One of the biggest considerations when renovating a house’s exterior is the cladding orientation. More than just boosting a home’s curb appeal, the external cladding also provides extra protection to the structure. So, how do builders decide what’s the best cladding style for a project? Read on to discover the importance of cladding orientation and compare the vertical vs horizontal cladding benefits for WA homes.
Why Cladding Orientation Matters
1. Visual appeal
A house’s exterior architecture reflects the homeowner’s taste and personality. And while seemingly a minor choice, the way you orient external cladding panels dictates the aesthetic. Positioning cladding vertically vs horizontally can drastically change the vibe, appearance, and proportions of a structure.
2. Functionality
The external cladding also serves as a home’s first line of defence from the environment. It’s one of the first few building components greeted by the harsh sun, heavy rains, humidity, sand, or even salt, depending on where a home is situated in WA. These elements can eventually affect the durability and maintenance of a home, but the cladding orientation can help minimise their effects and prolong a house’s longevity.
3. Timeline & Costs
Opting for either horizontal or vertical will require different materials, skillsets, and techniques to ensure proper installation. The labour required will influence the construction timeline, and not to mention, drive up the total cost of the project.
4. Sustainability
According to an MDPI study, a third of Australia’s construction materials end up wasted on a site. In the Perth metropolitan area alone, building product waste used to make up around 56% of the total waste stream. A rising awareness of environmental concerns such as these has made more WA homeowners more mindful of their construction plans and materials in recent years. Waste reduction and sustainability are now a focus. And while seemingly a minor element, cladding styles require different material usages and can sometimes contribute to more waste production.
Vertical Cladding
In recent years, we’ve seen more and more homes in WA adopting vertical cladding styles. Offering a sleeker, bolder look, vertically installed cladding has become a go-to for homeowners seeking a striking yet minimalist aesthetic in line with recent cladding trends.
Pros
- Versatile, dramatic look: vertical cladding makes homes stand out by creating dramatic shifting shadow lines throughout the day. It’s also easier to pair with other cladding materials, such as brick and concrete, for a modern feel.
- Increases visual height: the vertical lines direct the attention upwards, creating an illusion of height for low or single-storey homes.
- More rain-resistant: claddings installed vertically follow the natural direction of rainfall, allowing water to run down the panels and away from joints and gaps.
- Improved ventilation: certain installation methods allow air to flow better from top to bottom, preventing moisture from building up.
- Low maintenance: dirt and debris are less likely to accumulate on vertical surfaces. Not to mention, with reduced risks of rot and mildew, vertical cladding calls for less replacement and repairs in the long run.
Cons
- Complex installation: vertical cladding, particularly board and batten styles, can be quite complicated and might require a specialist for proper installation.
- Requires a higher budget: installing vertical cladding may require more materials, like furring strips and battens, to better seal the home against rain and moisture.
- More material usage: aside from requiring more materials, vertical cladding installation requires boards to be cut into awkward angles and lengths to fit the facade perfectly. This results in smaller offcuts that are hard to reuse in other areas.
Horizontal Cladding
While vertical styles are on the rise, horizontal cladding for external walls is still a go-to for many WA homes. Simple and classic, horizontal designs offer a lasting appeal that’s cosy and nostalgic.
Pros
- Softer, timeless look: featuring a more traditional aesthetic, horizontal styles give off softer shadows, lending a subtle yet elegant look to houses that endures for decades.
- Blends with surroundings: this cladding orientation helps the house blend in with the natural surroundings. Its horizontal lines also pair well with decking.
- Brings an illusion of width: horizontal lines make structures appear wider, making homes feel more spacious and grounded from the outside.
- Easy and cheaper installation: installing cladding horizontally is generally simpler and faster, which results in less labour and material costs. It can also be DIY-ed to further cut expenses.
Cons
- More vulnerable to water damage: depending on the material and installation, horizontal cladding can have gaps that expose the home to moisture and decay.
- Higher upkeep and repair costs: aside from the higher water damage risk, horizontal panels also tend to trap more dirt, requiring more frequent maintenance
- Vulnerable to structural drift: horizontal cladding, when not installed correctly, may be unable to accommodate the lateral movement of multi-storey buildings, which can further damage the panels.
Deciding Between Vertical vs Horizontal Cladding
Each cladding type has its own set of advantages. Ultimately, the best cladding option for your project will depend on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and location. To help you weigh which cladding orientation works best for you, here’s a summary of their key features at a glance.
| Features | Vertical Cladding | Horizontal Cladding |
| Look | More impactful, minimalist; heightens the building | Softer shadows, traditional; widens the building |
| Material usage | Uses more materials depending on installation technique & design | Uses fewer materials with less waste |
| Installation | Complex, requires a specialised skillset | Simpler, can be DIY-friendly |
| Cost | More upfront costs due to labour and materials | Can be more costly to maintain if not installed properly |
| Recommended For | Areas that experience frequent rainfall | Cost-efficient builds with enduring design appeal |
While uncommon, blending the two cladding styles is not unheard of. In fact, one of the most popular cladding trends of 2026 is mixing and matching different styles to create accents and contrast. Doing so can make a home stand out more and highlight its unique character.
Builders’ top cladding choice for WA homes: James Hardie
Building a home that stands the test of time all boils down to choosing the right materials. For weather-proof cladding that can withstand WA’s diverse climate, James Hardie fibre cement cladding has been the go-to for local builders and DIYers. Australian-made, James Hardie cladding offers the following benefits:
- Durability: resistance to moisture, rot, and termites, and is suitable for up to BAL40 zones, depending on the product and installation
- Thermal efficiency: keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing energy costs
- Low-maintenance: made of durable fibre cement, James Hardie cladding requires minimal upkeep and can last for decades
- Sustainability: made with eco-friendly materials through manufacturing processes that reduce material and water waste
- Design flexibility: James Hardie cladding comes in a wide range of textures and colours to fit any cladding design, whether you’re going for board and batten vertical cladding or horizontal weatherboards
Boost Your Curb Appeal with Cladding that Lasts
While it seems like a simple aesthetic choice, a house’s external cladding greatly impacts various functional aspects of a construction project. As such, it’s important to choose materials that can meet the design and functional demands of your project. At Westgyp, we offer a wide selection of eco-friendly external cladding in Perth, including the full range of James Hardie fibre cement cladding.
Tried and tested for different WA conditions, our cladding solutions are here to help you build a stunning home that can last for generations to come. Visit our Balcatta warehouse or contact our expert team to find the right cladding material for your build.