Key Takeaways & Cost of Cladding per Square Metre
| Cladding Type | Appearance | Cost Range (€/m²)*** | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | Natural, timeless | 80–150 | Low | Traditional or rural homes |
| Composite | Modern, varied colours | 50–90 | Low | Contemporary builds |
| Timber | Warm, natural | 40–80 | Medium–High | Eco builds |
| Cedar | Premium timber | 70–120 | Medium | High-end modern homes |
| Zinc | Sleek, metallic | 90–150 | Low | Modern architecture |
| Cedral (Fibre Cement) | Timber-look alternative | 60–100 | Very low | All-weather use |
| Shiplap | Overlapping boards | 40–70 | Medium | Extensions & cabins |
| PVC / uPVC | Plastic panels | 30–60 | Very low | Budget renovations |
| Brick Slip | Thin brick façade | 80–130 | Low | Restorations, extensions |
| Render | Smooth plaster finish | 40–100 | Medium | New builds & retrofits |
- ***Cost Range figures are derived from a combination of Irish supplier data, industry benchmarks, and UK-to-Ireland cost adjustments to reflect 2024–2025 construction prices. For actual ranges, please contact your supplier.
External cladding not only shapes how your home looks but also protects it from Ireland’s unpredictable weather. So if you’re building new, renovating, or upgrading insulation, choosing the right cladding can make a big difference in how it looks, its durability and maintenance.
Here are the most popular types of house cladding in Ireland, their pros and cons, and where each one works best.
1. Stone Cladding
Natural stone is one of Ireland’s oldest and most durable forms of cladding, and it is popular in both rural cottages and high-end homes. It can be installed as thin stone veneer panels or traditional full-depth stonework.
PROS
- Timeless, natural appearance
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Low maintenance & ages beautifully
- Adds property value
CONS
- Expensive to buy and install
- Heavy, if using real stone. May require reinforced foundations
- Limited insulation benefit
2. Timber Cladding
Timber cladding gives a natural, warm finish and suits rural or eco-style homes. Popular choices include larch, spruce, and pine.
PROS
- Eco-friendly and renewable
- Natural insulation properties
- Easily painted, stained, or treated
- Warm aesthetic
CONS
- Requires regular maintenance (staining/sealing)
- Can warp or fade if untreated
- Vulnerable to pests and rot over time
3. Cedar Cladding
Cedar is a premium softwood known for its rich colour, natural oils, and resistance to decay. Often used on modern modular homes and high-end self-builds.
PROS
- Beautiful reddish tone that weathers gracefully to silver-grey
- Naturally rot- and insect-resistant
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Excellent insulation and acoustic properties
CONS
- Expensive compared to standard timber
- Still requires UV treatment to prevent fading
- Colour can vary across boards
4. Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and polymers (mostly plastic), and combines the look of timber with long-lasting durability.
PROS
- Low maintenance, no painting or staining needed
- Resistant to rot, warping, and fading
- Wide colour range and finishes
- Sustainable (often made from recycled materials)
CONS
- More expensive than PVC or softwood
- Can expand slightly in heat if poorly installed
- Less “natural” feel than real timber
5. Cedral (Fibre Cement) Cladding
Cedral is a popular brand of fibre cement cladding designed to mimic painted timber but with minimal upkeep. It’s increasingly used across Irish housing developments.
PROS
- Extremely low maintenance
- Fire and rot-resistant
- Withstands harsh coastal weather
- Variety of colours and textures (woodgrain or smooth)
CONS
- Heavier than composite
- Needs professional installation for best finish
- Can be brittle if cut or handled poorly
6. Shiplap Cladding
“Shiplap” refers to the horizontal overlapping joint between boards that creates a weather-tight seal. It can be made from timber, PVC, or composite.
PROS
- Simple, classic design
- Excellent water runoff due to overlap
- Easy to repair or replace sections
- Affordable and widely available
CONS
- Wood versions need maintenance
- Can trap moisture if poorly ventilated
- Doesn’t offer as much insulation as other systems
7. PVC (uPVC) Cladding
PVC (or uPVC) cladding is a budget-friendly option used for extensions, dormers, or areas needing easy upkeep.
PROS
- Cheapest of all cladding options
- Maintenance-free, no painting or sealing
- Weather and moisture-resistant
- Ideal for low-rise and retrofit projects
CONS
- Less durable and less premium in appearance
- Can fade or crack over decades
- Not environmentally friendly
8. Brick Slip Cladding
Brick slips are thin slices of real brick that give the appearance of traditional brickwork without the weight or cost.
PROS
- Classic brick look at lower cost
- Easy installation onto existing walls
- Suitable for both new builds and retrofits
- Low maintenance
CONS
- Still expensive compared to PVC or composite
- Adds little insulation value
- Limited colour variation compared to render
9. Zinc Cladding
Zinc panels are used for striking, contemporary architecture. They provide a metallic finish that develops a protective patina over time.
PROS
- Long lifespan (50+ years)
- Self-healing patina resists corrosion
- Minimal maintenance
- 100% recyclable
CONS
- High upfront cost
- Requires skilled installation
- Limited colour range (mainly grey & green tones)
10. Precast Concrete / Architectural Panels
Used mostly in commercial and multi-unit housing, precast concrete cladding panels are factory-made and installed on site.
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Weather- and fire-resistant
- Minimal maintenance
- Allows textured or patterned finishes
CONS
- Very heavy, needs crane installation
- Expensive transport costs
- Industrial look may not suit all homes
Choosing the Right Cladding for Your Irish Home.
When choosing cladding, consider
- Climate
- Maintenance, and
- Budget.
| Environment | Recommended Cladding | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal / windy areas | Cedral, zinc, composite | Resistant to salt, rain, and wind |
| Rural / countryside | Stone, timber, cedar | Blends well with environment |
| Urban / contemporary | Zinc, composite, brick slips | Modern look, low maintenance |
| Budget builds | PVC, shiplap | Affordable and easy to maintain |
External cladding is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s also a shield against Ireland’s weather and a major part of your home’s identity.
The right cladding can balance style, costs, and maintenance for a long time. As Ireland continues to embrace modular and energy-efficient building, durable cladding systems will only become more essential.
REFERNCE LINKS FOR CLADDING/MATERIAL PRICING.
- Stone Cladding Ireland, “€45 to €80 per square metre” average for stone cladding panels in Ireland Stone Cladding
- Comfortline (Stone & Wall Cladding Panels), Lightweight stone panels, ~€56 per m² Comfortline
- Burnt Larch Cladding Ireland, Material cost ~€67 per m² (VAT incl) for burnt larch boards Loghouse Cabins Ireland
- Composite Cladding (Ecoscape), Example price listing for composite slatted cladding ~€90 per m² (board only) My Home & Garden
- Cedral / Fibre Cement Cladding, Cedral Click product info, and guide price in UK context (~£80/m²) Cedral World
- Brick / Stone Slip Panels, Oyster natural stone cladding panels, ~€56 per m² Comfortline
