Add value to your home renovation and new build projects with architectural cladding.
Cladding has become one of the most versatile ways to protect and enliven the exterior of a home. While there are a variety of different types, each with their own pros and cons, architectural cladding is specifically designed to add visual interest with an artistic flair. It comes in a variety of styles and materials, from wood to metal and even concrete.
When it comes to the cost, you’re definitely going to add value to any home that you spice up with architectural cladding. But the prices vary based on a number of factors, making it important to budget accordingly on a project-by-project basis.
To help, here’s our guide on architectural cladding costs and what you can expect to encounter as you create budgets with your clients.
If you want to learn more about architectural cladding, check out our other resources:
1. How to choose the best architectural cladding
Why go with architectural cladding in the first place?
Cladding itself isn’t a special term. It simply applies to any material that is placed over another to protect the exterior of a structure. Vinyl siding, for instance, is one of the most common types of cladding available, which is placed over the exterior of a home with a vapor barrier and/or some type of insulation in between. However, this isn’t considered architectural because, for the most part, it doesn’t provide much in the way of visual interest.
Think of architectural cladding as an art form of sorts, which combines materials and designs to improve the aesthetic of a building with creative touches. Metals, concrete, brick, and timber can be used to this effect with great success, creating a modern and contemporary design that creates curb appeal.
Architectural cladding creates a visual interest that helps structures stand out from others with a unique appearance. This can add to the value of a home by creating an aesthetic that is attractive to potential buyers. What’s more, these materials are also often more effective at insulating for temperature and sound in comparison to more basic forms of cladding (like vinyl).
What affects the cost of architectural cladding?
No two types of cladding are going to look the same, largely because there are so many options for how and where they are installed. Likewise, architectural cladding costs are going to vary depending on a number of factors, all of which can affect the design and the budget for a particular project.
Material
We’ve already touched on this briefly, but architectural cladding stands out from the competition because of the different materials that are available for it. What’s more, they can be used in combination to create truly one-of-a-kind designs. Metal cladding is among the most popular because of its insulative properties as well as the variety of different colors and materials (more on colors later). From copper to zinc and steel, metal offers durability and flexibility when it comes to finishes as well. Timber cladding can also add a streamlined look to a structure, coming in varieties that are true timber and veneers that range in price and availability. Masonry can also be used to dress up the exterior of a home, with cladding options ranging from stone to concrete panels.
Amount
How much cladding is needed will also impact the price. Some designers will use a combination of materials to create a unique look, limiting the use of more expensive claddings such as timber when mixing them with lower cost materials for a unique look. Larger exteriors that require a lot of material will also cost more, while there may be discounts for purchasing in bulk.
Finish
Different materials come in different finishes, each of which can drive up or down the cost of the material itself. For example, Colorbond metal cladding comes in a variety of standard colours as well as custom options that can substantially increase the price. Wood can come finished and pre-treated, but may need the ends sealed when cut to protect against rot and growth.
Condition
The condition of the home structure underneath the cladding itself can also affect the overall cost of an installation. For new construction, this should not be an issue with a fresh and sound surface to install the cladding on. But for renovations, it’s important for the builder to ensure that the framing and substructure are not damaged before placing the new cladding on the exterior. Fixes and repairs to this can add to the overall cost but be well worthwhile in the end.
Details
It’s all in the details when it comes to architectural cladding. From corners, angles, and mounting channels, how your design appears on paper and how to bring it to life involves a cost when it comes to design and material manipulation. Metals and timber, for example, can be more easily cut to size to accommodate unique angles or original installation layouts.
Installation
Keep in mind that installation costs are often priced out separately than the materials themselves. Most are going to charge on the basis of area to be covered and the time it takes to do the installation itself. Larger structures that require scaffolding to reach will incur more charges since more safety equipment and time are needed to get the job done right.
How much does architectural cladding cost in Melbourne?
As you might expect, there’s no single answer to this question. However, there are some standard prices and average rates that can be used in the Melbourne area to help you budget for your next project accordingly. Cladding is typically priced out per square metre as a guide only and these costs primarily vary depending on the material selected. Below is a table that breaks out the average costs to help you prepare your own budgets or proposals. However, it’s always best to get an accurate quote for the exact material you’re interested in using so that you can be spot on when it comes to your cost expectations.
| Cladding Material Type | Average Supply & Install Cost Per m2 |
| Aluminium | $330-$380 |
| Zinc | $400-$450 |
| Colorbond | $280-$310 |
| Weatherboarding | $18-$30 |
| Timber | $3-$15 |
| Stone | $100-$150 |
| Copper | POA |
| Vinyl | $30-$100 |
Any sub-construction required will be additional.
Interested in metal cladding? Learn more: How Much Does Metal Cladding Cost in Melbourne?
Then there are the installation costs. These are going to vary depending not only on how much cladding there is to install but also how complicated that installation will be. For example, installing stone veneer cladding requires a lot more labour and precision, and can cost $150-$250 per square metre. In contrast, installing aluminium cladding could be closer to $100 per square metre on average.
Budget for your cladding project with Advanced Metal Cladding
At Advanced Metal Cladding, we’re experts in all things architectural. From cladding to roofing systems and everything in between, we’ll be able to work with you to find the best material to suit your needs and satisfy your clients. Focusing on materials and installations including copper, zinc, aluminium, and steel allows us to offer our own customers the best of all worlds: design, functionality, durability, and flexibility.
Couple all of this with our focus on residential projects, and we make an excellent partner for contractors and builders who are looking to add flair to their designs. We boast more than 40 years of combined experience in the industry and place the focus on precision quotes that leverage the latest software. We take every factor into account when providing an estimate, from the amount of material you’ll need to limiting waste.
For a walkthrough of our available products and a free quote and measure for your project, call us on 0497 009 390 today.
