Composite vs Metal Cladding: Which is Better for Your Project?

Article Highlights 

• Material Differences: Composite cladding offers a wood-effect look, while metal provides a modern finish with high fire resistance.
• Durability: Composite resists moisture, UV, and rot; metal requires periodic re-coating for scratches and scuffs.
• Sustainability: Composite uses recycled materials and offers better insulation, while metal is resource-intensive but recyclable.
• Fire Safety: Metal cladding is A-rated for fire resistance, whereas composite cladding meets regulations but has a lower fire rating.

Both metal and composite external cladding have numerous advantages, but the ideal choice ultimately depends on your project’s needs and personal preference. Composite options, such as Millboard’s Envello cladding range, delivers the timeless charm of natural wood cladding without the drawbacks, offering unmatched durability and low maintenance. On the other hand, metal facing is a popular choice for its contemporary finish and excellent fire resistance.

This guide breaks down the key considerations, from durability and thermal efficiency to environmental impact and design flexibility, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritise a natural wood effect or a modern aesthetic, discover how Millboard’s innovative composite solutions stack up against metal alternatives and find the perfect match for your exterior walls whether it’s for a residential or commercial building.

Understanding Your Cladding Material

While deciding on the best composite cladding material comes down to personal preference, there are some performance, aesthetic and maintenance considerations. Composite cladding gives the appearance of real timber cladding without many of the disadvantages. Metal panels, such as aluminium, can offer a modern look, weather resistance and excellent fire-resistance.

What is Composite Cladding?

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is typically made by mixing recycled plastic, wood fibres, rice husks and other composite cladding materials with polyurethane resin. This process creates a strong material resistant to harsh weather conditions; it’s a great alternative to timber cladding. The appearance of composite material is very versatile, it can mimic the appearance of natural wood for a timeless design.

Millboard is the only brand that moulds their composite boards from real vintage oak, giving them the unmatched beauty of natural wood grain. Millboard panels also don’t contain any wood. Instead, they use stronger materials such as mineral stone, fibreglass and polyurethane resin which are resistant to damage and moisture penetration.

Explore the benefits of Millboard’s Envello Cladding collection

The Fundamentals of Metal Cladding

Metal panels are a popular option for cladding contemporary buildings. The powder-coating options are a huge advantage when it comes to versatility. Metal cladding has an excellent fire rating, and the design options are diverse. Metal alloys, although pricier, can be resistant to rust, rot and moisture damage unlike timber counterparts.

Advantages of Composite Cladding

Millboard composite wall cladding can enhance both traditional and contemporary buildings. The Envello collection offers a variety of styles to suit your project or customers’ specifications. The panels themselves are resistant to moisture penetration, reduce heat loss and come with very low maintenance requirements compared to other cladding materials, such as timber or uPVC cladding.

Millboard recognise the timeless appeal of timber cladding but understand its challenges and safety risks. Instead, they’ve created realistic wood effect to give the appearance of a timber-clad building project without its disadvantages.

• Mimics real wood grain
• Moisture, rot and insect resistant
• UV resistant so avoids fading over time
• Low maintenance
• Enhances insulation and thermal efficiency
• Creates a timeless home exterior
• High weather resistance and long-lasting

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Durability and Longevity

When comparing the durability of different external cladding materials, metal and Millboard’s composite option are the most robust choices.

Provided your metal siding doesn’t corrode over time, it can remain strong for decades. Although, the powder coating on metal cladding may not last as long. Scuffs, scratches and stains may need frequent upkeep and re-coating from time to time.

However, composite cladding may not be as physically strong as metal, the reinforced material is exceptionally robust and wood-effect design will also keep the outside of your home looking elegant for decades. UV-resistant paint and a chemically bonded core keeps your home’s exterior resilient, with minimal upkeep.

Maintenance and Ease of Care

Both materials can be easily scrubbed with soapy water to restore their appearance. Composite cladding is moisture, rot, damage and UV-resistant which means that with a simple seasonal clean, the panels can maintain their original timber appeal.

While simple to clean, metal’s powder-coating can be prone to scratches and scuffs. If yours does get damaged, you may need to arrange a professional touch-up.

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Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility

Metal panelling comes with a variety of colours and design options but if you want a wood-effect look, Millboard is the top choice.

There are so many options when choosing Millboard Envello Cladding. Three styles are available, Board & Batten, Shadow Line and Decor. Choose from a range of colours – experience wood-effect panels in every shade. Customise your accent lines with Decor panels.

Whether you have a soft spot for traditional cladding designs or prefer a modern exterior of your home, configure your panels horizontally or vertically.

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Explore some Decor design options

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Fire Safety Considerations

Metal cladding understandably has the best fire resistance. Depending on the metal you use, it can resist melting from 660 degrees Celsius. Metals and fire-resistant powder coating also won’t catch on fire. It’s A-rated for fire-resistance.

Composite cladding meets fire safety building regulations but it’s not as resilient as metal. Millboard currently has a fire rating of D and is compliant with all fire safety regulations. Composite decking isn’t made using any wood, so doesn’t burn as easily as untreated timber.

Cost comparison: Metal vs Composite

Stainless steel is the most robust and hard-wearing metal for exterior cladding but due to its preparation, alloying and sheer weight, it can be expensive to install on your project. Aluminium is a cheaper and more lightweight alternative to steel.

Other than real timber boards that come with maintenance, fire safety and moisture problems, realistic composite facing is the only option to achieve a wood-clad look.

Millboard mould their premium boards from real oak and offer many different styles and colours. Other composite cladding boards may not guarantee an accurate wood-effect or the same performance advantages.

Explore our cladding case studies below

Comparing Composite to Metal Cladding

There are several similarities between metal and composite facing when considering performance. However, the choice comes down to personal preference. Choose between the best wood-grain composite or the modern look of metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is composite cladding considered more sustainable than metal?

Composite materials are seen as more eco-conscious because they can utilise recycled materials, helping to cut down on waste and the need for new resources. Also, they don’t need much maintenance and last for a long time. Some options like Millboard are recyclable and don't require any wood in the end product.

Can composite cladding withstand extreme weather conditions?

The strength of composite cladding makes it very tough against harsh weather. It can resist fading from strong sunlight, consistent moisture, and freezing cold. This durability offers long-lasting protection and helps keep maintenance costs low.

How does the cost of installation compare between composite and metal cladding?

The cost to install exterior composite cladding and metal panels can change. It depends on how complicated the project is and the labour costs in your area. Still, both external house cladding types are usually easier to install than traditional materials like brick or stone rendering. This may lead to lower labour costs per square metre. Steel, being extremely heavy will cost more to install.

Are there any design limitations with composite cladding?

Composite cladding gives you the freedom to design great cladding solutions and with Millboard, it looks almost identical to real wood. However, all of the boards from Millboard are designed using natural wood grain, if this isn't your thing, you could select from many alternatives.

Can Composite Cladding Add Value To Your Property?

Yes, using composite cladding on your external walls can boost your property value. It's stylish and boosts curb appeal. Plus, it is known for being strong and lasting so the longevity of these benefits also add to their value.

Can I drill into composite cladding?

Yes, you can drill into composite cladding. This is a normal step in the installation process. It is important to use the right drill bits and methods. This will help prevent damage to the material and make sure it is fixed securely to your external walls. Explore our resources for installing composite cladding

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