Most homeowners just paint their interior walls and use standard siding on the exterior of their homes. But homeowners in the know use wall cladding to not only inject unique style into their home but create a watertight seal to fight against strong weather or moisture.

Wall cladding is different from siding in that it doesn’t adhere directly to the sheathing or exterior wall. Instead, it is laid over furring strips which create a separation between the sheathing and the materials. This space improves ventilation and creates a water-resistant barrier—both of which prolong the life of the cladding materials and the integrity of your home.

If you’re curious about installing wall cladding, you’ll need to know the different types for both interior and exterior cladding, plus their benefits. So today we’ll go into detail about what options you have for choosing wall cladding overpainting or more standard options.

The Benefits of Wall Cladding

Wall cladding offers a number of benefits to the homeowner, but many choose it simply because they love its look. It gives you more design freedom than other options and provides an opportunity for your home to stand out from others on the block.

Benefits of wall cladding include:

• Strong resistance to the elements
• Modern and unique design that stands out
• Big ROI
• Increases the value of your home
• Offers more freedom and options for design
• Easier to maintain than paint
• Better ventilation and water resistance

Many homeowners prefer wood over vinyl siding which has dominated the market in recent years. Vinyl siding is cheaper and easier to install, but it doesn’t have the natural beauty of wood. Wood cladding gives your home a warm, rustic feel that vinyl can’t replicate.

Wall cladding also helps protect your home from weather damage. While paint will eventually peel and chip away in extreme weather conditions, wall cladding protects the integrity of your exterior walls. It will hold up well against hail, wind, and heavy rains which can damage or destroy a home without proper protection.

And while you may think that wall cladding is more expensive than painting, it actually adds value to your property because potential buyers see a house with great curb appeal as being more valuable and as one less thing they have to maintain.

Exterior vs. Interior Wall Cladding

Wall cladding can be used both inside and outside of your home. Here are the advantages of both options:

Benefits of Exterior Cladding

Exterior cladding is designed to be installed on the outside of your home and protect it from weather damage. It comes in a variety of materials, but wood is most popular because of its natural beauty and durability.

Exterior wall cladding can also include:

• Vinyl
• Metal
•  Brick

Some modern designs even use glass cladding for an artistic, minimalist appeal.

If you’re looking for a way to add insulation to your home, exterior cladding is a great option. The added layer of protection will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, saving you energy costs over time.

The space between the furring strips and the installed cladding creates more airflow which can also be beneficial during swings in temperature. Your home’s interior walls aren’t directly in contact with the exterior materials like it is with siding.

Benefits of Interior Cladding

Interior cladding is designed to be installed on the inside of your home. It is most often used in living rooms, basements, or as an accent wall, but it can be installed in any room where you’re tired of painting and want a fresh new look.

Other benefits include the unique personality it can bring to each room in your home. For example, you can have an accent wall that is covered with wood or metal cladding if you want something different than the rest of your house.

Another option would be to use brick on one interior wall as an accent to your great room or front living area. Some people even use stone cladding to frame the focal point of their living room where a mounted TV or fireplace sits. The options are nearly endless—you just need to choose the right material.

Types of Wall Cladding Materials

Wall cladding can be made out of just about anything, but stone, brick, wood, and metal seem to be the main types homeowners choose for both their interior and exterior cladding. Here is each type of material in detail.

1. Brick

Brick cladding is popular for its beauty and durability, but it’s also one of the more expensive options. Brick can last a lifetime if you take good care of it (which isn’t hard to do). To maintain your brick wall cladding, use an all-purpose cleaner or water with vinegar or baking soda on soft scrub pads every few weeks.

• Versatile texture and colors
• Great insulator
• Low maintenance
• Fire resistant

2. Stone

There are many different types of stone available for cladding, but granite, sandstone, and slate seem to be the most popular in homes today. Stone is another expensive option, but it’s also a very durable material that can last forever when properly maintained. Cleaning stone cladding is simple—just use some warm water mixed with a bit of white vinegar and softly wipe it down with a sponge. Dish soap also works great.

• Durable
• Hides flaws or stains
• Won’t absorb moisture

3. Wood

Wood cladding is a very popular choice for both interior and exterior cladding. Wood is timeless and easy to maintain and can be crafted into many different forms or patterns. Take Duchateau, for example—their 3D wood wall panels options are stunning and can really level up any room they go into.

• Environmentally-friendly
• Versatile designs or textures
• Great insulator
• Easy to refinish or paint

4. Vinyl

Vinyl is a great option for exterior cladding because it’s waterproof and can withstand extreme weather conditions. It also doesn’t require much maintenance, just an occasional wash with soap and water. Also, vinyl cladding is different from vinyl siding in functionality, installation, and design. Plus its lightweight makes it ideal for quick and easy installation.

• Affordable
• Low maintenance
• Insulates
• Many color options

5. Metal

Metal cladding doesn’t absorb water and can stand up to the harshest of conditions. It’s also an eco-friendly, green material option because it uses recycled content or is recyclable itself. Metal wall panels are a great choice for exterior cladding if you want both high durability and modern style in your home.

• Affordable
• Water-resistant
• Versatile

6. Steel

Steel is a great choice for your metal wall cladding. It’s very durable, but also has a high rust resistance as well. Steel is the most cost-effective metal cladding in terms of cost and has a life expectancy of 30+ years.

• Weather-proof
• Low water-absorption

7. Aluminum

Aluminum is the other common choice for metal cladding, for both interior and exterior. To maintain aluminum wall cladding, homeowners should gently wash it with just water. Using soap can aid in more corrosion, but if you’re worried about that, look for an aluminum cladding that is specifically designed to be resistant to rusting or peeling.

• Lightweight
• Eco-friendly
• Low maintenance

8. Composite Materials

Composite materials are basically materials made of rubber or other durable materials that look like real, more premium ones (like slate, for example), but at a fraction of the cost. Composite slate or wood wall cladding is cheaper, but gives the same effect style-wise, plus can be easier to maintain.

• Affordable
• Versatile
• Suitable for any location

Why Choose Wall Cladding?

Now that we’ve covered all of the benefits and options for wall cladding, why would a homeowner choose it over painting or other finishes? To reiterate, wall cladding can be a great way to:

• Add insulation to your home
• Hide any flaws or stains on your walls
• Reduce noise levels in your home
• Increase the value of your home
• Make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable
• Be the talk of the neighborhood with unique designs

So, as you can see, there are many reasons to consider wall cladding for your home. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or something to “wow” your guests, there’s definitely an option for you.

At Dwell44, we emphasize quality and performance when it comes to installing any piece in one’s home. We love turning outdated homes into something fun and modern. With our premium brands and full-service interior design options, customers always find something they love.

If you’re interested in wall cladding to enhance your home, reach out to us today!