Cladding Help & Advice

All items are for Mainland UK delivery only, we do not offer delivery outside of this, please see our delivery page for further information.

With our easy-to-use wall cladding calculator, you can receive an estimate on how many boards, fixings and accessories you may need for your project.

Fibre cement and composite wall cladding have many differences. They are made of a different material, come in different colour ranges, are installed differently and are available in slightly different lengths and widths.

Fibre cement lap cladding boards offer more coverage than our composite options due to the larger expanse of width each board has. While both our Signature and ProClad composite ranges are made from a wood and plastic mix, fibre cement is manufactured from just that - fibre cement.

Fibre cement lap boards are installed in a weatherboard technique, whereas both composite boards are installed with the tongue and groove method. Learn more about your options by ordering a sample pack.

Yes, we have our full range of cladding board samples available to order on our website. From exterior composite cladding to internal panels, you’ll be able to experience the boards for yourself before you make the leap to purchasing.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to cut boards to length or carry out any cutting on our premises. However, the boards can be easily cut using a traditional saw - just be sure to take care and follow appropriate safety precautions when doing so.

As our composite cladding boards contain wood, they are not fire rated.

Flashings and trims are used to seal the edges and corners of a building, ensuring no water can penetrate the cladding and potentially cause issues between the walls of the home and the boards. Cladco flashings and trims include starter strips that can be installed at the base of your project. They are attached to the base batten for the boards to be slotted into place and support the following boards. Corner trims can be added to create the finishing touch and complete the cladding exterior. Skirting trims are used similarly to this and create beautiful borders around windows and doorways.

No, composite cladding does not need to be painted. The boards are manufactured with colour integrated throughout, so they arrive ready to install with no sanding, staining, or painting required. Both Signature and ProClad composite cladding are designed to maintain their appearance with minimal upkeep, making them a low‑maintenance alternative to traditional timber.

From our composite range of cladding, we have Signature boards and ProClad boards, which measure 3.6m in length with a width of 157mm. The thicknesses of the boards measure at 21mm. Learn more about our composite cladding options here.

Cladco composite cladding is an excellent choice for exterior domestic projects. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the product complies with relevant building standards and regulations. We cannot assume any liability should the products fail to meet specific building, fire, structural, or other legal requirements applicable to your intended use or installation.

Composite cladding needs significantly less upkeep than traditional timber, but it isn’t completely maintenance‑free. Over time, exterior surfaces naturally accumulate dirt, debris, and environmental build‑up, and routine cleaning helps keep the boards looking their best.

Regularly brush away loose debris and rinse the surface with clean water. If your cladding is installed near overhanging trees, clear leaves, petals, and sap promptly to avoid surface marks. Water runoff from gutters or downpipes can also leave stains, so it’s important to check these areas and clean as needed.

For more stubborn dirt, warm soapy water can be used to clean the boards effectively. With simple periodic maintenance, both Signature and ProClad cladding will maintain their appearance and performance for years to come.

Watermarks can occur during the natural weathering process of composite cladding. With Signature composite boards, this is more common due to the release of tannins from the recycled timber content, which can make water marks appear more visible at first. This is a normal part of the settling process and will fade naturally over time.

ProClad composite boards, which feature a capped polymer surface, are less prone to visible watermarks. However, as with any exterior material, slight marking may still occur depending on environmental conditions. These marks are typically temporary and diminish as the boards weather.

Like any composite material, our Signature composite cladding boards go through a process of stabilisation where fading may happen until the final colour is reached. Stabilisation usually occurs during the first six months following installation. This is more evident in the woodgrain design, where shading variations can arise due to the process of sanding.

Composite boards are designed to be durable and offer good resistance to everyday wear, including minor scratching. However, no cladding or decking product is completely scratch‑proof. Lighter surface marks can occur from impacts, sharp objects or abrasive materials.

Capped composite boards, such as ProClad, have an additional protective outer layer that provides enhanced scratch resistance compared to uncapped options. Signature boards are also robust, but as they have an exposed composite surface, they may show marks more easily.

In most cases, light scratches will become less noticeable over time as the boards naturally weather. Regular cleaning and avoiding sharp or abrasive contact will help maintain the best appearance.

