The exterior wall cladding of your house is its first impression. But beyond aesthetics, external wall cladding also plays an important role in protecting your home from the elements. So, choosing the best exterior wall cladding systems is crucial.
We will explore seven popular types of exterior wall cladding, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. With this information, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect outside wall cladding for your home in Canada.
7 Types of Exterior Wall Cladding
Every type of exterior wall cladding has a unique look, durability, and maintenance requirements. For those who live in Canada, it is important to choose the most suitable cladding options based on environmental conditions.

Brick
It is a timeless choice, revered for its durability. It lasts for centuries with minimal maintenance.
This external wall cladding material offers excellent fire resistance and insulation. This helps regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs. Brick comes in various colors and textures that allow designers to create a classic or modern look.
Pros
- Exceptionally durable and long-lasting
- Fire-resistant and provides good insulation
- Beautiful natural aesthetic with various colors and textures
Cons
- Expensive material
- Hard installation
- Heavy material may require structural reinforcement
- Changes or repairs can be time-consuming and costly
Stone Cladding
Like brick, it provides a natural elegance with excellent weather resistance. Granite, slate, and limestone are popular choices.
Stone cladding offers the undeniable beauty and prestige of natural materials. It’s incredibly durable and withstands harsh weather.
Stone provides excellent insulation and fire resistance. The natural variations of stones in color and texture create a unique and luxurious look.
While incredibly durable, stone cladding is also quite an expensive and heavy option for outdoor wall cladding.
Pros
- Unmatched beauty and prestige of natural stone
- Incredibly durable
- Excellent insulation and fire resistance
- Unique and luxurious aesthetic
Cons
- High cost for product and installation
- Requires a sturdy wall structure due to weight
- Certain types may require more maintenance (cleaning or sealing)

Wood Cladding
Wood cladding brings warmth and character to your home. Cedar, redwood, and different types of wood polymer composite are popular options.
Wood wall cladding exterior offers good insulation and a variety of finishes. However, wood requires regular maintenance to prevent insect damage and rot. With proper maintenance (staining or sealing), exterior wood cladding can last many years. This longevity is even more when you choose wood polymer cladding.
Pros
- Warm and inviting aesthetic
- Good insulation properties
- Versatile material for both exterior and Interior wall cladding
- Variety of species with unique visuals and price points
- Can last for many years with proper maintenance
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance compared to other materials
- Natural wood is vulnerable to rot, insect damage, and fire
- Weathers and loses color over time, requiring re-staining/painting
- Finding sustainable wood sources is crucial
Fiber Cement Cladding
It replicates the look of wood or stone with surprising accuracy. It’s a lower-maintenance option compared to wood wall cladding exterior. This exterior wall cladding material is durable, fire-resistant, and resistant to rot and insect damage.
Fiber cement comes in many styles and colors. This makes it a versatile option for many architectural styles.
Pros
- Cost-effective alternative to natural materials
- Replicates the look of wood or stone with good accuracy
- Durable, fire-resistant, and resists rot and insects
- Wide range of styles and colors for design flexibility
Cons
- May not last as long as some other materials, such as aluminum wall cladding.
- Heavier than vinyl cladding, potentially requiring a stronger substructure
- Some types may require occasional repainting
Vinyl Cladding
It is a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners due to its affordability and low maintenance. Vinyl cladding is lightweight and easy to install.
This outdoor wall cladding material comes in various colors and styles, such as realistic wood grain finishes.
Pros
- Affordable options when it comes to wall cladding cost
- Low-maintenance exterior wall cladding
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Wide variety of colors and styles, including wood grain finishes
- Highly weather-resistant and requires minimal upkeep (cleaning)
Cons
- Not as durable as some materials and may become brittle over time
- It is not a high-end material and may not suit all styles
- Can melt or warp in high heat conditions

Metal Cladding
It offers a sleek, modern aesthetic for contemporary homes. It’s incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to fire, rot, and insects. Metal reflects heat well, which can help regulate interior temperatures in hot climates.
Several metal options are available, including ACM cladding and more premium options like zinc or copper, which develop a beautiful patina over time.
Pros
- Sleek, modern aesthetic for contemporary architecture
- Incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to fire, rot, and insects
- Reflects heat well, aiding temperature regulation in hot climates
- Variety of metal options with different aesthetics (aluminum, zinc, copper)
Cons
- Can be a more expensive option than vinyl or wood
- Improper installation can lead to rust or corrosion issues
- Some metals may dent easily and require periodic cleaning/maintenance
Glass Cladding
Glass creates a stunning, modern aesthetic and offers a unique blend of openness and light. Glass cladding allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building and naturally lighten the place.
Glass can also provide panoramic views, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior spaces.
Several types of glass are available, including options with solar control properties to manage heat gain.
Pros
- Stunning, modern aesthetic with openness and abundant natural light
- Allows natural light deep into the building, reducing lighting needs
- A variety of glass types with solar control properties are available
Cons
- Among the most expensive exterior wall cladding material
- Requires robust structural support and specialized installation
- Safety considerations are paramount (impact-resistant glass needed)
- Maintaining a clean and streak-free glass surface can be time-consuming
Buying Wood Wall Cladding Exterior
If you’ve decided which exterior wall cladding systems are the perfect choice for your home, select a wood type that is resistant to your area’s natural conditions.
When purchasing wood wall cladding exterior, ensure its properly sealed and weatherproofed to maximize lifespan. Choosing the right outside wall cladding can significantly impact your home’s look, value, and energy efficiency.
Contact Wiedehopf for a free consultation to choose from the different types of exterior wall cladding.