Getting Ready for an Exterior Renovation? Here’s Why Material Matters

Looks alone won’t cut it — Fibre Cement Cladding delivers on style, strength, and sustainability

Image of the exterior of a home and patio. The house has black fibre cement cladding and wooden fencing on either side of the patio. There is an outdoor seating setup with a loveseat and two sling chairs.
(Image credit: Cedral)

Warmer days are here, and that means more time spent outside. Which also means it’s the season to finally get those renovation plans out of the ideation phase and let them become something you can enjoy throughout long summer evenings. Whether you have a patio extension planned, a cabana you’ve been dreaming of, or even an exterior wall that just needs a slight facelift, the material you use matters.

Where perhaps we once defaulted to more traditional exterior trends, we’re now seeing innovative designs that feel more durable, functional, and sleek. Fiber cement cladding, for example, ticks all of those boxes, and don’t worry, it looks chic on your exterior as well.

The timber-like planks, composed of naturally available materials such as Portland cement, chalk, sand, and water, and fibres for strength and versatility, form an elegant facade perfect for both a contemporary or traditional home. So get your project plans ready, because today, sustainable homes can be both hardwearing and timeless without sacrificing on aesthetics.

Exterior of a white house with fibre cement cladding and a warm wooden bench out front.

Fibre cement cladding can adapt to both traditional and more modern farmhouse exteriors, like this design.

(Image credit: Cedral)

The shift towards more quality exterior materials is a true reflection of how we live today, with many homeowners valuing practical elements like energy efficiency and cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions.

One company paving the way is Cedral. In recent research from Cedral, a national survey of UK homeowners showed durability (47.6%) and energy efficiency (45.7%) were ranked as more important than aesthetics when it came to choosing materials for the home. It’s clear that resilience and sustainability are becoming essential renovation priorities, too. The findings also revealed that homeowners are driving this shift, pushing for materials that perform long-term while still looking good.

Fiber cement cladding balances all of these demands, ensuring that your outdoor space is a space you can enjoy. These facades have a rainscreen system, and the sustainable material helps improve thermal acoustics, making it easier for your property to be cooler during summer and warmer during winter.

Image of a covered outdoor space where the ceiling and walls are covered in a white fibre cement cladding. The walls of the interior are made of a glass window, and there is a small chair and side table by the back wall.

The fibre cement cladding in this exterior wraps around the walls and the ceiling for a sleek and streamlined look.

(Image credit: Cedral)

And for those of you craving a bit more elegance, brands like Cedral have been at the forefront of offering homeowners inspiration and flexibility to personalize their home facades. With changing exterior demands and requirements in mind, they have helped to improve and curate a range of innovative products and exterior colors so you don’t have to feel stuck in the materials of the past.

What’s more is that fibre cement cladding comes in both woodgrain and smooth finishes, so you can create a refined finish with the flexibility to be installed vertically or horizontally. And depending on your exterior style, you can use a flush fitting tongue and groove cladding, creating a contemporary flat finish or a shiplap, New-England style look which oozes a more traditional aesthetic. It’s the kind of detail that gives your project lasting character while also delivering on function and performance.

And, though not necessarily a style point, it’s worth noting that these fibre cement cladding facades can be easily cleaned and are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and have an excellent fire performance classification. All while boosting your home’s curb appeal — a true win-win for form and function.

Image of the exterior of a house covered in black fibre cement cladding. There is an outdoor dining table set with glassware and decor and six black dining chairs around it.

The black colorway of this fibre cement cladding adds that extra stylish flair that feels both minimalist and elegant.

(Image credit: Cedral)

Investing in a beautiful exterior means delving beyond just quick fixes and instead considering factors like safety, material longevity, sustainability, and cost. If you’re planning a transformation, ask yourself: Is this material built to last through the years?

Choosing materials like fibre cement cladding for your project, renovation, or custom build means you can feel comfortable building something that lasts. With the right materials, a well-built space will save you from the hassle of constant upkeep and generate a more low-maintenance home, so you can simply sit back and take in the view.