Composite Cladding vs Fibre Cement Cladding: What’s the Difference?

Home cladding is booming in 2025, with more and more UK homeowners discovering how easily and quickly a layer of cladding can transform a tired-looking home into the most stylish house on the street. But choosing the right cladding? That’s a bigger question, and it often comes down to three things: aesthetics, durability, and, let’s be honest, how little time you want to spend on upkeep.

While there are many different cladding options to choose from, most UK homeowners are going to end up narrowing this choice down to two options: composite cladding or fibre cement cladding. But if you don’t have the time to go on research deep-dive, good news! We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each right now, so you can make the best decision for your place and get started on your home makeover as soon as possible. Let’s dive in!

What is Composite Cladding?

Composite cladding is typically made from a mix of wood fibres and recycled plastics. What makes it so popular is that it combines the best of both worlds; not only are you getting a home exterior that is aesthetically pleasing, but it also boasts enhanced durability, minimal maintenance, and comes in a range of styles that can suit any modern home. 

Composite cladding also resists fading, warping, and splintering, which makes it perfect for UK homes that need to be able to withstand our higher-than-average rainy weather and storms. Plus, you’re doing your bit for the planet by choosing a product that incorporates recycled materials. Pretty neat, right?

What is Fibre Cement Cladding?

Fibre cement cladding takes a different approach. It’s a robust mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres, which creates a seriously tough material known for its fire resistance. It’s also often chosen for its ability to mimic the look of traditional wood grain. However, bear in mind that fibre cement is considerably heavier than composite. In short, this means that installation can be a bit more complex and involved, often requiring specialist tools and a professional touch.

Composite vs Fibre Cement Cladding: Key Differences

So, while both composite and fibre cement cladding have their benefits, how do these two materials really stack up against each other? Let’s compare:

Durability

Both options are built to last, but they handle wear and tear differently. Composite cladding is incredibly resistant to weathering, which means it won’t rot, warp, or crack easily. Fibre cement is also highly durable and boasts excellent impact resistance, but it can be susceptible to cracking if not handled correctly during installation.

Durability Winner: Composite Cladding

Maintenance

This is where composite cladding really shines. “Low-maintenance” is practically its middle name – a simple occasional wash is all it needs, and it’ll look great all year round, in almost any weather. Fibre cement, on the other hand, might require repainting every few years to maintain its appearance, especially if you opt for a painted finish. If you’ve ever faced peeling paint or warping wood, you’ll appreciate the low-maintenance appeal of composite cladding.

Maintenance Winner: Composite Cladding

Cost

The initial cost of fibre cement cladding can sometimes be lower than composite, however, it’s important to think about the long-term picture. For example, when you factor in the costs for repainting fibre cement cladding, as well as the more complex installation, the costs pretty much even out. Put simply, composite cladding’s minimal maintenance often translates to long-term savings.

Cost Winner: Composite Cladding

Style and Appearance

Style is subjective, so it’s difficult to narrow down the true “winner” between these two types of cladding. Instead, we can break it down into two different style preferences: composite cladding often provides a sleek, modern look, and its consistent finish and clean lines are perfect for contemporary homes. Fibre cement, while also available in a variety of styles, excels at replicating the classic look of wood, and can be painted in virtually any colour, offering great customisation.

Best for Modern Aesthetics: Composite Cladding

Best for Traditional Wood Aesthetics: Fibre Cement Cladding

Which One Should You Choose?

So, what’s the verdict? The truthful answer is, it really depends! If you’re low-maintenance and want something durable, long-lasting and weather-resistant, composite cladding is likely going to be the best match. On the other hand, if you adore the traditional aesthetic of painted wood, and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, fibre cement could be the way to go.

Which Type of Cladding is Best for the Environment?

Both composite cladding and fibre cement cladding have environmental pros and cons.

Composite cladding scores points for using recycled materials, which helps to reduce landfill waste. Fibre cement, while durable, uses raw materials like cement, which has a higher carbon footprint during production. If we had to pick, we’re pretty confident in stating that composite cladding is more eco-friendly.

Final Thoughts

So there we have it! Both composite cladding and fibre cement cladding each offer compelling benefits – now it’s up to you to weigh up each option when it comes to durability, maintenance needs, style preferences, and, of course, your budget.

Ready to take the next step? At Dino Decking, we offer free samples of our high-quality composite cladding, so take advantage of our free next-day UK delivery and try it for yourself! You can learn more about our innovative cladding materials over on our blog.