Composite vs Timber Cladding

The differences between composite cladding and traditional timber go way beyond looks. Timber cladding offers natural beauty and remains a renewable choice with a lower carbon footprint.
Composite cladding, on the other hand, is a blend of recycled wood fibres and recycled plastics, making it tough enough to handle Australia’s harsh weather.
This article will compare composite vs timber cladding, giving you a better understanding of both materials.

Understanding Cladding Materials

Timber Cladding
Timber cladding showcases nature’s handiwork with unique grain patterns and natural markings.

You’ll find various wood species available. Western Red Cedar displays beautiful reddish-brown tones, while Alaskan Yellow Cedar features a pale, golden hue. This natural material creates an authentic outdoor feel. The wood’s appearance changes as time passes, and without regular treatment, it may develop a rustic grey patina.

Composite cladding tells a different story. It combines 60% wood fibres with 40% recycled plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This blend creates a consistent look that stays the same throughout its life.

Both materials shield buildings from the weather, but they perform differently. Timber breaks down naturally and helps the environment. However, it needs proper treatment and care to avoid damage from moisture, bacteria, and fungi. Harsh weather can significantly affect wood’s stability.

Composite Cladding
Thanks to its plastic content, composite cladding handles moisture, bacteria, and fungi better. It stands up well to outdoor conditions and doesn’t require extra treatment after installation. These products come in many colours and keep their look without painting or staining.

Timber cladding lets your building breathe naturally, which helps prevent condensation. Whereas composite materials create a solid barrier instead, so proper ventilation becomes essential during installation.

Detailed Comparison Criteria

Picking the right cladding system requires more consideration than just looking at its material. You need to look at the pros and cons of both timber and composite cladding.

Installation and Versatility

Composite cladding is installed faster and more easily than timber. The tongue-and-groove system makes installation pretty straightforward. You can cut composite boards to size with regular woodworking tools, and they create less mess than timber. Timber cladding tends to be messier during installation and might splinter when cut.

Wood’s natural traits can make things tricky. High moisture levels may cause it to swell or warp, making precise measurements harder to take. The Australian National Construction Code (NCC) sets specific rules about installing timber cladding properly, including guidelines for splayed weatherboards, profiled boards, and the correct fixings.

Durability and Weather Resistance


Composite cladding beats timber when it comes to weatherproofing. Its plastic components resist moisture absorption really well, so you won’t see the same warping, splitting, and rotting that plague timber. Many composite products come with an extra protective layer that guards against debris, moisture, and harsh weather.

These materials also handle UV radiation better, keeping their colour much longer. Timber, on the other hand, fades more quickly in direct sunlight unless it is treated regularly.

Fire resistance is a vital factor for Australian homes in bushfire-prone areas. Untreated timber and standard composite products usually have a Euroclass D fire rating. You can boost timber’s fire resistance through pressure treatment with flame retardants, letting some hardwoods reach ratings up to BAL-29.

Aesthetic Appeal


Timber cladding’s charm comes from its natural character. No two boards look exactly alike, thanks to unique grain patterns. Western Red Cedar, with its reddish-brown tones, creates particularly striking facades.

Composite cladding provides consistency throughout. It comes in lots of colours, from teak and chocolate to grey, charcoal and antique neutrals. These materials keep things looking fresh, without relying on the timber’s natural aging process. They’re great for giving your exterior a modern update.

Maintenance Requirements


The biggest difference between these materials shows up in their upkeep. Natural timber just needs more attention—you’ll spend time painting, staining, sealing and protecting it from moisture. Skip this maintenance, and the timber falls apart quickly—it warps, splinters, and rots.

Composite cladding is much simpler to care for. A quick wash with mild soap and water now and then does the trick. It stands up to moisture, UV rays, pests and weather without extra treatments. This saves you time and money over its lifetime.

Environmental Impact


These materials tell different environmental stories. Timber cladding from sustainable forests ranks among the most eco-friendly options with minimal embodied energy. It helps store carbon and biodegrades completely.

Composite cladding uses plenty of recycled materials, which helps save virgin timber. The downside is it won’t biodegrade like solid wood. Manufacturing usually requires more energy, although this varies depending on the product and the amount of recycled content it contains.

Australian Building Standards and Compliance


Australian regulations regarding external cladding are a vital factor in choosing between timber and composite options. The NCC sets mandatory requirements for all buildings in Australia. These requirements vary depending on the construction type.

The NCC requires non-combustible external walls in multi-storey buildings with Type A or Type B construction to stop fires from spreading. All the same, builders can use certain combustible materials, such as timber cladding, under strict guidelines.

