Are you wanting to start your next project and wanting to know if wood or composite cladding better?
A Straightforward Guide from Rex Paine Timber & Hardware
Choosing between timber and composite cladding isn’t always cut and dry. Both materials have their strengths, and your decision will affect everything from looks and longevity to how much ongoing maintenance is needed — and how much it’ll all cost in the long run.
At Rex Paine Timber & Hardware, we work closely with builders, chippies, designers, and homeowners to help them pick the right gear for the job. Below, we break down the key differences between natural timber and composite cladding, so you can make the best call for your next build.
Looks: Classic Timber Feel vs Sleek Consistency
Timber Cladding
There’s no beating the natural warmth of real timber. Every board is unique, with its own grain, knots, and texture. Whether you’re using Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, or Jarrah, timber adds character and a timeless feel to any project.
It plays well with other materials too — glass, stone, or steel — and suits both heritage-style and modern builds. You can leave it raw, stain it, oil it, paint it, or even char it (Shou Sugi Ban style) to get the look you’re after.
Composite Cladding
If consistency is what you’re after, composite cladding like WoodEvo is the go. It comes in a range of modern colours — from Charcoal and Weathered Grey to Tasmanian Oak — and gives you a clean, even finish across the whole job.
While composite can mimic timber’s appearance, it doesn’t have that same natural variation or feel. But if your clients are chasing a contemporary look with minimal fuss, composite gets the job done.
Durability: How It Stands Up to Aussie Conditions
Timber Cladding
A good quality hardwood like Ironbark or Pacific Teak is tough and built to last. That said, timber is still a natural product, which means it’s going to need some TLC. If it’s not properly looked after, it can cop damage from sun, moisture, and pests — leading to fading, warping, or rot.
To get the most out of timber, you’ll need to use the right coatings or treatments, especially in harsh environments or termite-prone areas.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is built to handle the elements. WoodEvo boards, for example, are BAL29-rated, so they’re a solid option for bushfire-prone areas. They don’t split, warp, rot, or get eaten by termites — and they handle coastal and humid climates with no worries.
They also come with long warranties (like 12 years from WoodEvo), so you know they’re made to last.
Maintenance: Set and Forget or Regular Upkeep?
Timber Cladding
If you or your clients go with timber, just know that maintenance is part of the deal. It’ll need regular oiling, sealing, or painting to keep it looking sharp and structurally sound. Skip the upkeep and you’ll risk the boards turning grey, cracking, or becoming termite tucker.
Some builders and homeowners are happy to do the upkeep for the natural look — but it does take time and effort.
Composite Cladding
Composite is much more low maintenance. It doesn’t need to be oiled, sealed, or painted. Just a quick clean with a hose and some soapy water now and then will keep it looking tidy. That’s a big bonus for tradies doing larger commercial jobs or clients who don’t want to lift a finger once it’s installed.
Do You Need to Paint or Treat It?
Timber Cladding
Yep. To keep it protected from the sun, rain, and bugs, you’ll need to paint or treat timber cladding regularly. The upside? You’ve got a lot more flexibility with finishes and colour options.
Composite Cladding
Nope. Composite boards like WoodEvo are UV-stabilised and come ready to go — no painting or sealing needed. What you see is what you get, and what you get lasts.
Environmental Impact: Sustainability vs Recyclability
Timber Cladding
If it’s sourced from responsibly managed forests (like PEFC- or FSC-certified suppliers), timber is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials out there. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and stores carbon, which helps reduce emissions.
At the end of its life, timber can be reused, repurposed, or left to break down naturally.
Composite Cladding
Composite boards are made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic. Some options, like WoodEvo, include recycled materials, which is a win. But since it’s a synthetic product, it’s not biodegradable and can be hard to recycle at the end of its life.
That said, its long lifespan and low maintenance needs mean it could still be the more sustainable option over time — especially if you factor in fewer coatings, treatments, and replacements.
Costs: What You Pay Now vs What You Save Later
Timber Cladding
Timber’s upfront cost depends on the species and finish. Hardwood options cost more, but they deliver on looks and durability. Just remember to budget for maintenance over the years — oils, paints, labour, and time.
For some builders and clients, that extra cost is worth it for the authentic finish.
Composite Cladding
Composite usually costs a bit more at the start, but you’ll likely make that back in the long run. There’s virtually no maintenance, no painting, and fewer call-backs to fix warping, rot, or pest issues.
On large jobs or for clients looking for a fuss-free exterior, composite often works out cheaper over time.
Termite Resistance
Timber Cladding
Timber is vulnerable to termite attacks, especially in warmer parts of Australia. Some species are more termite-resistant than others, and proper treatments can help, but it’s still a risk that needs managing.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding doesn’t attract termites at all. The plastic and binders in the board keep pests away, which makes it ideal for areas with high termite activity. One less thing to worry about on site.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Both timber and composite cladding have their place — it just depends on what your job calls for.
Go with timber cladding if:
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You’re after a natural look and tactile finish
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You like working with traditional materials
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You don’t mind a bit of regular maintenance
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Sustainability is a priority for your client
Go with composite cladding if:
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You want low-maintenance and long-lasting results
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You’re working in high-exposure or termite-prone areas
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You need consistent colour and texture across large builds
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Your client wants a set-and-forget solution
If you want to know more about our decking range, we recommend: WoodEvo Composite Decking
Get the Right Advice at Rex Paine Timber & Hardware
Still tossing up between timber and composite? No worries — swing by Rex Paine Timber & Hardware or give us a call. We’ve been helping builders, tradies, and designers get the right materials for over 70 years.
We stock a wide range of quality hardwoods as well as WoodEvo composite cladding, all backed by honest advice and competitive pricing.
📞 Get in touch with the team at Rex Paine today, or visit paines.com.au to check out our full range and get your next project sorted.