Both Signature and ProClad composite cladding require adequate airflow behind the boards. Creating a ventilated cavity allows any rainwater that penetrates the cladding to drain and evaporate effectively. Ensuring the correct spacing at the board ends and around the installation perimeter helps maintain airflow and reduces the risk of moisture‑related issues, such as mould or discolouration.

We recommend using Cladco stainless steel M4x40mm wood screws when fixing Signature composite cladding boards. These provide a secure fixing and are suitable for long-term external installations.

Some of our lighter composite colours, such as our ivory boards, can show dirt more easily, so you will likely need to clean them more often than our darker colours. For more stubborn stains on composite decking, you can use a composite decking cleaner.

Cladco composite decking boards are available in two lengths, 4m and 2.4m. Fencing boards are available in 3.6m lengths, and Cladco wall cladding is available in 3.6m lengths. We are unable to cut any products to size for customers.

Yes, wall cladding can be installed both vertically and horizontally. For guidance on installation, please refer to our step-by-step guide. The number of boards required may vary depending on your chosen orientation, so we recommend using our handy online wall cladding calculator to work out how many boards you'll need.

Both Signature and ProClad composite cladding require adequate airflow behind the boards. Creating a ventilated cavity allows any rainwater that penetrates the cladding to drain and evaporate effectively. Ensuring the correct spacing at the board ends and around the installation perimeter helps maintain airflow and reduces the risk of moisture‑related issues, such as mould or discolouration.

ProClad wall cladding is ideal for updating exterior façades, creating feature walls, or adding a stylish and modern look to your project.

ProClad boards are designed with a durable capped surface that provides strong resistance to fading. Like all exterior materials, they may experience a slight change in tone during the initial weathering period, but the protective polymer shell significantly reduces long‑term colour fade compared to uncapped composites or traditional timber. After this settling phase, the colour remains stable with minimal change over time.

ProClad boards feature a capped composite design, which enhances durability and resistance to environmental factors. With increased strength, the ProClad boards are less likely to wear over time.

Yes. There are ProClad corner trims and fascia boards to finish the edges of your project. All products come in a range of seven colours.

They can help improve your building’s insulation, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems and potentially lowering energy costs.

For a secure and long-lasting installation, we recommend using stainless steel M4x40mm wood screws, when fixing ProClad composite cladding boards to your battens.

Cladco fibre cement lap and click cladding boards are supplied with a durable paint‑and‑bake finish, which provides long‑lasting colour, strength, and weather resistance. These pre‑finished boards do not require any additional painting.

If you wish to apply a different colour, we strongly recommend choosing the unpainted fibre cement boards, which are specifically designed to accept alternative finishes. These can be painted with a suitable high‑quality exterior paint.

Yes, Cladco fibre cement lap wall cladding boards can be cut to size. When cutting, fine dust is released into the air. This mineral itself is harmless, however dangerous if inhaled and will constitute a health hazard. A Level P3 respiratory protective mask should be worn when cutting the boards. The boards must be cut outside and it is recommended to use a wet saw to reduce dust particles. Further information and other applicable legislative requirements can be found by visiting the health and safety executive page of the gov.uk website.

Yes. Our fibre cement cladding is tested to BS EN 13501-1. The click cladding range achieves an A1 fire rating, the highest level, meaning it is fully non-combustible. The lap cladding range is rated B-s1,d0, meaning it has very limited combustibility, produces minimal smoke and no flaming droplets. Both provide excellent fire performance, but click is the higher-rated option.

No, pressure washers are not recommended for cleaning. High pressure can damage the surface finish. Instead, clean using cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush for the best results.

White marks on fibre cement cladding are typically caused by efflorescence - a natural occurrence when moisture passes through the material and brings soluble salts to the surface. As the moisture evaporates, these salts can appear as white, chalky deposits.

To help minimise efflorescence:

• Store boards in a dry, covered area before installation.
• Avoid installing the cladding when the boards are wet or during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Ensure correct airflow and ventilation behind the boards to allow moisture to escape.

Efflorescence is usually temporary and will often reduce or disappear over time as the boards weather naturally.

Cladco fibre cement lap cladding boards cannot be installed vertically.

These boards are designed to be installed horizontally using a feathering technique, giving your building an attractive finished appearance. Installing the boards vertically is not recommended by Cladco Profiles as detailed in our Terms and Conditions.

For installation advice, please read our installation guide.

Yes, Cladco offers free sample packs for both fibre cement lap cladding and fibre cement click cladding so you can see the quality, colour, and finish before starting your project.

