External cladding transforms the appearance of a property and can improve its thermal performance, weather resistance, and long-term maintenance requirements. The cost depends on the type of cladding chosen, the size of the house, the condition of the existing walls, and whether any insulation is incorporated in the cladding system.

Types of Cladding and Their Costs

Timber cladding

Softwood or hardwood timber boards, either featheredge, shiplap, or square-edged profile, provide a natural aesthetic and are popular for contemporary and rural properties. Timber cladding costs fifteen to forty pounds per square metre for supply and installation depending on the species and treatment. A typical three-bedroom semi with around 100 square metres of wall area to be clad costs one thousand five hundred to four thousand pounds in material plus installation labour, giving a total of three thousand to eight thousand pounds.

UPVC or composite cladding

Hollow or solid UPVC and composite cladding boards are a low-maintenance alternative to timber. They do not require painting or preservative treatment and have a long service life. Supply and installation costs are broadly comparable to timber at fifteen to thirty-five pounds per square metre installed. Total cladding cost for a typical house is two thousand to six thousand pounds.

Fibre cement cladding

Fibre cement boards such as those from manufacturers like Cedral or similar products provide a durable, rot-proof, and fire-resistant cladding option available in a range of finishes including wood-look textures. Supply and installation typically costs twenty to forty-five pounds per square metre. Total for a house of 100 square metres wall area is two thousand to four thousand five hundred pounds in material, with installation adding a similar amount, giving a total of four thousand to nine thousand pounds.

Insulated render systems

External Wall Insulation systems, which combine rigid insulation boards fixed to the wall with a render finish, improve the property's thermal performance significantly. The system costs sixty to one hundred and fifty pounds per square metre installed depending on the insulation thickness and finish specification. For a typical semi-detached house, total costs are eight thousand to twenty thousand pounds.

Summary

Cladding a house costs three thousand to eight thousand pounds for timber or composite board cladding on a typical three-bedroom property. Fibre cement systems cost four thousand to nine thousand pounds. External wall insulation with render costs eight thousand to twenty thousand pounds and delivers energy efficiency improvements as well as visual change. Planning permission is required in conservation areas and for listed buildings.