Pros and Cons of Popular Cladding Options in New Zealand

Bill Zhao
Sep 24
3 min read

New Zealand’s famously temperamental weather has made for many a conversation starter across the country. Be it the powerful gusts in Wellington or the surprise showers Aucklanders have grown accustom to. In dealing with New Zealand’s mystery box of weather phenomena, the right type of cladding can ensure long-lasting homes against any hand our country plays. Typically the outermost layer of your home, cladding plays a vital role in defence against the elements.

Fibre Cement

Leading the charge for New Zealand exteriors, fibre cement cladding’s strength comes in the form of its incredible resilience, which is perfect for the rigorous gauntlet of weather cycles our country is subject to. Boasting excellent weather-resistance, fire-resistance, and rot-resistance, Fibre Cement cladding is a premium choice when it comes to durability and survivability. It’s also incredibly versatile in finish options and comes in a good variety of shapes – such as weatherboards and panels, allowing for both modern and classical designs while using the latest materials.

While it can mimic the shape and texture of natural materials like wood, one of the drawbacks is that it won’t fool a close onlooker. Other cons include a rather involved installation process and higher upfront costs compared to other options.

Metal

Impressively sleek and imposingly tough, Metal Cladding serves as a hardy choice for New Zealand homes. It is primarily suited for homes that are situated in exposed areas which are expected to see continued presence of both weather and natural elements. Heavy sun, snow, or humidity locations are places where users can get the most out of their metal cladding. With an extreme level of durability, a metal shell can keep your home warm and safe even in the harshest of conditions.

Metal cladding however, is also more prone to visible scratches. Such damage can harm the finish and may prove bothersome to repair. Similar to fibre cement, it is also among the costlier options when choosing cladding. Unlike it however, aesthetic versatility is a lot more limited, and may not gel well with certain home styles.

Brick

A classic and timeless option, brick cladding is evocative of traditional New Zealand commercial buildings and provides a rugged, old-fashioned look that is remarkably compatible with various contemporary styles. It offers good fire-resistance, general durability, and versatile aesthetics. Well-suited as both primary cladding or a secondary touch, well-laid brickwork can be quite exquisite under the right conditions.

While widely applicable in compatibility, design options are rather limited, and can be hard to differentiate from other brick styles at a glance. It is also hefty – in both price and physical weight, which makes construction and renovation work more cumbersome. Its porous nature can lead to rainwater ingress and possible mould.

Timber

Incredibly prevalent and popular among New Zealand homes, timber weatherboards offer smooth, natural, and aesthetically diverse options for cladding. Well-known for good reason, timber is a sustainable and middle-priced option. With a wide range of possible finishes, and undeniable natural charm, it comes as no surprise that residents have gravitated towards this well-balanced option for much of NZ’s history.

Drawbacks include the need for increased maintenance. Lack of proper care can result in susceptibility to the elements. The price for painting and staining can add up over time when compared to lower-maintenance options.

Vinyl

Competitively-priced and low-maintenance, Vinyl cladding offers an affordable alternative to the rest of New Zealand’s options, while still providing a capable exterior with serviceable durability. It is highly resilient to water and general moisture damage. Installation and replacement are also easy due to its lightweight nature.

Downsides include varying offerings when it comes to finish layers – not all provide sufficient UV resistance against fading. It won’t impress any visitors, but it can certainly get the job done. Vinyl’s flexibility can be both a positive and a negative – offering leeway against physical strain but it lacks the structural stability of more rigid options.

With a broad range of options to choose from with varying price options, there is a perfect selection for every aspiring homeowner.

At VIKON, we don’t just build homes — we help you choose the right materials to balance durability, design, and cost. If you’re planning a new build or renovation, our team can guide you through every decision to create a home that lasts.