Your sample pack includes:

• Two cladding samples in your chosen colours
• A Cladco brochure with full product details and inspiration

Samples are free and delivered within 3–5 working days via DPD.

Both sample packs allow you to see the texture, check the colour in natural light, and visualise how the boards will look once installed — helping you make a confident decision before beginning your project.

Cladco fibre cement lap wall cladding boards, like any material exposed to sunlight over a prolonged period of time, will get warmer. Like most materials, when Cladco fibre cement lap wall cladding boards change temperature, slight expansion or contraction within the boards can occur. These changes are minimal compared to alternative products on the market.

Cladco fibre cement wall cladding boards offer improved scratch resistance thanks to a durable, triple-layer baked paint finish. This coating helps protect against everyday wear and tear, though care should still be taken during handling to avoid surface damage.

Yes, unlike the lap system, our click cladding boards can be installed both horizontally and vertically. This provides greater flexibility in design, while maintaining the clean, modern lines of the click installation system. For guidance, always follow the official installation manual.

Yes, Cladco fibre cement click cladding boards can be cut to size using a suitable saw. However, boards must not be cut lengthwise, as this will compromise the integrity of the click system. When cutting, always work outside, wear a Level P3 respiratory mask, and use a wet saw where possible to reduce dust. Full safety guidance can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Yes. Our fibre cement cladding is tested to BS EN 13501-1. The click cladding range achieves an A1 fire rating, the highest level, meaning it is fully non-combustible. The lap cladding range is rated B-s1,d0, meaning it has very limited combustibility, produces minimal smoke and no flaming droplets. Both provide excellent fire performance, but click is the higher-rated option.

Click cladding boards are factory-finished with a durable paint and bake process, giving them a hardwearing colour layer. While boards can be painted, we recommend ordering unpainted boards if you intend to change the colour.

Yes, Cladco fibre cement click cladding boards feature a tough, baked-on paint finish that helps resist scratches from everyday use. While the coating is highly durable, care should be taken when handling to avoid accidental surface damage.

No, pressure washers are not recommended for cleaning. High pressure can damage the surface finish. Instead, clean using cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush for the best results.

Yes, Cladco fibre cement click cladding samples are available to order online or via our Sales Team. You can select up to two colours to sample, and each order includes a Cladco brochure and price list.

White marks on fibre cement cladding are typically caused by efflorescence - a natural occurrence when moisture passes through the material and brings soluble salts to the surface. As the moisture evaporates, these salts can appear as white, chalky deposits.

To help minimise efflorescence:

• Store boards in a dry, covered area before installation.
• Avoid installing the cladding when the boards are wet or during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Ensure correct airflow and ventilation behind the boards to allow moisture to escape.

Efflorescence is usually temporary and will often reduce or disappear over time as the boards weather naturally.

Yes, Cladco offers free sample packs for both fibre cement lap cladding and fibre cement click cladding so you can see the quality, colour, and finish before starting your project.

Your sample pack includes:

• Two cladding samples in your chosen colours
• A Cladco brochure with full product details and inspiration

Samples are free and delivered within 3–5 working days via DPD.

Both sample packs allow you to see the texture, check the colour in natural light, and visualise how the boards will look once installed — helping you make a confident decision before beginning your project.

Cladco slatted cladding panels have increased scratch resistance compared with natural timber due to their capped composite material, which increases the durability and should not scratch or mark easily. Boards may still scratch if mishandled.

In most cases, planning permission is not required to install cladding on your home, as long as the materials do not significantly alter the external appearance of the property.

However, if your property is listed or located in a conservation area, you may need permission before proceeding. Please note that Cladco cannot provide official planning advice. We recommend consulting a licensed planning consultant or building surveyor before beginning your installation.

We do not advise using a pressure washer on your slatted cladding, as it may cause damage to the paint layers. We recommend using cold or slightly warm water with a gentle soap alongside a soft brush or cloth.

Yes, you can cut slatted cladding panels to length using standard wood-cutting tools. For the cleanest finish, we recommend using a fine-toothed blade.

If you wish to cut the panels lengthways (to alter the width), please note that this will remove the interlocking tongue-and-groove edge, meaning additional panels or trims can no longer be attached to that side.

