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Choosing the Right Cladding for Your Next External Project

External cladding is a smart choice for a low-maintenance upgrade or a stylish refresh. But there’s more to it than appearance. This is because the right cladding choice can:

  • Transform a building’s feel besides its look
  • Add value
  • Protect it from the elements for years to come

Thankfully, there’s many and varied styles to match your project and your practical needs, from revamping a garden office, to dressing up a summerhouse, or giving a commercial premises a facelift.

And this article is packed with professional hints and tips to help you choose the best option for the job at hand.

What is Cladding For?

Cladding (which you might also hear referred to as external panelling) acts as a protective outer skin to buildings. In addition, cladding brings multiple benefits by adding durability, insulation, and style in one go.

In practical terms, it’s commonly used for upgrading work on:

  • Garden rooms and home offices
  • Sheds, garages and outbuildings
  • Boutique, hospitality and retail fronts
  • Feature walls and exterior design highlights

And the good news is there’s a board to suit your project, whether you’re going for a traditional, contemporary, rustic, or elegant look.

Sleek Slats for Standout Fencing

Garden fence

Treated redwood fencing slats are among the simplest ways to use cladding to add contemporary character.

These landscaping battens are pressure-treated for long-term durability, and manufactured from premium quality redwood. As a result, you’re guaranteed a planed-smooth finish, eased edges, and minimal knots. So, they look as good as they perform.

They’re perfect for precise and polished garden projects, such as:

  • Building a stylish fence (no surprises there)
  • Screening off a seating area
  • Creating a bespoke garden feature wall

External Cladding Styles to Consider

Redwood Matchboard

Prefer a natural wood finish? This one’s a beauty:

  • Manufactured from kiln-dried redwood
  • Paint, stain or varnish to your liking
  • Ideal for internal external walls or feature areas

Log Lap

Want a cosy log cabin look? This curved profile option is just the ticket:

  • Rounded finish with a flat back for easy fitting
  • Tongue and groove for a smooth, weatherproof surface
  • Pressure treated for longevity
  • Perfect for garden rooms, bars and sheds

Shiplap

A classic, versatile, marine-inspired choice for external buildings:

  • Available in a choice of French grey, boathouse blue, gunpowder, midnight blue, light oak, ebony and also unstained to prime and paint as you like
  • Use for external walls, windows, fences and more

Feather Edge  

Built for character. Ready for the elements:

  • Rustic charm ideal for barn conversions and period style homes
  • A top pick for sheds, garden rooms and extensions
  • Blends beautifully with rural and natural surroundings
  • Tough enough for stables, garages and working agricultural buildings
  • Available in black for a bold look

And here are some of the best ways to use slat wall cladding:

  • Create a feature wall for your garden, balcony or patio to frame a seating area or outdoor kitchen
  • Hide eyesores like uneven brickwork, old sheds, or pipework
  • Upgrade outbuildings like summerhouses and garden rooms
  • Panel ceilings or overhangs in covered outdoor seating areas and balconies

Transform Your Exterior with Confidence

At Panelling Direct, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your external panelling plans, from a clean, current slat wall cladding look to more heritage finish.

Our expert team can advise on the right style, material and finish for your property, and we’ll never talk you into something that’s not right.

Got a vision? A sketch? A Pinterest board and a dream? Drop us a message or give us a call. We’ll help turn your external cladding ideas into something that looks fantastic and is built to last.

If you’re ready to get started, compare our cladding products today.

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