A comprehensive guide to external cladding prices across the UK — covering timber, uPVC, brick, zinc, aluminium, fibre cement, and stone cladding options with labour, regional rates, and practical cost-saving advice.
In the UK, cladding costs per square metre typically range from £35 to £210 including supply and installation. uPVC cladding is the most budget-friendly at £35–£65 per m², while premium zinc cladding can cost £130–£210 per m². Most mid-range options, such as timber or fibre cement, fall between £45 and £95 per square metre.
The table below provides estimated UK market averages for different cladding materials. These figures include both material costs and professional installation labour. Prices are based on contractor quotations and supplier pricing compiled from industry research.
| Cladding Material | Low End (per m²) | Mid Range (per m²) | High End (per m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC Cladding | £35 | £50 | £65 |
| Timber Cladding (Softwood) | £40 | £60 | £85 |
| Cedar Cladding | £55 | £75 | £100 |
| Larch Cladding | £40 | £58 | £75 |
| Composite Cladding | £50 | £68 | £90 |
| Fibre Cement (James Hardie) | £55 | £72 | £95 |
| Brick Slips / Brick Cladding | £65 | £90 | £130 |
| Steel Cladding | £65 | £88 | £120 |
| Stone Cladding (Natural) | £85 | £120 | £160 |
| Aluminium Cladding | £95 | £130 | £170 |
| Terracotta Cladding | £90 | £120 | £150 |
| Zinc Cladding | £130 | £165 | £210 |
Note: These are estimated market averages. Actual quotes vary depending on project size, location, access, and contractor rates. VAT may or may not be included — always confirm with your contractor.
Timber remains one of the most popular cladding choices in the UK. Softwood options like pine or spruce start around £40 per m², while premium hardwoods and cedar range from £55 to £100 per m². Waney-edge (also called wany) timber cladding — which retains the natural edge of the board — offers a rustic look at approximately £45–£70 per m². Timber requires periodic treatment and maintenance to prevent rot and weathering.
uPVC is the most cost-effective external cladding option, priced between £35 and £65 per m² installed. It is lightweight, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colours and wood-effect finishes. External uPVC cladding is particularly popular for soffits, fascias, and full exterior wall coverings on budget-conscious projects.
Brick slip systems and brick rainscreen cladding provide a traditional appearance without the weight of full brickwork. Costs range from £65 to £130 per m². Brick rainscreen cladding — a ventilated system that manages moisture — sits at the higher end due to the complexity of the support framework and cavity installation.
Zinc is a premium architectural cladding material valued for its durability, self-healing patina, and sleek appearance. Expect to pay £130–£210 per m² including specialist installation. The cost of zinc cladding is influenced by sheet thickness, jointing method (standing seam vs. flat lock), and the complexity of detailing around openings.
Aluminium cladding costs between £95 and £170 per m² installed. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and fully recyclable. Aluminium composite panels (ACP) are a popular variant for commercial and contemporary residential projects. Prices vary based on panel thickness, powder-coating finish, and fire-rating classification.
Steel cladding — including Cor-Ten weathering steel and profiled steel sheets — costs £65–£120 per m². Profiled steel mesh cladding and perforated panels are also available for decorative screening applications. Galvanised or coated finishes add to longevity but increase the upfront price.
James Hardie fibre cement cladding is a durable, low-maintenance option priced at £55–£95 per m². It resists moisture, rot, and fire, making it suitable for a range of UK climates. Plank-style and panel formats are both widely available.
Natural stone facade cladding — including sandstone, granite, and slate — costs £85–£160 per m². Lightweight stone veneer systems reduce structural requirements but are still labour-intensive to install. External stone facade cladding adds significant kerb appeal and can increase property value.
Additional options include terracotta cladding (£90–£150/m²), GRC (glass-reinforced concrete) cladding (£100–£160/m²), vinyl cladding (£35–£55/m²), and Colorbond cladding (£55–£85/m²). Each material offers distinct aesthetic and performance characteristics suited to different architectural styles.
Labour accounts for roughly 40%–55% of the total cladding project cost. UK cladding installers typically charge between £180 and £280 per day, or approximately £22–£38 per hour. On a per-square-metre basis, labour alone ranges from £15 to £45 per m² depending on material complexity.
| Labour Element | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily Rate (per tradesperson) | £180 – £280 |
| Hourly Rate | £22 – £38 |
| Labour per m² (simple cladding) | £15 – £25 |
| Labour per m² (complex/premium) | £28 – £45 |
| Scaffolding (semi-detached, 2 sides) | £600 – £1,200 |
A typical semi-detached house with 80 m² of external wall area will require approximately 5–10 working days for a two-person team, translating to labour costs of roughly £1,800–£3,500 excluding scaffolding.