Fire safety stands as the biggest problem in Australian building regulations. States have implemented stricter rules on combustible cladding following major events, such as the Grenfell Tower fire. New South Wales has banned aluminium composite panels with cores that contain more than 30% polyethylene by mass in multi-storey Type A and B buildings. Breaking these rules can result in hefty fines for both corporations and individuals.

The Australian building industry is working on a new standard for exterior timber wall cladding. This standard will create a clearer path to compliance and streamline approvals for both timber and composite systems by creating specific deemed-to-satisfy solutions.

Whatever cladding material you choose, it must meet weatherproofing requirements and maintain proper fire resistance.

Case Studies and Applications

Australian projects show how timber and composite cladding materials perform better than their specifications suggest. Different cladding options demonstrate remarkable versatility and adaptability in many settings.

Modinex’s range of realistic, external cladding offers a selection of authentic outdoor cladding finishes, without the need for timber. Timber look cladding is perfect for reducing the amount of maintenance required when compared to traditional timber cladding solutions.

Comparison Table

Characteristic Timber Cladding Composite Cladding
Material Composition 100% natural wood from trees 60% recycled wood fibres, 40% recycled plastics (HDPE, PP, PVC)
Weather Resistance Prone to damage from moisture, bacteria, fungi Resists dampness, UV rays, and rot better
Maintenance Requirements Needs regular sealing, staining, and painting Simple cleaning with water does the job
Installation Tougher to install, messier process, splinters during cutting Simple tongue-and-groove installation with minimal dust
Appearance Natural wood patterns with unique marks that age beautifully Consistent look and colour, many shade options
Durability Risks warping, splitting, rotting without care Stands up well against warping, splitting, and rot
Environmental Impact Renewable, breaks down naturally, stores carbon, uses the least energy Made from recycled materials, doesn’t break down, uses more energy
Fire Safety Euroclass D rating (untreated), can be treated for higher ratings Euroclass D rating
Breathability Naturally breathes well Needs ventilation systems as it blocks air
Lifespan Cost Costs more to maintain over time Higher upfront cost but saves money long-term

Expert Recommendations

Your specific priorities and project requirements will determine whether you choose composite or timber cladding.

Both materials have proven themselves in numerous Australian projects, ranging from luxury homes to commercial buildings.

Your property’s location matters, whether it faces coastal salt spray and high winds or inland bushfire risks, you’ll find versions of both materials that can handle these challenges with proper installation and care.

Take time to think about your budget, how much maintenance you’re up for, the look you want, and your local building rules. The good news is that both options can yield great results if they meet your project’s needs.

FAQs

Is composite cladding better than timber cladding?

Both materials have different strengths. Composite cladding offers better resistance to moisture, UV rays, pests, and fire, making it tough enough for Australia’s harsh conditions. It keeps its colour longer, needs far less maintenance, and installs more easily. Timber cladding, meanwhile, shows off natural beauty with unique grain patterns and . . .

How long does composite cladding last in Australia?

Composite cladding typically lasts 25 to 30 years or more in Australia’s varied climate. Thanks to its blend of recycled wood fibres and plastics, it resists warping, rotting, cracking, and fading without the need for constant upkeep.

Is composite cladding worth the investment?

For many Australian homes and commercial buildings, composite cladding proves a smart long-term investment. It carries a higher upfront cost than timber but quickly pays for itself through reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and better weather resistance. In addition, it stays looking fresh without the regular staining, sealing, or repainting timber . . .

How does timber cladding perform in coastal areas?

Timber cladding can deliver stunning results near the coast, but it needs extra care. Salt spray, high humidity, and strong winds can accelerate weathering, moisture absorption, and surface degradation. Choosing the right timber species, such as durable hardwoods, and applying regular treatments can help it withstand the elements better.

What maintenance does timber cladding require in Australia?

Timber cladding demands ongoing attention to keep it looking good and performing well. You’ll need to sand, seal, stain, or paint it regularly to protect against moisture, UV rays, pests, and fungi. Without this upkeep, timber can warp, split, rot, and lose its visual appeal much faster, especially under Australia’s . . .

Can composite cladding be used in bushfire-prone areas?

Yes, many composite cladding products are designed with bushfire safety in mind. Some ranges meet stringent BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings, making them suitable for areas at risk. Always check the product’s fire rating and ensure it meets the requirements for your site, because not all composite materials are created . . .

Article By   Charlton Cooper

| 27 February 2025

Charlton Cooper

Head of Projects

Charlton is a seasoned advisor in construction and design, collaborating with builders, developers, and architects to deliver exceptional projects. With extensive experience as a head of projects, Charlton combines deep knowledge of natural timber, aluminium, and concrete to provide innovative and inspiring design solutions.