HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLADDING FOR YOUR HOME

Cladding is one of the simplest ways to refresh the look of your house while giving it extra protection. It sits on the outside of your walls, shielding them from the weather, cutting down on draughts, and adding another layer of insulation. At the same time, it can completely change the way a property looks from the street. It’s no wonder more and more UK homeowners are exploring different home cladding options when planning an upgrade.

The question of which style works best depends on the balance between budget, upkeep, and the look you want to create. This guide unpacks those considerations and shows how to choose the best cladding for houses.

WHY CLADDING MATTERS

Good cladding makes a house more comfortable and better protected. It stands up to wind and rain, reduces heat loss, and helps keep the inside cosy throughout the colder months. That extra insulation can make a noticeable difference to energy bills, which is often the reason people consider cladding in the first place.

Cladding also brings a powerful visual lift. The right boards change the entire personality of a building. Think of a plain brick semi that suddenly has a fresh run of shiplap in a deep anthracite grey. Straight away, the house looks sharper, more contemporary, and easier to keep clean. Some homeowners even use cladding selectively, on an extension, for example, to give their property a bit of contrast without changing the whole façade.

COMPOSITE CLADDING: FLEXIBLE AND RELIABLE

Composite products have become increasingly popular with homeowners who want durability without a lot of maintenance. At Home Improvement Supplies, you’ll find three main types of composite cladding, and each has its own effect.

• Proshield slatted cladding works brilliantly on garden offices or rear extensions, where those long straight lines help a building sit neatly in its setting.

• Shadow Gap V-Groove boards add extra depth with slim recessed channels that create gentle shadow lines.

• Duraclad solid panels offer a smooth, pared-down look, ideal for those who prefer a simple and consistent aesthetic.

The big advantage of composite cladding is longevity. The boards resist warping, fading, and rot, which means they hold their appearance for years with hardly any upkeep. They’re also available in plenty of colours, from lighter tones that brighten a façade to darker shades that give a more grounded, architectural feel.

FORTEX CLADDING: TEXTURED UPVC WITH CHARACTER

Fortex cladding is another trusted option and one that many UK homeowners turn to for its balance of cost and quality. Made from tough uPVC, the boards are light enough to handle easily yet solid once they’re fitted. What sets Fortex apart is its textured surface, which gives the boards more character than plain flat panels.

There are two profiles to pick from: double shiplap and weatherboard. Both connect securely with tongue-and-groove systems and are built to deal with the damp, windy conditions we’re all familiar with. The boards are low maintenance, and a wash down with soapy water is normally all they need.

The colour palette is wide, running from clean whites and creams through to greys and darker tones. That versatility makes Fortex cladding suitable for everything from a full house renovation to a quick update on a shed or outbuilding.

SHIPLAP CLADDING: CLASSIC STYLE WITH LASTING BENEFITS

Shiplap cladding is the profile many people picture first. It’s been used on British homes for generations, recognised for its overlapping tongue-and-groove design that creates neat horizontal lines and reliable weather protection.

The uPVC versions at Home Improvement Supplies bring the same look with none of the sanding or repainting that timber once demanded. Boards come in smooth and woodgrain finishes, with shades ranging from traditional white to rich oak and bold anthracite grey.

NatureClad takes shiplap a step further. This premium collection replicates the depth and warmth of wood in colours such as Coastal Sand and Rich Espresso, but without the issues of warping, rot, or flaking paint. It’s easy to fit, durable, and looks striking on traditional homes and newer builds alike. 

COMPARING YOUR OPTIONS

When weighing up the best cladding for houses, here are some points worth considering:

• Cost: uPVC boards like Fortex cladding and standard shiplap cladding give excellent value for money. Composite panels, including slatted and shadow gap designs, cost more upfront but reward you with longevity and standout looks.

• Style: Profiles make all the difference. Slatted cladding gives clean lines and a crisp outline, Fortex adds a touch of texture, while shiplap cladding offers timeless appeal.

• Durability: Composite and Fortex uPVC boards are designed to resist warping and fading over time, while premium NatureClad maintains its wood-effect finish with minimal upkeep.

• Care: All these products are designed to keep maintenance simple. Instead of yearly painting or sealing, you’ll just need an occasional clean, with nothing more than a bucket of warm water and a sponge.

Once you set your budget and think about the overall style of your home, the right choice usually becomes clear.

INSTALLATION AND ACCESSORIES

A polished result brings boards, trims, and fixings together as a single system. The details make a noticeable difference to the finished look, which is why Home Improvement Supplies provides matching corner pieces, starter strips, and accessories designed for each profile. These elements smooth out edges, reinforce joints, and create a secure, weather-resistant finish that lasts.

Installation itself is straightforward. The boards are light, and the tongue-and-groove systems click neatly into place. Confident DIYers can tackle smaller projects like sheds or feature walls themselves. For a full house, though, many people prefer to bring in professionals, both for speed and to make sure everything is sealed properly. Either way, once the cladding is on, it needs very little attention to stay looking good.

FINDING THE RIGHT CLADDING FOR YOUR HOME 

Cladding has the power to transform a home. It sharpens kerb appeal, improves insulation, and gives walls the protection they need to stand up to years of weather. At Home Improvement Supplies, you can choose from a range of home cladding options that combine durability with style.

From the textured surfaces of Fortex cladding to the enduring charm of shiplap cladding and the straight lines of slatted cladding, each profile brings its own character. 

Explore the collections, think about the look you want, and choose the best cladding for houses that will lift your property for years to come.