Is it possible to achieve the utmost style and all-season durability with your clad? Do you think you can instil your style in that cladding and ensure it is retained regardless of the weather?
Before now, everyone just wanted to have a deck and a well-designed outdoor space. However, individuals are now more purposeful with their outdoor space, turning it into a secluded and peaceful area where they can escape to.
This secluded and peaceful area is usually referred to as a garden retreat. Creating a garden retreat involves so much work which includes designing it in such a way as to enhance its relaxation effect and connection with nature.
One of the major designs is cladding which creates an exceptional and weatherproof garden haven.
Photo by Scott Evans on Unsplash
Benefits of Cladding Your Garden Retreat
Why cladding i.e., of what benefit is cladding to one's garden retreat? Cladding is not only an asset to your outdoor space, it comes with so many benefits. Some of the benefits are discussed below:
Firstly, it transforms the basic view of your garden into something extraordinary and inviting. Depending on the material used to construct it, it can last all year round and probably more.
It's also very protective and weatherproof - from the rain, UV rays, and the wind. Another benefit of cladding is that it may require minimal upkeep, depending on the type of material you use.
Using cladding to create your garden retreat gives you high privacy and makes the space more comfortable. If you want to sell your property or you are a property agent, it automatically appreciates the value of the property you wish to sell.
Top Cladding Options for UK Gardens
The type of cladding you fix for your garden retreat depends on your location. For those who reside in the UK, the following options are the most suitable options for you:
Wood Cladding
Wood is one material that will never run out of style because nature only gets better due to innovation. Wood cladding encourages sustainability, appears warm and inviting and has a classic look to it.
It has longevity and promises enhanced protection (i.e. insulation). Regardless of the benefits wood cladding has, it has some cons such as requiring regular maintenance, initial pricing, and susceptibility to fire.
It is then left at the discretion of the buyer whether the cons outweigh the pros for him/her.
Composite Cladding
If you have wood fibres and plastics lying around, this is not the time to dispose of them or burn them (not encouraged).
Wood fibres can be reclaimed while plastics can be recycled, and when combined they form a protective skin to the exterior of your home.
Although composite is made from wood fibres, they are more advantageous than traditional wood, because they are easier to produce and design, and are more durable.
Composite cladding product is seen as the middle ground between wood cladding and PVC cladding making it quite the suitable choice.
PVC Cladding
PVC is a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride, thus PVC cladding is a type of cladding made from this plastic and can also be referred to as vinyl or plastic cladding.
Considering how easy it is to obtain the materials used for PVC cladding, it is quite affordable. It is also water and comes in different styles, giving you a wider choice range.
However, be careful of buying cheap imitations especially if you want your cladding to last a long time, instead go for high-quality PVC cladding.
Metal Cladding
Different materials can be used to achieve metal cladding such as copper, zinc, steel and aluminium. Metal cladding is environmentally friendly (sustainable), very durable, pleasing to the eyes, modern, and low-maintenance.
However, if not insulated properly, it can cause heat and it is also susceptible to corrosion, especially during the rainy season.
Brick Cladding
If you are aiming for a more permanent structure, then you may want to consider brick cladding. Even though it has a traditional look, it is timeless and can last a very long time.
Render Cladding
Render cladding, although not common in the UK, involves using a coat of cement on the exterior of your building to create a smooth and modern finish.
This type of cladding cannot be done unsupervised. You need to help of a professional to properly install it. This type of cladding is resistant to pests, easy to install and maintain, and reduces humidity.
While it is environmentally friendly and offers insulation, it easily fades over time.
How to Choose the Right Cladding for Your Garden Retreat
You have seen all the cladding options you have above, but how do you know which one is the right cladding for your garden retreat?
To know the one that suits you best, you have to consider your budget, your desired style, whether you can meet the maintenance requirements, the size of your outdoor space and the building regulations concerning that type of cladding.
The factors listed above are areas you should ask yourself key questions before choosing your cladding material.
Installation Tips and Considerations
Whether you install the cladding yourself or you hire a professional depends on the type of cladding which can lead to extra cost. Doing it yourself saves you money and ensures you design it suitably to your taste.
Ensure you have all the permits you need for the project (if any) and if there isn't, ensure you abide by the laid-down rules that govern cladding in your region so that you can abide by them.
How to Create a Cohesive Garden Retreat Design
When creating your design, you wouldn't want it to be riotous, would you? There must be cohesion in the design, patterns, flooring, pergolas, paintings, furniture and other decorations.
To End With,
We have come to the end of this transformative journey, now you are ready to start the journey of giving your garden retreat a new look. A garden retreat that is not only beautiful but also serves the purpose for which you created it.
While you aim for your cladding to be so exquisite, it has to reflect your style and complement your garden design. If you are finding it difficult to make up your mind, then consult a professional who can help you choose and install.
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