Your Guide to Wall Cladding Choices & Costs in New Zealand 2025
When you’re designing a home, one of the key decisions you’ll make is your exterior cladding. It’s not just about looks – your cladding plays a key role in weather protection, maintenance needs, and how your home will age over time. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to compare. So we’ve pulled together some straightforward tables of popular cladding types in NZ, with ballpark costs and benefits to help you plan.
Note: Candela Architecture doesn’t sell cladding or provide site-specific pricing. All figures here include GST and are general estimates based on a flat site with a concrete floor, including materials, fixings, installation and painting where appropriate.
Tips for Choosing Your Cladding
Start with inspiration: collect images of homes you like and note the cladding types used.
Shortlist your favourites: aim for a top 3–4 options.
Order samples: seeing and touching the material makes a huge difference.
Check colour availability: especially for factory-finished products.
Think about mixing: pairing two or more claddings can add visual interest and save costs.
Your home’s exterior is its first impression, choose materials you’ll love for years to come.
Other Factors That Influence Cladding Costs
Height & access: Multi-storey homes or hard-to-reach walls cost more to scaffold and install.
Joinery layout: Complex openings mean more cutting and detailing.
Location: Coastal sites may require stainless steel fixings or additional protective coatings.
Builder preference: Most claddings can be installed by your builder, but some specialist systems require certified installers.
Choosing the right cladding is about balancing style, performance, and practicality. With a clear understanding of the options, their costs, and benefits, you can make confident decisions that suit both your vision and your budget. Use this guide as a starting point, gather inspiration, and don’t be afraid to mix materials for a unique, durable finish. After all, your cladding isn’t just a design choice, it’s an investment in how your home looks, feels, and lasts for years to come.
Of course this list is not exhaustive, there are many other cladding options that might be better suited to your specific project. If you’d like to explore further, feel free to get in touch with the Candela Architecture team. We provide architectural design, renovations, alterations, and full documentation services across Alexandra, Cromwell, Invercargill, Queenstown, Wānaka, and throughout the wider Central Otago and Southland regions.
