The Ultimate Guide to Choosing External Cladding for Homes

The right external cladding can completely transform a project –  from new builds to extensions and refurbishments. Beyond enhancing style and appearance, a well-chosen system provides weather protection, improves performance, and minimises long-term maintenance.

At Edge Building Products, we supply a wide range of cladding solutions at great trade prices. From PVC cladding systems like Fortex® and NatureClad, through to composite options such as Triton Shiplap and Slatted, and durable fibre cement cladding from James Hardie®, we’ve got you covered.

In this external cladding guide, we’ll walk through the main cladding systems available – highlighting their benefits, features, and why builders across the UK choose them.

Why Use External Cladding?

There are many reasons to consider external wall cladding, whether for a home or a commercial property.

For homeowners, cladding is often chosen to refresh and transform the exterior, adding colour, texture and character to the façade. It’s an effective way to modernise the look of a property while also improving kerb appeal and increase property value.

For developers and commercial clients, home cladding offers the same visual impact but with added practical advantages. It can update and professionalise the appearance of a building, while also providing long-term protection against the UK climate, reducing maintenance demands and supporting better overall performance.

•  Extra  Protection – Protects the exterior of the building from wind, rain and moisture, helping to prevent structural problems.
• Aesthetic appeal – Available in a wide variety of finishes, colours and textures to complement any architectural style.
• Low maintenance – Designed to look good for years with minimal upkeep, saving both time and money in the long run.
• Durability – Many cladding solutions come with guarantees of 10–15 years or more, ensuring lasting performance.

Types of External Cladding

From PVC boards to fibre cement panels, there’s a wide choice of cladding materials to suit different styles, budgets and performance needs.

While timber and traditional shiplap remain popular, modern options such as composite, PVC and fibre cement have grown in demand. They offer the look of natural finishes with the added benefits of low maintenance, durability and easier installation.

Fortex® PVC Cladding

A trade favourite, Fortex® cladding  – designed with a realistic embossed wood-effect finish, Fortex® combines modern style with the benefits of low-maintenance PVC. Available in Double Shiplap, Weatherboard, and Shadow Gap styles, it comes in nine attractive colours – from soft Pale Gold and Pale Blue to bold Slate Grey and Argyl Brown.

Why Choose Fortex® Cladding?

• Durable & Weather-Resistant: Manufactured to withstand harsh weather, keeping its finish for years.
• 10-Year Guarantee: Every product is backed by Freefoam’s warranty.
• Eco-Friendly Formulation: Produced using Freefoam’s lead-free, sustainable materials.
• Lightweight & Easy to Install:
  • Just 3.15kg per 5-metre Weatherboard panel.
  • Up to four times lighter than fibre cement boards.
  • Quicker and easier to fit.
• Sustainable Performance:
  • Recognised in the BRE Green Guide to Specification.
  • Achieves an A+ rating when installed with standard insulation.

Styles to Suit Every Project

• Double Shiplap – Wide boards designed for fast coverage and a clean finish.
• Weatherboard – Classic featheredge look, ideal for traditional homes.
• Shadow Gap – Modern profile with a pine-effect texture and bold groove detail.

To complete the look, a comprehensive range of cladding trims is available to perfectly match Fortex® boards, ensuring a neat, secure, and professional finish for any application.

At Edge, we aim to give you all the tools and support you need when choosing from our cladding ranges. To make the process easier, we offer:

• Cladding Visualiser –Use our handy visualiser tool to choose your cladding colour
• Cladding Calculator – Quickly work out how many boards and packs you’ll need for your installation, reducing waste and saving money
• Expert Advice – Our team is always on hand to answer questions and guide you through selecting the right cladding solution.

You can also Check out the Fortex Brochure and installation guide here.

NatureClad PVC Cladding

For builders wanting a premium timber-effect finish, NatureClad is a smart choice. Ideal for feature elevations, outbuildings, and projects where clients want a high-end timber look without the upkeep.

