When it comes to improving your home’s exterior, homeowners often face a tough choice: should I paint, or should I clad my home? While painting is a common go-to, it’s important to look beyond the upfront cost and consider long-term durability, maintenance, and overall value.
At Formplex, we believe the answer is clear – cladding your home is a smarter, longer-lasting investment than painting. With our Formplex weatherboards, you can enjoy a beautiful finish that lasts longer than paint, energy savings, and the peace of mind that comes with our Australian 50-year guarantee.
The Problem with Painting Your Home
At first glance, painting might seem like the cheaper option. A fresh coat of paint can instantly lift the appearance of your home and improve curb appeal. However, the problem is paint doesn’t last.
- Regular maintenance required – Most homes need to be repainted every 5–10 years. Boards will deteriorate and require replacement.
- Costs add up quickly – Over a 50-year period, you could repaint your home 5 times or more.
- Painting requires preparation – paint stripping, sanding, replacing, painting. Ladder work might be involved creating a falls risk
- No extra benefits – Paint is purely cosmetic. It doesn’t insulate, protect against termites, or strengthen your home.
What seems like a cost-effective choice upfront can end up being far more expensive and time-consuming in the long run.
Why Cladding Is the Smarter Choice
Cladding your house with Formplex weatherboards is a one-time job. There’s no need to repaint or perform constant upkeep, saving you both time and money. It preserves the original boards against weather and deterioration
Here’s why homeowners across Australia are switching to cladding instead of painting:
- Low Maintenance – No peeling, chipping, or fading.
- Built-In Insulation – Reduce heating and cooling costs year-round.
- Durability Guaranteed – Our weatherboards won’t rot, warp, or attract termites.
- Long-Term Value – A one-time investment that lasts for decades.
- 50-Year Guarantee – Confidence that your home will look great for generations.
Unlike paint, which only changes your home’s colour, cladding provides functional benefits that enhance comfort and protection as well as appearance.
Cladding vs Painting: Cost Over Time
Let’s break it down:
- Painting – Lower upfront cost, but requires full repainting every 5–10 years. Boards will need replacing over time. Over several decades, this adds up to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Cladding –Slightly higher upfront cost, but only done once. With minimal maintenance and a 50-year guarantee, cladding quickly pays for itself and becomes the more affordable option.
- Scaffolding costs with cladding are once, with painting it’s repeated.
When you consider insulation savings, reduced maintenance, and long-term durability, cladding easily outperforms painting in both cost-effectiveness and value. Every time you need to repaint, you are older and may not be able to do the work yourself.
The Added Value of Formplex Weatherboards
At Formplex, we’ve been perfecting our Australian-made weatherboards for over 44 years. Unlike traditional timber, our cladding is guaranteed not to chip, rot, or peel, making it ideal for Australia’s harsh climate. With their classic timber-look finish, Formplex weatherboards add instant street appeal to any home – without the hassle of ongoing upkeep. Better yet, the added insulation can help lower your energy bills, making your home more sustainable and comfortable all year round.
The Final Verdict: Cladding Wins Every Time
While painting may seem like the easier or cheaper option upfront, it’s really just a short-term fix. You are just kicking the can down the road. At some point the weatherboards won’t survive the climate. Cladding with Formplex weatherboards is a long-term solution that enhances your home’s durability, efficiency, and value.
- One-time investment
- No costly repainting
- Extra insulation and protection
- 50-year guarantee
If you want a low-maintenance, affordable, and future-proof solution for your home’s exterior, cladding is the clear winner over painting.
Discover the Benefits of Cladding with Formplex Today
Don’t settle for short-term solutions. Discover the benefits of cladding with Formplex today and make the smarter choice for your home’s future. Talk to the Formplex team and find out how we can help transform your home with Australia’s most trusted weatherboards.