From design options to installation costs, Rebecca Foster sums up what you need to know about the various solutions available

Your choice of cladding has the potential to transform your home’s exterior from plain and uninspiring into something with oodles of design panache. From a sleek coat of render to crisp timber boards, there are multiple contenders to select from. To some extent, your decision will depend on the type of project you’re doing. If you’re self building, you can mix and match different facing materials to break up the facade and add interest. If you’re planning an extension, meanwhile, you might choose a solution based on its ability to differentiate the addition from the original house.

Cladding has a practical purpose, too, so it’s vital to pick something that can stand up to the elements. Upkeep is another key consideration – even with the best intentions, realistically, will you have time to apply a fresh layer of finishing treatment every two or three years? And what’s the whole-life cost once you account for supply, fitting and maintenance? These are some of the factors I’ll be looking at in this guide to modern cladding and render options.

TIMBER

Few finishes offer the same characterful appeal as wood. With such a plethora of shades available, timber is versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of effects. From hardwoods like oak, ash and walnut to softwoods such as larch and cedar, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. Plus, if sustainability is important to you, choosing a renewable material like wood is a sensible move. As a minimum, you can expect a service life of at least 30 years from softwood cladding when it’s well-maintained. Some hardwoods will perform for 50+ years.

Design options: “Timber cladding can be laid vertically or horizontally and bespoke profiles can be made to suit most applications,” says Malcolm Frowen, head of cladding sales at Vincent Timber. You can even get playful with the direction of the boards and lay them diagonally, for instance, to inject a fun feel. Incorporating a slim gap between planks can also create a contemporary look, or you could lay alternate batons in relief of one another to create some interesting shadow effects. For a modern aesthetic, opt for a knot-free grade of wood where possible, with a crisp, machine-cut finish rather than a rustic waney edge. Applying a stain will also help you control the appearance of the wood as it weathers, creating a uniform hue across the elevation.