Wood Cladding vs Composite Cladding: Pros and Cons

Auckland homes are put through a lot—sideways rain, howling winds in the colder months, and native pests that always seem to find the smallest gaps. These are everyday challenges for the average Auckland homeowner. One of the best ways to protect your home from these elements? Cladding.

Quality cladding plays a big role in keeping your home warm, dry, and weather-resistant. When it comes to choosing the right type, two options stand out: wood cladding and composite cladding. Each comes with its own strengths and drawbacks. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of both to help you choose the best fit for your home.

Composite Cladding: The Modern Standard

First up, composite cladding. This has been making waves across the country, especially in cities like Auckland, where homeowners want something that’s low maintenance but still looks super sharp. Composite cladding gets its name from its makeup: a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastic. The result is a sleek, timber-like finish that stands up well to the wild weather we often experience in this part of the world.

Pros of Composite Cladding

One of the biggest drawcards of composite cladding is its durability. Unlike timber, it won’t rot, split, or warp with exposure to the elements. You also don’t need to worry about constant repainting or sealing. Just give it a clean every so often, and you’re good to go.

Another bonus? It’s pest-resistant. Those pesky borers and termites that love untreated timber don’t stand a chance. Plus, some composite cladding options are made from recycled materials, so it’s a solid choice if you’re trying to keep things sustainable.

Cons of Composite Cladding

Composite cladding can be pricier upfront than traditional timber, which might make you hesitate if you’re on a tighter budget. And while modern styles are getting good at mimicking natural wood, there’s still something about the real thing that composite just can’t fully capture.

Some lower-end versions can also fade in our strong Kiwi sun, although most premium products now include UV stabilisers to help with that. The key is quality installation, so make sure to chat with a qualified installer to get the most out of this choice.

Wood Cladding: The Traditional Take

If you’re after a classic choice, you can’t go past wood cladding. It’s been a staple of Kiwi homes for generations, and modern homeowners are still choosing the natural grain of cedar or the shine of treated mahogany to bring warmth and authenticity to their homes. So, let’s look into this choice a little further.

Pros of Wood Cladding

There’s a reason people keep coming back to it. Timber just looks great. It ages beautifully and adds heaps of character to a home, especially when you choose high-quality varieties. If you’re after a certain look or want to keep things feeling traditional, wood is probably where your heart will land.

Timber is also a renewable resource, as long as it’s sourced responsibly. NZ-grown pine and cedar are popular choices, and they can be treated to last for years in our wet climate. Plus, timber is easy to customise. Depending on your taste, you can paint it, stain it, or leave it to weather naturally (though we recommend always having it thoroughly treated to survive rain and humidity).

Cons of Wood Cladding

Timber isn’t maintenance-free. Compared to composite cladding, wood cladding needs a bit more care to keep it looking its best. That usually means regular painting or staining, along with occasional inspections for rot or pests, especially in damp or coastal areas where these issues are more common.

Because timber is a natural material, it expands and contracts with the weather. Without proper maintenance, this movement can cause warping or splitting over time.

So, what’s the bottom line? If you want a beautiful cladding option that’s low-maintenance, composite is hard to beat. But if you love the natural warmth of real wood and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, timber cladding is a solid choice. Either way, proper installation is essential to ensure your cladding stands the test of time, so make sure you’re working with a trusted installer.

Recladding Done Right

Whether your home needs composite or timber cladding, the Sound Homes team is here to keep your home watertight. We specialise in restoring value to homes across Auckland through expert recladding, with a focus on clear communication and friendly service every step of the way.

Ready to renovate? Contact our team today for a free, detailed quote.