10 Modern Exterior Cladding Ideas

The walls of your home say a lot. They form the first impression and protect everything internally. That's why external wall cladding matters more than you might think. Designers and architects are getting creative with outdoor wall cladding in ways we haven't seen before. If you’re renovating your home exterior — whether for aesthetic or functional reasons — we’ve put together ten modern wall cladding ideas.

What is wall cladding?

Wall cladding is an extra layer that goes on your exterior walls. It protects the building structure underneath from the weather and gives you the option to change your home's facade. 

Modern cladding creates visual interest through texture, shadow and pattern. You'll see it in materials like stone, metal, timber and cement, which come with different benefits and price tags.

10 external wall cladding ideas

Here are ten ways to add interest to your exterior walls. We've picked ideas that work well in Australia’s unique climate.

1. Standing seam 

Also called single lock cladding, this style of cladding creates clean vertical lines. The seams where metal panels join stick out slightly from the wall, creating shadows that change through the day. The panels run from top to bottom, usually without visible screws or fixings.

The seams can be spaced close together or wide apart for different effects — wide spacing looks more minimal; closer seams create more texture.

2. Crazy pave wall cladding

Stone-look cladding adds a really cool texture to modern designs. Natural stone pavers can be too heavy for non-load-bearing walls, but outdoor tiles like our Clovelly Stone Look Crazy Pavers are made of durable porcelain perfect for exteriors. Irregular pieces create natural patterns across the wall, and each stone catches the light differently.

This option suits feature walls and entrance areas and works well accenting timber and metal. 

3. Charred timber

Charred timber, or Shou-Sugi-Ban, is a Japanese way of preserving timber by charring it. The process forms a durable carbon layer that doesn’t need as much maintenance as standard timber cladding. More often than not, the timber beams are laid vertically, making it feel more modern.

Charred timber cladding also looks beautiful next to concrete and other light timbers. 

4. Recycled brick

Old bricks bring character to modern designs. It’s normal for some bricks to keep their original paint or render patches. 

You can lay them traditionally or try hit-and-miss patterns where some bricks are left out to create gaps. The gaps create interesting light patterns and help with airflow. This cladding style also gives you the look of brick without the full wall thickness.

5. Large format bluestone

Big bluestone panels have a natural texture without the rustic look we expect from stone. Each panel still shows off the stone's natural patterns, but the colour uniformity, shape and large size keep the look contemporary. This cladding style is very durable and easy to maintain.

6. Vertical timber boards

Horizontal timber boards are a classic, but vertical boards create height and drama. The up-and-down lines draw your eye upward and make walls look taller. You can space the boards tight together or use shiplap or tongue and groove panels to leave shadow gaps.

7. Aluminium battens

Battens are traditionally used for fences and privacy screens, but they also look great as cladding. They create strong vertical lines that create shadows but still make walls look lighter than they do with solid panels. 

Different batten sizes and finishes change the effect. Wide profiles are more bold, while slim ones look more delicate. Stick with the aluminium finish or go the timber-look route.

8. Perforated screens

Metal screens with patterns cut into them are a contemporary style of cladding. You sometimes see perforated screens on public buildings like libraries, but they work just as well residentially. The screens create ever-changing shadows as the sun moves and also help with airflow.

9. Dark weatherboards

The classic Queenslander weatherboard house got an upgrade. Dark weatherboards are a modern spin on a classic, contrasting beautifully with light window frames and natural timber. The dark colour really brings to attention the strong horizontal lines and helps the house settle into leafy surroundings.

10. Mixed materials

You’re not restricted to one type of cladding — many modern homes mix styles. The key is knowing what works together. Timber, stone and metal usually go together if you can choose complementary colours. Each material brings its own texture and character.

Some combinations work better than others, so if you’re unsure, check what local builders recommend.

Outdoor wall cladding that lasts

All cladding is designed to hold up to years of weather battering, but some require more maintenance than others. Outdoor tile cladding is a low-maintenance option that makes a great first impression. If you're considering that stone look for your exterior walls, our porcelain crazy pavers are a great option.

Order a sample or see your colour options in our Sydney showroom or online.