Is composite cladding better than wood?

Cladding is an important part of a building’s exterior design. Providing excellent protection for the facade in real time. Cladding can also provide better insulation to a building. Wood cladding has been a common material in buildings for a long time. But as technology and the market have developed, homeowners have more options when it comes to choosing the right cladding material. When deciding which material is right for you, it is important to consider some of the cost, maintenance, and durability as a criterion. As a frequently used building materials today, wood cladding and composite cladding. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both. Is composite cladding better than wood?

The importance of cladding

By adding texture or cladding to the surface of a building, the design aesthetics of homes and buildings can be enhanced. The cladding has the freedom to be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Allowing for more design options. It provides a strong surface that protects the building from the elements and the sun. For aesthetic reasons as well as practicality, many homeowners and builders are making cladding a design must for their buildings.

Is composite cladding better than wood?

Durability

One of the most important advantages of Composite cladding is its durability. It is a new synthetic material made from a mixture of wood fibers and recycled plastic, making it more durable than traditional wood. composite cladding will not crack, rot, or warp over time. Thanks to its protective surface, it is resistant to wear and tear, moisture, UV rays, and extreme weather, and does not fade easily. The composite cladding retains its integrity even after a long period of use.

Wood cladding, especially some untreated cladding. Is very susceptible to cracking, rotting, and warping. Cladding is exposed to the elements for long periods of time. So if you live in a wet and rainy environment and want your deck to be more durable, consider the durability of your cladding. Also, wooden cladding is very susceptible to fading after prolonged exposure. This means that over time your wooden cladding can become very unsightly.

Eco-friendly

Composite cladding is made from a mixture of recycled plastic and wood fiber, making it more environmentally friendly. This minimizes the environmental impact, and recycled plastic reduces plastic waste significantly. Composite cladding also requires less maintenance. So there is no need to use chemical products to treat and maintain the cladding.

Wood cladding is also environmentally friendly to a certain extent, as it is made from natural wood, which is a sustainable resource. However, the demand for wood can lead to trees being cut down faster than they can grow, thus causing damage to the green environment. And wood cladding requires a great deal of post-maintenance and upkeep, which requires the use of a lot of harsh chemicals to treat.

Appearance

Cladding is used as a protective layer for buildings. Not only for aesthetic purposes but also to provide defensive value and protect the home from the elements. Choosing composite cladding gives you a wide range of options, with a wide range of finishes and colors. Giving homeowners the freedom to choose a style to match the look of their home. Each piece of cladding can have a distinctive tone and texture and can also protect your building effectively.

The texture and appearance of timber cladding are more natural and many homeowners choose traditional timber for its more natural appearance.

Installation

Composite cladding is very easy to install, and any screws are fitted with concealed fasteners. This makes your cladding more aesthetically pleasing and can be cut freely with a cutting tool. The ease of installation saves more time and labor costs.

Wood cladding can be more messy and difficult to cut. Wood may require more time and specific tools to install.

Costs

Generally speaking, composite cladding has a higher initial cost. Because it has a more complex manufacturing process and material composition. However, if you consider the maintenance costs, you will save more on maintenance and upkeep as you go along. You don’t need regular maintenance and servicing of composite cladding and it will last longer. So you can save time and money on later labor maintenance costs and cladding replacement.

The lower initial cost of wood cladding makes it a popular choice for many people. However, you will need a lot of time for maintenance and upkeep, and the cladding will need to be painted, stained, and treated. Taking all this into account, the total cost of wood cladding is much higher than composite cladding.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, you don’t need to spend time and money on composite cladding. As it requires little maintenance, once it has been installed, you will be able to enjoy its beauty for a long time afterward. It is also resistant to fading and insects, so the cladding will not fade over time. It is also very easy to clean and can be rinsed with water.

However, the maintenance and care of the wood cladding is very tricky. You need to paint and sand it regularly, which can take a lot of time and effort. Even with regular maintenance, the wood cladding is very susceptible to discoloration and damage.

Composite cladding vs Wood cladding

Comparison	Composite cladding	Wood cladding
Insect and moisture resistant	✔	✘
Maintenance-free	✔	✘
Versatile appearance	✔	✘
Low initial cost	✘	✔
Eco-friendly	✔	✔

Conclusion

Wood cladding has long been the preferred choice of many. However, the facts and figures prove that composite cladding has turned out to be a better choice with its durability, aesthetics, and maintenance-free nature. Although it may be more expensive, composite cladding is more cost-effective as you use it, saving you more in maintenance costs. So is composite cladding better than wood? If you are looking for an excellent material for your cladding, choosing composite cladding is the best solution for you.