A modern Kiwi home clad in timber.

Building a home requires a million different decisions. They range from the major - the building’s orientation on site to maximum sun - to the minor - handles and fittings. And while individually these decisions might not seem too difficult, where there are a ton to be made, it can become completely overwhelming.

Today we’ve decided to tackle one of the bigger decisions a home builder has to make - the type of cladding to use on your home.

Cladding is a tricky one because it can determine the overall look and feel of your home from the outside, you often have to take into account council regulations, and consider durability, cost and how it ties in with landscaping and the interior of your home. 

We’ve taken five cladding styles that we think tick all the boxes. 

Brick

Hardly a new concept, brick remains a tried and tested solution for cladding. It has insulating qualities, low water absorption, it’s fire resistant, and it adds a timeless look. Times are a changing though, and it’s common to see brick homes that skip the classic red brick to go with something different, often painted, and cinder block brick is enjoying a revival in popularity. White and black are particularly popular brick choices for a chic look and timeless appeal. The main downside to brick is it is not considered an earthquake-safe choice.

Metal

If you’re going with metal, you’ll have come across the steel/aluminium debacle. While steel is more durable, aluminium is much easier on the pocket, but it’s more easily damaged. Metal also lacks good insulation, so you’ll need to invest elsewhere to ensure your home is warm. Like brick, one of the big appeals of metal is its timelessness, and there are myriad options to find the perfect look for your home.

Timber

Timber is a Kiwi favourite, and many new, architecturally designed homes echo the timber-clad look of old Kiwi baches. The thing with timber is it will age - you have to decide whether an aged look is something you want. If you prefer clean and crisp, timber won’t work for you long-term. If you prefer a natural and worn look, timber is your best friend. Unlike other claddings it will require upkeep, and eventually, replacement, making it less affordable than other options over time.

Timber alternatives

Palisade and linea cladding are good alternatives to timber with better durability - although the look will never quite pass for timber. Palisade looks similar to traditional timber board and is pre-finished with a coating that doesn’t fade as quickly in the sun and doesn't require repainting. Linea, another alternative to timber, is a cement, fibre based cladding that withstands harsh seasons well.

Stone

Ahhh - the timeless stone shed. If you’re building new and want your house to look like it’s been there forever, stone is the choice for you. Stone buildings have a quality about them that can’t be replicated with any other cladding, and it tends to be built to last. It’s also most suited in a rural landscape. Costs vary by choice of stone.

Mix it up

Mixing a couple (or more) high quality cladding styles on your home are super popular at the moment, and there’s a reason why. A mix of cladding tends to add more dimension to a home, and the effect - if done well - creates a designer look that a single cladding doesn’t match. It’s also a good option if you love one option but it’s out of your budget - you can often add a feature of one cladding style while sticking to another option for the bulk of the house. Mixing old and new - like brick and metal - brings an industrial appeal.

PHOTO: Supplied