Cladding is a protective outer layer of boards or panels, such as timber, composite, fibre cement or uPVC, fixed to battens on the outside of a wall to change its appearance, shed rain and, where insulation is added, reduce heat loss.
We clad extensions, upper storeys, dormers, gable ends, garages and garden rooms in timber, composite, fibre cement and uPVC. Our free site survey and written quote looks at the wall behind the cladding, its condition and any damp, how the cladding will meet windows, roofs and the ground, and whether insulation can be added. We also check how close the wall is to a boundary, because fire-safety rules affect which materials can be used. Cladding suits homes where you want a modern look, to cover tired render or mismatched brickwork, or to finish a new extension. We fit battens, membranes, cavity barriers, boards and trims neatly.
What’s included?
- Survey of the wall, boundaries, damp and window details
- Scaffolding or access towers as needed
- Breather membrane and treated battens fixed to the wall
- Insulation behind the cladding where agreed
- Cavity barriers and fire-stopping where regulations require
- Cladding boards fixed with suitable stainless or coated fixings
- Corner trims, window reveals and ventilated top and bottom edges
- Waste removal and a clean site on completion
Which options can you choose from?
How much does cladding cost?
Most jobs fall between £5,000–£12,000 for cladding about 40–60m² of wall, such as an extension or upper storey, including VAT at 20%. The table shows three typical levels of work; the figures are national guides, confirmed in writing after a free site survey.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Feature area or dormer | A gable, dormer, bay or small feature wall in uPVC, timber or composite. | £1,500–£5,000 |
| Extension or upper storey | About 40–60m² of timber, composite or fibre cement with membrane and battens. | £5,000–£12,000 |
| Whole house | Cladding most elevations of a house, often with added insulation. | £12,000–£30,000 |
What affects the price?
- Wall area to be clad and the height of the building
- Cladding material and board profile
- Insulation behind the cladding
- Window reveals, corners and roof junctions to detail
- Scaffolding, access and distance from boundaries
How do prices vary across the UK?
| Region | Guide price |
|---|---|
| London | £6,500–£15,500 |
| The South East | £5,600–£13,500 |
| The East of England | £5,200–£12,500 |
| The South West | £5,100–£12,000 |
| The West Midlands | £4,900–£12,000 |
| The East Midlands | £4,800–£11,500 |
| The North West | £4,800–£11,500 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £4,700–£11,500 |
| The North East | £4,500–£11,000 |
| Wales | £4,600–£11,000 |
| Scotland | £4,800–£11,500 |
| Northern Ireland | £4,300–£10,500 |
Regional figures apply typical labour and material cost differences to the national guide. They are not quotes.
Do you need planning permission for cladding?
Cladding a large part of an external wall can trigger building regulations requirements for insulation, and walls close to a boundary must meet fire-spread rules that limit material choice. We check what applies to your home and involve building control where needed.
England
In England, re-rendering or cladding a house is often allowed without planning permission, but stone, render, timber, plastic or tile cladding is not permitted development in conservation areas, and listed buildings need consent.
If you render or re-clad more than 25% of an external wall, Building Regulations usually require the wall’s insulation to be improved where that is practical, and building control should be notified.
Wales
In Wales, rendering or cladding may need planning permission in conservation areas, and listed buildings need consent.
Building Regulations in Wales can require insulation upgrades when a large part of an external wall is renovated.
Scotland
In Scotland, changing the external finish of a house in a conservation area or on a listed building needs consent; elsewhere, like-for-like re-rendering is usually treated as repair.
Large-scale re-cladding or external insulation can need a building warrant; like-for-like render repairs normally do not.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, re-rendering is usually treated as repair, but conservation areas and listed buildings are controlled.
Significant re-cladding or external insulation should be checked with building control under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland).
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
How long does it take?
Typical time on site: 3 days to 3 weeks depending on area. Lead times for materials, drawings and approvals come before that and are set out in your written quote.
How does the job run?
Free site survey
We visit, measure up, look at access and the condition of what’s there, and talk through options and budget with you.
Written quote
You get a written quote with a fixed price for the agreed specification, what’s included, the payment stages and a likely start window.
Plan and prepare
We sort drawings, approvals and materials, agree dates with you and explain what to expect each week before work starts.
Build and hand over
The work is carried out, checked and cleared away. We walk round it with you and pass on certificates and product details.
Cladding: frequently asked questions
How much does house cladding cost?
Cladding around 40–60m² of wall, such as an extension or upper storey, costs £5,000–£12,000, including membrane, battens and trims. As a guide, allow roughly £80–£180 per square metre plus fixed costs for scaffolding and set-up. uPVC and softwood sit at the lower end, while hardwood, composite and fibre cement cost more. Adding insulation increases the price. We confirm a fixed figure after the survey.
Do I need planning permission to clad my house?
Whether cladding needs planning permission depends on the material and how it changes the look of the house, your home's location, whether it is listed or in a conservation area, and which UK nation you live in. In England, cladding is generally permitted development only if the materials look similar to the existing house, and it is not permitted development in conservation areas. We check before quoting.
Which cladding material needs the least maintenance?
Fibre cement, composite and uPVC cladding need the least upkeep, usually just an occasional wash. Thermally modified and hardwood timber can be left to weather naturally to a silver-grey, which needs no treatment, but keeping the original colour means re-staining every few years. Painted timber needs repainting regularly. We explain the long-term care of each option.
Are there fire-safety rules for cladding?
Building regulations limit the fire-spread performance of cladding on walls close to a boundary and on taller buildings, which can rule out some timber or composite products in those positions. Cavity barriers behind the cladding also help stop fire spreading through the gap. Fibre cement is non-combustible. We check boundary distances and product data before recommending a material.
Can cladding improve insulation?
Cladding can improve insulation if insulation boards are fixed to the wall behind the battens, which reduces heat loss and can help with cold or damp internal walls. This adds thickness, so window reveals, sills and roof edges need careful detailing. Cladding alone, without insulation, adds very little warmth. We can price both options so you can compare.
Can you clad over existing render or brick?
Cladding is usually fixed over existing render or brick using battens, as long as the wall is sound and dry. Loose render may need removing first so the fixings hold. The battens create a ventilated gap so any moisture can drain and dry. We check the wall during the survey and explain any preparation needed before cladding.
How long does cladding take to install?
Cladding a small dormer or gable usually takes a few days, an extension or upper storey around one to two weeks, and a whole house two to three weeks or more. Scaffolding, insulation and detailing around many windows add time. Timber boards may need to acclimatise on site first. We give you a programme with the written quote.
Will timber cladding change colour?
Untreated timber cladding naturally weathers to a silver-grey over a year or two as sunlight breaks down the surface. The change can be uneven at first, especially under eaves where rain does not reach. If you want to keep the original colour, a UV-protective stain or oil is needed and must be renewed every few years. Pre-weathered and coated boards are also available.