Features

• Realistic woodgrain texture with a modern matte surface.
• Available in Double Shiplap or Double Feather Edge profiles – Both styles can be ordered in 5m lengths and cut to suit your project.
• Matching trims and joints in the same finish for a seamless look.
• 15-year guarantee covering structure and finish.
• Lightweight and quick to install, cutting down labour time.

Plus, we stock the range of universal trims and joints for NatureClad allowing you to create a seamless finish.

Triton Shiplap Cladding (WPC)

Triton Shiplap brings together the classic appeal of shiplap boarding with the strength of modern wood-plastic composite (WPC).

Its distinctive horizontal lines create a sleek, uniform finish that looks great on any property. Whether you’re upgrading a modern build or refreshing a traditional home, shiplap offers a flawless finish with timeless appeal.

Features

• Traditional design with overlapping boards for a timeless look.
• Durable WPC – resists warping, rotting, and splintering.
• Low maintenance – no sanding, staining, or painting.
• Colours: Charcoal, Golden Teak, Light Grey.
• Safe, easy to install, and perfect for full facades or accent features.

A versatile solution where clients want the warmth of timber with modern durability.

Triton Slatted Cladding (WPC)

For projects needing a contemporary edge, Triton Slatted Cladding delivers. Its modern linear design creates striking façades, while the WPC construction makes it durable, safe, and resistant to common timber issues like rotting or warping. As a low-maintenance cladding solution, it’s perfect for busy homeowners who want lasting style without constant upkeep. Whether used on garden rooms, home extensions, or full property façades, slatted cladding delivers the sleek, architectural finish that defines contemporary design, while offering the strength and sustainability of advanced composite technology.

Features

• Clean, linear design for modern façades.
• Lightweight, easy-to-handle WPC construction.
• Available in 2.5m or 3.6m lengths for flexibility on site.
• Colours: Charcoal, Golden Teak, Light Grey.
• Requires minimal upkeep – just occasional cleaning.

Shiplap cladding

Our Shiplap cladding combines rustic charm with practical performance, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern projects. The overlapping design creates a stylish finish while also offering added protection.

Features

• Rustic, traditional look that adds character and warmth.
• Overlapping boards create a tight seal against air and moisture.
• Helps reduce outside noise for a quieter interior.
• Lightweight and easy to cut, ideal for DIY or professional installation.
• Can be painted or stained to match any colour scheme.
• Durable and versatile for exterior walls, renovations, or interior features.

Hardie® Plank Fibre Cement Cladding

For projects where strength and durability matter most, Hardie® Plank fibre cement cladding by James Hardie is a proven market leader. Designed to be thinner and lighter than many alternative building materials, it is also stronger, easier to handle, and quick to install  – helping your build progress faster with fewer delays.

Features

• Fire resistant – non combustible A2 fire rated
• Weather resistant – doesn’t shrink, crack or warp
• Installed horizontally or vertically for design flexibility.
• Available in 21 ColourPlus™ shades, with UV stability to resist fading.
• Lightweight for easy installation
• Choice of wood-grain or smooth finishes.
• Engineered for 20% faster installation, saving time on site.
• Dimensions: 3600 x 180 x 8 mm
• Overlap: 30 mm
• Weight: 7.4 kg per plank, 11.419 kg/m²
• Density: 1300 kg/m³
• Fire rating: A2, s1-d0
• Backed by a 15-year warranty.

Ideal for projects that demand long-term performance and modern design versatility.

To download a brochure please click on the link

Use the Hardie online calculator and visualiser.

*Please note that these are only available for delivery in the Green area, or collection from our trade counters.

View the HardiePlank installation video.

Conclusion

The choice of external cladding depends on your project’s priorities –  whether that’s speed of installation, a premium finish, low maintenance, or maximum durability.

Get in touch to find out more about our range of cladding or to place your next order. Want to see a colour sample? Our local Sales Reps can visit your site with cladding samples to help keep your project moving. To book, call 0345 021 3333.Our helpful team is on hand to help keep your projects moving. Call us on 0345 021 3333 or email us at [email protected].