Cladco slatted cladding panels can be installed horizontally as well as vertically. For horizontal installations, the joists and battens will need to be installed vertically (the opposite orientation to the panels), however the installation method remains the same whichever direction you wish to install your cladding.

Yes, our cladding can be used on interior projects, providing the structural integrity of the wall can support the weight of the batten system as well as the cladding panels. Alternatively, our 2.4m acoustic internal slatted wall panels are designed specifically for internal use.

Our wall cladding sheets are selected for their low-maintenance, hard-wearing properties, providing a solid, modern exterior cladding design for garden buildings, industrial units, agricultural buildings and more.

In extreme weather conditions, wall cladding sheets made of metal can get very cold in the winter months and hot to the touch in the summer months. Panels cannot be painted, and due to their rigid build quality, working around elaborate designs can be restricting.Steel sheeting can also be difficult to handle, usually making for a two-person installation.

Cladco’s acoustic slatted panels come in two size options: 2.4m x 600mm and 600mm x 600mm. The larger 2.4m x 600mm panels are ideal for full-length feature walls or wrapping around an entire room for a bold, continuous finish. They are a great choice for bigger spaces or when aiming for a seamless, floor-to-ceiling look. The 600mm x 600mm panels offer more flexibility, making them perfect for adding texture to smaller areas, or customising detailed sections. They are also compact and easy to transport.

Our wall panels are designed with exposed edges and can be cut to size length ways and width ways, ensuring that the edges of the panels are flush with the end of the walls.

No, our internal slatted panels are not waterproof and therefore are not suitable for outdoor installation. For external applications, we recommend using our composite slatted cladding designed specifically for outdoor use.

These panels are ideal for use in offices, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. However, we do not recommend using them in wet areas that are prone to damp, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Yes. The felt backing can be cut with a utility knife, while the MDF panels should be cut using a hand saw or circular saw on the non-decorative side

Yes, Cladco slatted wall panels can be installed either horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The installation process is the same for both orientations - measure, cut, then screw or adhere the panels to the wall.

No, composite cladding does not need to be painted. The boards are manufactured with colour integrated throughout, so they arrive ready to install with no sanding, staining, or painting required. Both Signature and ProClad composite cladding are designed to maintain their appearance with minimal upkeep, making them a low‑maintenance alternative to traditional timber.

Composite cladding needs significantly less upkeep than traditional timber, but it isn’t completely maintenance‑free. Over time, exterior surfaces naturally accumulate dirt, debris, and environmental build‑up, and routine cleaning helps keep the boards looking their best.

Regularly brush away loose debris and rinse the surface with clean water. If your cladding is installed near overhanging trees, clear leaves, petals, and sap promptly to avoid surface marks. Water runoff from gutters or downpipes can also leave stains, so it’s important to check these areas and clean as needed.

For more stubborn dirt, warm soapy water can be used to clean the boards effectively. With simple periodic maintenance, both Signature and ProClad cladding will maintain their appearance and performance for years to come.

Watermarks can occur during the natural weathering process of composite cladding. With Signature composite boards, this is more common due to the release of tannins from the recycled timber content, which can make water marks appear more visible at first. This is a normal part of the settling process and will fade naturally over time.

ProClad composite boards, which feature a capped polymer surface, are less prone to visible watermarks. However, as with any exterior material, slight marking may still occur depending on environmental conditions. These marks are typically temporary and diminish as the boards weather.

Like any composite material, our Signature composite cladding boards go through a process of stabilisation where fading may happen until the final colour is reached. Stabilisation usually occurs during the first six months following installation. This is more evident in the woodgrain design, where shading variations can arise due to the process of sanding.

No, pressure washers are not recommended for cleaning. High pressure can damage the surface finish. Instead, clean using cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent and a cloth or soft brush for the best results.

Mould or mildew can develop on any exterior surface due to airborne spores. If it appears on your decking or cladding, clean the affected area with warm soapy water or a suitable outdoor cleaner.

Good installation practices also help reduce the likelihood of future build‑up. Ensuring proper airflow and ventilation behind cladding, and maintaining the correct spacing between decking boards, allows moisture to escape and keeps surfaces drier.

Regular inspections and occasional cleaning will help maintain the appearance and longevity of both decking and cladding.

Cladco fibre cement wall cladding boards offer improved scratch resistance thanks to a durable, triple-layer baked paint finish. This coating helps protect against everyday wear and tear, though care should still be taken during handling to avoid surface damage.