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.
First Things First – What is Cladding Actually 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
Treated redwood fencing slats are one of the simplest ways cladding adds contemporary character with minimal effort.
These landscaping battens are pressure-treated for long-term durability, and manufactured from premium quality Scandinavian 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
This is ‘entry level’ stuff. But, what about when you’re ready to go bigger?
Rely on Composite Slat Wall Cladding for Smart, Stylish Sustainability
Composite slat wall cladding is your go-to for an on-point look without constant upkeep. After all, TRUclad® composite external panelling is:
- Made with 63% wood powder and 29% recycled plastic
- Won’t absorb water – less than 1%!
- Designed to resist warping, twisting, rotting and splintering
- Ultra-low maintenance, with no need for regular painting, staining or sealing
- Super quick to install, thanks to its lightweight build
- Child and pet friendly (no splinters here)
- Market-leading with a 15-year warranty (and a 25-year design life when properly installed)
- Available in attractive colourways – Florence Mist, Parma Teak, and Venice Grey
- Looks high-end but fits the budget
- Ideal for glowing up a project without overcomplicating it
And here are some of the best ways to use this wildly popular 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.
- Add texture to fencing, boosting both privacy and kerb appeal.
- Panel ceilings or overhangs in covered outdoor seating areas and balconies.
Impressive. But, there’s plenty of other cladding options that tick different boxes if slat panelling isn’t quite your thing.
Up to the minute and low maintenance for your sleek external panelling needs. Expect:
- Traditional matchboard look with hi-tech composite strength
- Long-lasting, easy to install and clean
- Ideal for ourdoor use at homes, offices, and retail spaces
Prefer a natural wood finish? This one’s a beauty:
- Manufactured from kiln-dried Scandinavian redwood
- Paint, stain or varnish to your liking
- Ideal for internal external walls or feature areas
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
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
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
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.
Got a DIY Project in mind but don’t know what you need to make it a reality?
