Extensions & Conversions · Updated 2026
External cladding cost
Typical range£40–£30,000· Average composite cladding supply and fit (per m²)
Timber, composite, and fibre cement cladding prices for 2025. In the UK, expect to pay between £40 and £30,000, with the typical project around £65 (average composite cladding supply and fit (per m²)). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.
Quick answer: External cladding cost in the UK typically costs between £40 and £30,000 (Average composite cladding supply and fit (per m²)). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up house painting cost and double glazing cost. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Timber cladding (supply & fit, per m²) — Treated softwood or larch featherboard | £40–£90 |
Composite cladding (per m²) — Low maintenance, long-lasting | £50–£110 |
Fibre cement cladding (per m²) — James Hardie type, non-combustible | £45–£95 |
Aluminium cladding (per m²) — Contemporary, commercial-grade | £70–£150 |
Full house cladding (semi-detached) — 200m² approx, timber or composite | £5,000–£18,000 |
Labour costs
Labour typically accounts for 50% of the total project cost in the UK.
Labour line items
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Cladding installation (per m²) | £20–£40/m² |
Scaffold (full house) | £1,000–£2,500 |
Battening / counter-battening | £5–£10/m² |
Trim / edging / detailing | £10–£25/m |
Materials costs
Materials and fittings make up the remainder of the budget, with specification tier driving most of the variation.
Materials & fittings
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Treated softwood (per m²) | £15–£40/m² |
Siberian larch (per m²) | £30–£65/m² |
Composite board (per m²) | £25–£65/m² |
Fibre cement (per m²) | £20–£55/m² |
Breather membrane | £3–£8/m² |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London and the South East run 15–30% above national averages.
- ·Specification tier — premium materials and finishes can double the base cost.
- ·Access and site conditions — flats, restricted parking and listed buildings add time.
- ·Scope changes mid-project — late design decisions are the biggest cost overrun driver.
- ·Trade availability — quotes rise 10–20% in peak spring and summer months.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Choose render or timber over zinc, copper or fibre-cement for 40–60% lower material cost.
- ·Combine cladding with a planned external wall insulation project to share scaffold.
- ·Use a single contractor for cladding plus scaffold rather than splitting trades.
- ·Specify standard board widths and lengths rather than bespoke profiles.
- ·Time the install for spring or early autumn to avoid weather delays.
Frequently asked questions
- Does external cladding need planning permission?
- Cladding an existing house may require planning permission if it changes the external appearance significantly, particularly in conservation areas or for listed buildings. In many residential areas, re-cladding with similar materials is permitted development.
- Is timber or composite cladding better?
- Composite cladding is lower maintenance (no oiling or painting required) and very durable. Timber is more traditional and natural but requires regular treatment every 2–3 years. Over a 20-year period, composite is often more cost-effective when maintenance is included.
- What is the fire rating of cladding?
- Following Grenfell, fire safety is paramount for cladding. For buildings over 11m, only A1 or A2-rated non-combustible materials are permitted. For domestic houses, timber (Class D–C) cladding is permitted in most cases but check local building regulations and fire engineers if in doubt.