The short answer
Fibre-cement cladding — brands such as Cedral and HardiePlank — typically costs around £60–£150 per square metre installed in the UK, with the boards alone often £50–£150 per square metre depending on finish. It is valued for combining a long life with very low upkeep: it commonly lasts up to 50 years and needs little more than an occasional wash, with no annual treatment or repainting. It is also widely used where fire performance matters, because many fibre-cement weatherboards carry an A2 fire classification (non-combustible, limited contribution to fire). That mix of durability, low maintenance and fire rating is why it features on both period and modern homes.
Fibre-cement offers a long, low-maintenance life and a strong fire rating, which is why it is a common timber-look alternative. Here is what it typically costs and where it stands out.
Fibre-cement at a glance
- Installed cost~£60–£150 / m²
- Boards only~£50–£150 / m²
- Lifespanup to ~50 years
- Maintenancevery low (occasional wash)
- Fire ratingoften A2 (non-combustible)
What you pay and what stands out
Fibre-cement boards are made from cement reinforced with fibres, pressed into planks that mimic timber without the upkeep. Installed, they usually sit at £60–£150 per square metre, putting fibre-cement among the lower-priced long-life options. Its strengths are longevity — commonly up to 50 years — and minimal maintenance, needing only an occasional clean rather than annual treatment. Many products also carry an A2 fire classification, meaning the board is non-combustible and makes a very limited contribution to fire, which matters on some buildings and to some insurers.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | ~£60–£150 / m² | finish & access vary it |
| Boards only | ~£50–£150 / m² | textured/coloured at the top |
| Lifespan | up to ~50 years | very durable |
| Maintenance | very low | occasional wash, no treating |
| Fire rating | often A2 | non-combustible options |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: MyBuilder and InsulationGo cost guides.
When fibre-cement makes sense
- You want long life with low upkeep: up to 50 years and no staining or repainting cycle.
- Fire performance matters: A2-rated boards are non-combustible, which can be important on certain buildings.
- You like a timber look without the maintenance: wood-effect finishes are widely available.
- Budget-conscious but want durability? it is often lower-priced than composite while lasting as long or longer.
Considering fibre-cement cladding?
We'll match you with a vetted cladding installer who measures up and quotes fibre-cement against the alternatives, with lifespan, fire rating and maintenance set out clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fibre-cement cladding cost per square metre?
Fibre-cement cladding such as Cedral and HardiePlank typically costs around £60–£150 per square metre installed in the UK, with the boards alone often £50–£150 per square metre depending on finish.
How long does fibre-cement cladding last?
Fibre-cement cladding commonly lasts up to around 50 years with very little maintenance — usually just an occasional wash, with no annual treatment or repainting required.
Is fibre-cement cladding fire-rated?
Many fibre-cement weatherboards carry an A2 fire classification, meaning they are non-combustible and make a very limited contribution to fire. Confirm the exact rating and any building requirements with your installer and local building control.
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.