the materials for exterior siding is one thing, and installing it is another. This can cost you a lot of money because not all workers know how to install exterior cladding. Therefore, the cost of labor depends on the proficiency of the worker. Experienced installers charge more, but they can complete the project faster.

In most cases, labor costs range from $200 to $1,800 per day. Before hiring a professional contractor, find out if they charge by the hour or by the day.

If you have some skills and a more generous amount of time. Then, you can try installing the exterior cladding yourself. However, you must be careful because if it is not installed properly, you may lose more time and cause some damage.

Fortunately, COOWIN’s composite cladding is very easy to install. In addition, we can provide you with the appropriate installation instructions and installation videos. If you can install the composite wall cladding yourself, then you will save on this part of the labor cost.

Size of the Project

The biggest factor that affects the cost of outdoor cladding is the size of the project. It is much cheaper to install 500 square feet of composite cladding than it is to install 1,500 square feet of cladding. Additionally, you will need to account for the square footage of other exterior components that will be changed along with the cladding. Therefore, the larger the area needed for an exterior project, the more the project will cost.

Condition of Existing Cladding

If the existing cladding is still intact, you can use it as a base for the new composite siding. The base will keep the walls secure and make the new cladding last longer. If you need to purchase a new base, the project will cost more. If the existing cladding is not strong enough to be used as a plinth. Then you will need to pay extra to remove the old siding.

Composite-Wall-Cladding-4

Customization Options

Any changes made to the exterior cladding will increase the total cost. The profile, size, shape, and color of the composite cladding are some of the most common changes. Keep in mind that any alterations will incur additional costs. If you want to keep your outdoor cladding unique and aesthetically pleasing, set aside sufficient funds in your project budget.

Additional Costs

In addition to the above-influencing factors, there may be some additional influencing factors:

  • Design Style: Homeowners of single-story homes may choose to cover the entire house. Whereas someone with a two-story home may choose to cover half of it.
  • Installation Location: If it is in a city with a high cost of living, then the cost of installation may be better. If it is in a rural area, the costs associated may be lower.
  • Quality of Materials: High-quality cladding materials last longer and are stronger, but will also cost more.
  • Duration of the Project: The longer the cladding project takes, the more you will have to pay for labor.

Maintenance Cost Analysis of Composite Cladding

Wood cladding is probably the cheapest option. But have you ever seen untreated wood rotting, staining, or breaking quickly when exposed to the elements? Everyone knows that maintaining wood cladding costs a lot of money. This makes it quickly become one of the most expensive options.

Think about it, in order to keep your wood cladding in good condition. You may need to have regular painting, sealant, and cleaning done on it. In addition, you will need to hire a professional to replace any broken boards. All of this will cost you more money.

Composite cladding, UPVC, or aluminum cladding, on the other hand, does not have these problems, which is good news. However, due to the texture of aluminum, it also stains easily. In addition, UPVC cladding can discolor or fade when exposed to strong UV rays. That means you’ll have to replace your home’s siding every few years.

COOWIN’s composite cladding won’t warp, stain, or fade and is very low maintenance. For routine maintenance of composite cladding, all you need to do is clean it twice a year. Cleaning of the composite cladding can be done with mild soapy water. Therefore, this can save you the most on the cost of cladding your home.

Composite-Wall-Cladding

Summarizing

There are many things to keep in mind when planning the exterior cladding of your home. Of course, the cost of cladding is one of the most important considerations. Some people think that once the cladding is installed everything will be fine, but most people are wrong. In addition, the cost of maintenance and damage to the environment are also practical things to consider when choosing siding for your home.

If you want an exterior cladding that will last a long time and give you peace of mind. Then, composite siding may be the best choice for you. If you want to cover your walls inexpensively, wood cladding is your best option. But you need to consider its lifespan and maintenance costs.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. Despite what most people think, composite cladding is not the most expensive option. In fact, it’s a pretty good all-around option for the exterior of your home. COOWIN composite cladding can better decorate and protect your home. Contact us for a free sample.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Paint or Seal My Cladding?

If you choose wood cladding, you will need to seal it. Depending on the color you choose, it may also need to be painted.

Composite cladding, on the other hand, does not need to be painted or sealed, nor do UPVC and metal cladding. However, aluminum may need to be painted after a few years in the sun.

Can I Install Cladding Myself?

This depends on your level of knowledge and the cladding material you wish to choose. As we have already said, composite cladding is usually very simple to install. On the other hand, if you want to install wood cladding. Then you will need to be very skilled in carpentry to avoid damaging the insulation or the material itself.

Do I Need a Building Permit to Install Cladding?

In most cases, you do not need any special permission to add cladding to your home. However, you should always seek advice from your local planning office or a tradesperson. Another common practice is to talk to your neighbors before making changes to the exterior of your home. This is because the installation process and final appearance may affect them.

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Galen Content Writer
Galen is a content creator and decorator with five years of experience designing home decor. In his daily life, Galen is constantly on the lookout for the latest, great examples of house design and further optimizes his solutions. Additionally, he writes articles related to outdoor design, interior design, and architectural decorating materials to help brands build more engaging relationships with their audiences.
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