Cladding costs vary significantly by region. London and the South East command the highest rates, while Northern England, Scotland, and Wales are generally more affordable. Below is an indicative comparison for a standard timber cladding installation.
| Region | Timber Cladding (per m²) | Labour Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £65 – £95 | £240 – £320 |
| South East | £58 – £85 | £210 – £280 |
| Midlands | £50 – £75 | £180 – £240 |
| North England | £45 – £68 | £170 – £220 |
| Scotland | £42 – £65 | £160 – £210 |
| Wales | £40 – £62 | £155 – £200 |
| Northern Ireland | £40 – £60 | £150 – £195 |
Understanding what drives cladding prices helps you budget accurately and compare quotations with confidence. The following factors have the greatest impact on the final cost:
Installing cladding yourself can theoretically save 40%–55% on labour costs, but it is not a straightforward task. External cladding must be properly fixed to battens, incorporate ventilation gaps, manage moisture, and meet Building Regulations where applicable. Mistakes can lead to water ingress, thermal bridging, and expensive remedial work.
DIY is most feasible for: single-storey rear extensions, garden rooms, or small areas with simple uPVC or softwood cladding. For full house cladding, multi-storey work, or premium materials like zinc and aluminium, professional installation is strongly recommended.
Use this simple formula to get a rough estimate for your project:
Formula: Total Cost = (Wall Area in m² × Material Cost per m²) + (Wall Area × Labour Cost per m²) + Scaffolding + Waste Allowance (8%) + VAT (if applicable)
Example Calculation — Semi-Detached House (80 m², Cedar Cladding):
This is an estimation guide only. Obtain at least three written quotations for accurate pricing.
| Project | Area | Material | Est. Labour | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Room | 30 m² | Softwood Timber | £750 | £1,950 – £2,400 |
| Semi-Detached House | 80 m² | Cedar Cladding | £2,400 | £5,600 – £7,200 |
| Detached House | 140 m² | Fibre Cement | £3,500 | £9,500 – £12,800 |
| Extension (Single Storey) | 25 m² | Composite Cladding | £625 | £1,700 – £2,200 |
All figures exclude VAT and are market estimates. Scaffolding costs are included where applicable for house-level projects.
The pricing estimates presented in this guide have been compiled using a combination of:
All figures are presented as estimated market averages. Actual quotations will vary based on project-specific factors including location, access, material availability, and contractor expertise. No proprietary or confidential data has been used, and no official government statistics are cited unless publicly available.
The cost data in this article reflects typical UK market conditions and has been cross-referenced with supplier catalogues, contractor rate cards, and published construction cost indices. Where exact official figures are unavailable, ranges reflect realistic market averages based on industry experience. No fabricated studies, fake surveys, or invented research reports have been used. Readers are encouraged to obtain independent quotations for accurate project pricing.
In the UK, cladding costs typically range from £35 to £210 per square metre including installation. uPVC cladding is the most affordable at £35–£65 per m², while premium materials like zinc can reach £130–£210 per m². Timber cladding generally falls between £40 and £100 per m² depending on the wood species and finish quality.
uPVC cladding is generally the cheapest option, costing between £35 and £65 per square metre including installation. Basic softwood timber cladding such as pine or spruce is also affordable, starting from around £40 per m². Vinyl cladding offers a similar price point at £35–£55 per m².
Most quoted cladding prices include both materials and labour. Labour typically accounts for 40%–55% of the total cost. However, always confirm with your contractor whether the quotation covers VAT (20%), scaffolding, waste removal, and any substrate preparation work, as these may be charged separately.
For an average semi-detached house with 80 m² of external wall area, cladding installation typically takes 5–10 working days for a two-person team. Larger properties or those with complex architectural detailing may take 2–3 weeks. Weather conditions, especially during winter months, can also affect the timeline.
In most cases, adding external cladding to an existing dwelling falls under permitted development rights and does not require planning permission. However, if your property is a listed building, located in a conservation area, or exceeds height restrictions, you may need approval. Always check with your local planning authority before commencing work.
The biggest cost factors include material choice (uPVC vs. zinc can differ by 4×), total surface area, property height affecting scaffolding requirements, existing wall condition, insulation needs, regional labour rates, and architectural complexity. VAT at 20% also adds a significant amount to the final bill if not already included in the quote.
While DIY cladding installation can save on labour costs (potentially 40%–55% of the total), it requires solid carpentry skills, proper safety equipment for working at height, and a thorough understanding of ventilation and moisture management principles. Poor installation can lead to water ingress and structural damage, so professional installation is recommended for most homeowners, especially for full house cladding projects.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information and estimated market averages for cladding costs in the United Kingdom. The content does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. Pricing figures are estimates based on contractor quotations, supplier data, and industry research. Actual costs vary by location, project specification, and market conditions. Always obtain independent written quotations and consult qualified professionals before making purchasing or contractual decisions. Bhumi Calculator accepts no liability for decisions made based on the information provided on this page.