The short answer
Composite (wood-plastic composite, or WPC) cladding typically costs around £120–£220 per square metre installed in the UK, making it one of the higher-priced options up front. The boards alone often run roughly £45–£120 per square metre, with labour adding the rest. In return, composite is designed for very low maintenance — no painting, staining or sealing — and commonly lasts around 25–50 years depending on product quality and exposure. That is why it appeals to people who want a fit-and-forget finish and are willing to spend more at the outset to avoid ongoing upkeep.
Composite cladding trades a higher upfront price for very little maintenance and a long life. Here is what it typically costs and how it weighs up over time.
Composite cladding at a glance
- Installed cost~£120–£220 / m²
- Boards only~£45–£120 / m²
- Lifespan~25–50 years
- Maintenancevery low (no painting)
- Best forlow-upkeep, modern look
What you pay and what you get
Composite blends wood fibre and recycled plastic into a board that mimics timber but resists rot, warping and fading. Installed, it usually sits at £120–£220 per square metre — above timber, uPVC and most fibre-cement — but the trade-off is upkeep. Unlike timber, composite needs no oiling, staining or repainting; an occasional wash is generally enough. Over a 20- to 30-year horizon, the lower maintenance can offset some of the higher purchase price, which is the case its supporters make.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | ~£120–£220 / m² | material grade & access vary it |
| Boards only | ~£45–£120 / m² | before labour & substructure |
| Lifespan | ~25–50 years | depends on product & exposure |
| Maintenance | very low | no painting or staining |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: BookaBuilderUK and Eurocell cost guides.
When composite is worth the extra
- You want low upkeep: no repainting or staining cycle, unlike timber.
- You like a uniform, modern finish: composite holds its colour and appearance consistently.
- You plan to stay put: the long life and low maintenance reward a longer horizon.
- Tight upfront budget? uPVC or fibre-cement are usually lower-priced to install, so weigh the upfront figure against the years of saved maintenance.
Considering composite cladding?
We'll match you with a vetted cladding installer who measures up and quotes composite against the alternatives, with lifespan and maintenance set out clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does composite cladding cost per square metre?
Composite cladding typically costs around £120–£220 per square metre installed in the UK, with the boards alone often around £45–£120 per square metre before labour and substructure.
How long does composite cladding last?
Composite cladding commonly lasts around 25–50 years depending on product quality and exposure, while needing very little maintenance — no painting, staining or sealing.
Is composite cladding worth the higher cost?
It can be if you value low maintenance and a long life, because the saved upkeep over 20–30 years can offset the higher upfront price. If your priority is the lowest upfront figure, uPVC or fibre-cement are usually lower-priced to install.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation.