Cladding is extremely vital for both the protection and the aesthetic appeal of both residential and commercial structures. Choosing the right kind of cladding materials in Perth can make a lot of difference in terms of increasing durability, insulation, and ultimately making your structure valuable in the long run.
The importance of selecting top-rated cladding materials for your structure cannot be underestimated if you happen to live in Perth. This is because your building is going to be exposed to UV rays, summer heat, coastal saltwater and rain. All these will affect the performance of different kinds of material.
This article will give you the most common types of indoor and outdoor cladding in Perth, a comparison of the materials according to the local climatic conditions, cost estimates and more.
What Is Indoor Cladding?
Interior cladding is a wall or ceiling covering installed inside a building to improve both functionality and aesthetics. Interior wall cladding protects interior surfaces from wear, enhances insulation and acoustics, and creates a polished, finished look. You must hire professionals who offer interior carpentry services to get indoor cladding done.
Popular indoor applications include:
- Living room feature walls
- Bedroom accent walls
- Commercial offices and reception areas
- Retail stores
- Hallways and entryways
Timber, stone, composites, and fibre cement are some common materials used for inside wall cladding.
What Is Outdoor Cladding?
Exterior cladding is the protective outer layer installed on the outside of a building to shield it from weather, moisture, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations. It also enhances the building’s appearance, improves insulation, and helps extend the lifespan of the structure. You need to hire exterior carpentry experts to install outdoor cladding panels efficiently.
Common outdoor applications include:
- Home façades
- Garages
- Alfresco and outdoor entertaining areas
- Commercial buildings
- Apartment developments
Exterior cladding can even help improve the thermal properties of the building by reducing heat transfer.
Popular Cladding Design Trends in Perth

Many people residing in Perth like a design that looks modern and sleek and fits in with the surroundings. Common designs are:
- Modern and sleek facades
- Timber effect cladding to give it a natural look
- Stone wall features at the entrance
- Use of mixed materials, such as timber, metal, and stone
- Neutral colours, such as white, charcoal, beige, and light grey
While the top cladding designs play an important role, choosing a material that performs well in Perth’s climate is equally important.
Best Cladding Materials for Perth Climate
Different Perth cladding types behave differently under the city’s climatic conditions. It all comes down to your property’s location, maintenance, budget, and design preferences. Listed below are the most common cladding materials and their best applications.
Vinyl Cladding
One of the cheapest and best materials for house cladding you can get is vinyl cladding. This type of cladding is made up of PVC and is not only light but also easy to install and maintain. It is designed in a way that it mimics wood in appearance but is more resistant to moisture.
Fibre Cement Cladding
Fibre cement is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres, resulting in a strong exterior. This material for house cladding withstands direct sunlight and is also water-resistant. Additionally, it can be painted into many different colours to suit architectural designs.
Metal Cladding
The use of metal cladding continues to be common in both homes and commercial properties. The panels made of aluminium or steel are highly durable as well as resistant to fire, insects, and adverse climatic conditions. They require little maintenance and can suit modern architectural styles.
Timber Cladding
The natural look of wooden cladding is what makes it so attractive. Timber comes in softwood and hardwood and can be used for coastal homes, heritage buildings, as well as modern houses. While the natural look of timber is timeless, it needs regular maintenance in terms of sealing and painting.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is composed of wood fibres mixed with recycled plastics to provide a material that is similar to timber but more durable with minimal maintenance. Its water, insect, and weathering-resistant characteristics make it suitable for the Perth climate.
Brick and Stone Cladding
Brick cladding and stone cladding provide traditional elegance along with exceptional strength. They offer good resistance to weather conditions and are not demanding in terms of maintenance during their service life. Feature walls with natural cladding stones can increase the property’s value and make it visually appealing as well.
How to Choose the Right Cladding Material

Before selecting cladding panels, consider:
- Your overall budget
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
- Whether your property is located inland or near the coast
- Energy efficiency requirements
- Your preferred architectural style
- Bushfire ratings if your property is located in a bushfire-prone area
Working with experienced professionals can help you balance appearance, performance, and long-term maintenance costs.
How much does Cladding Costs per m2 in Perth
The walls cladding cost will vary depending on the chosen material, installation complexity, property size, and supplier. Labour, preparation work, and custom finishes also influence the overall project budget. The table below provides general cost estimates for Perth projects.
| Cladding Material |
Estimated Cost |
Factors Affecting Cost |
| Vinyl |
$30 – $100 per m² |
Profile, finish, UV protection, insulation features |
| Render |
$30 – $50 per m² |
Brand, thickness, factory coating |
| Aluminium |
$14 – $36.50 per m² |
Aluminium selection, coatings, finish |
| Timber |
$3.25 – $11.75 per linear metre |
Timber species, treatment, finish, installation complexity |
| Stone Cladding |
$120 – $200 per m² |
Stone type, cutting, installation complexity |
Additional Costs of Cladding Your Home
Besides material costs, several other expenses may affect your total cladding project budget.
Installation Costs
Professional cladding installation by Perth carpentry experts generally ranges from $80 – $150 per m², depending on project complexity and accessibility. Multi-storey buildings, curved walls, and intricate architectural details usually require additional labour.
Preparation Work
Additional costs may include:
- Removal of existing cladding
- Disposal of old materials
- Wall repairs
- Surface levelling
- Waterproofing preparation
Proper preparation ensures the new cladding performs as intended for many years.
Maintenance Costs
Different materials have varying maintenance requirements.
- Vinyl generally only requires occasional cleaning.
- Fibre cement should be inspected periodically for damage.
- Timber requires regular sealing, painting, or staining.
- Metal and composite cladding need occasional washing and inspections for corrosion or minor damage.
Considering lifetime maintenance costs can help you make a better long-term investment.
Outdoor Cladding Maintenance Tips
Maintenance increases the lifespan of any type of cladding system. Good maintenance will protect your investment, preserve the look of the house, and also reduce the chances of having to do expensive repair work. Here are some recommended maintenance techniques for houses in Perth:
Protect Against Moisture
Make sure that the gutters, downpipes, and drainage systems are working effectively so that no moisture is trapped around the walls. Regularly inspect and reseal joints where necessary to minimise water penetration.
Clean Regularly
Dust, mould, coastal salt deposits, and airborne debris can accumulate over time. Wash your cladding using manufacturer-approved cleaning methods to maintain both appearance and performance.
Inspect for Damage
Check your cladding at least once each year for:
- Cracks
- Loose panels
- Water intrusion
- Corrosion
- Damaged sealants
Early repairs help prevent more extensive structural issues.
Maintain Protective Coatings
Many types of cladding will require re-coating or re-sealing after a number of years. Adherence to the recommended maintenance plan provided by the manufacturer will help keep the product durable and looking good.
Choose Professional Installation
Professional installation by commercial or residential carpenters in Perth is just as important as choosing quality products for the job. Professional installers will guarantee proper waterproofing, ventilation, fixing and adherence to Australian building regulations.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate cladding system for your home or business premises in Perth means taking into account aesthetics, longevity, ease of maintenance, and budget. Cladding that functions properly in the Perth climate will offer you lasting benefits and help protect your property for longer. Proper installation along with maintenance allows for increased energy efficiency and longevity of your cladding system.
At BODA Carpentry, we deliver customised cladding systems for Perth residents and businesses. No matter if you are doing a new build or renovation, our specialists can advise on the best cladding options available to suit your particular needs and budget. Contact us today to request a personalised quote.
Disclaimer: All costs mentioned in this article are estimates only. Actual pricing may vary depending on the material selected, project size, site conditions, labour requirements, supplier pricing, and other project-specific factors.