Cladding for Sheds

Cladding is a layering material which is placed over the top of a building's exterior to provide thermal insulation and weather protection. It will reduce the expose of the building and fortify it against the wear and tear caused by outdoor elements. Cladding is often also used for aesthetic purposes as it can be used to cover up a less-attractive material for a fraction of the price.

Shed cladding is often more practical than aesthetically pleasing. Creating a weather tight barrier is imperative to protecting the integrity of your shed and ensuring that it has the longest lifespan possible. The most common type of cladding for sheds in Australia is timber – specifically, durable hardwoods such as Western Red Cedar, European Oak, Eucalyptus, Blackbutt, and Douglas Fur.

However, timber is not necessarily the best option for cladding a shed. For one thing, it has a higher maintenance than many other materials. Timber is also susceptible to water damage, rot and pests. The risk is significantly reduced when the timber is treated, but retreating the timber every few years is a high maintenance task. There are many other options of shed cladding ideas and materials which will drastically improve the durability of your shed. To help you better understand the options available, below are profiles of the cladded shed materials that will work best in an Australian climate.

Considerations

Before we get to that, there are a few things you might want to consider whilst you browse the options of shed cladding for sale. The most important is your geographical location and climate. Will you need extra thermal heat retention? How about weather protection? Will the shed cladding be exposed to water regularly? All of these are helpful indicators of the different cladding types which will suit your home. Each cladding type has its strengths, weaknesses, and best suited climates. Browse them below.

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10. Fireplace

While generally cladding is external, you may get to a point in your shed design where you decide you need some internal cladding. This is particularly likely if you live somewhere cold and want to be able to use the shed during winter, as you will probably need the comfort of extra insulation. A fireplace is an option for a larger shed that will see a lot of use.

There are many different options for fireplace cladding materials. The most common is brick, though stone and steel are also popular choices. Cladding for fireplaces can be fairly expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. See here for more information on fireplace cladding, how much it costs, and how to DIY.

09. Rusticated

Rusticated cladding is a method of cladding assembly with a weatherproof shape. Rusticated cladding can be made from either cement or timber – although timber is the most common.

The sloped design funnels water off of the surface of the cladding and towards the ground. However, rusticated cladding is only as good as its material – it will have the same drawbacks as timber (suspect to rot) or cement (higher cost, heavier).

08. Shiplap

Shiplap is another method of cladding assembly whereby the planks are grooved to overlap in a uniform wall with almost no gaps. This prevents the leakage of water and fortifies a surface against weather damage. It is affordable and has a simple installation process. However shiplap is prone to warping if installed incorrectly, so it is not a job for an inexperienced DIY-er.

07. Brick

There is some debate as to whether brick counts as a form of cladding. However, it is often used for exterior facades with a dual purpose of aesthetic and protective value – coming in multiple colours – which indicates that it does indeed serve the purpose of cladding.

06. Vinyl

Vinyl cladding is made from PVC plastic. As such, it can come in many different colours and is suitable for just about any surface (including brick and fibro cement).

Vinyl planks have a sleek, contemporary look that will make your shed stand out. They are also the cheapest material on the market and take very little time to install.

05. Natural stone

Natural stone cladding is exceptionally beautiful. It has an extreme durability and will usually last as long as the building itself. There is a huge range of types, colours and sizes of stone cladding available. For a traditional look, consider cladding your shed in natural stone. Natural stone is also popular as an internal cladding material for its rustic beauty in the home.

04. Timber cladding

Timber cladding is one of the cheapest options on the market depending on the type of wood. Treated pine is the least expensive cladding material. Timber has a raw natural look which has been celebrated in design for centuries. It is environmentally friendly, easy to install, and an easy DIY-project.

03. Aluminium

Aluminium cladding is made a few different ways. Some aluminium cladding has a base layer of polyethene plastic with two external layers of aluminium sheets. The safest – and most popular – type of aluminium cladding is solid aluminium which has been coated with heat resistant powder.

This powder will char with heat exposure, saving the aluminium beneath from melting or burning. Aluminium cladding is a durable, lightweight and environmentally friendly material. Its impressive fire resistance makes it one of the best shed cladding options for an Australian climate. Read more here.

02. Fibre cement cladding

Fibre or fibro cement cladding is a material made from cement, water, sand and cellulose wood fibres. It began as a safe alternative to asbestos-based materials in the 1980s. Fibro is a lightweight and water-resistant material with a range of home applications. Its durability will see it outlive traditional materials like timber by decades. Read more about the applications, development and ideas for fibro cement here.

01. Colorbond

Colourbond is a type of coated steel manufactured by Australian-owned company BlueScope. It is made from a corrosion resistant steel base with a baked-on paint finish that drastically increases its durability. The finish will protect your steel from chipping, peeling, cracking, water and fire damage. It is one of the most common cladding choices for Australian sheds. See here for more.