You are currently viewing Wall Cladding 101: Selecting the Best Materials for Exterior and Interior Spaces

Wall Cladding 101: Selecting the Best Materials for Exterior and Interior Spaces

Living in the Philippines means our homes face the sun, rain, and everything in between. Wall cladding provides a smart solution, offering durability against the elements while maintaining a stylish look. 

Whether for residential or commercial interiors, cladding combines weather resistance with striking aesthetics. 

With many wall cladding suppliers in the Philippines, it’s important to tap a trusted professional like Union Galvasteel Corporation, which is an expert on how to install wall cladding for homes and commercial establishments. 

Wall Cladding for Philippine Homes 

Wall cladding provides essential protection against harsh weather and other damaging elements. It involves layering one material over another to create a protective skin for the walls, preventing water damage and leaks that could pose risks inside the building. 

Various materials can be used for cladding, including wood, brick, metal, plastic, or imitation stone. Metal cladding for walls, often made from galvanized steel or aluminum, is a popular choice for its durability. 

Read more at Wall Paneling vs. Wall Cladding: What You Need to Know Before Deciding 

What is exterior wall cladding?

The primary advantage of exterior wall cladding is its ability to protect buildings from external damage with minimal maintenance.

Beyond aesthetics, cladding enhances building safety by preserving structural integrity and adapting to changing weather conditions. It also reduces water absorption and offers protection against pollution, making it ideal for areas with extreme seasonal temperatures.

Types of Materials Best Suited for Exterior Cladding 

  • Metal Cladding (e.g., Aluminum, Steel) 

Steel cladding offers a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements the clean lines of contemporary architecture in the Philippines, boosting curb appeal. 

Commercial establishments and malls favor steel cladding for its contemporary elegance, with its clean lines and metallic sheen attracting customers and enhancing overall appeal.  

Aluminum is also a popular choice due to its durability, versatility, and long-lasting nature. Aluminum cladding offers long-lasting protection for buildings while requiring minimal maintenance. Its resistance to corrosion, rust, and fading means less frequent repairs and repainting. 

  • Vinyl and Fiber Cement Cladding 

Vinyl wall cladding, usually made from durable polyvinyl chloride, is a cost-effective choice for interior and exterior walls. Resistant to moisture, grease, and humidity, it’s ideal for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in food service settings. Its non-porous surface prevents mold growth and easily covers imperfections, making it perfect for quick renovations. 

  • Stone Cladding 

Stone cladding, whether natural or artificial, adds timeless elegance and durability to walls, making it ideal for the Philippines’ tropical climate with minimal maintenance. 

Beyond hospitality, the retail industry also embraces stone cladding. High-end boutiques, jewelry stores, and flagship outlets use it to enhance storefronts and interiors. Corporate offices and commercial buildings, such as banks, law firms, and headquarters, choose stone cladding to project professionalism and prestige. 

  • Wood Cladding 

Wood cladding is a popular choice for Pinoy modern and traditional homes, valued for its natural elegance, durability, and eco-friendliness. Its warmth and timeless appeal blend seamlessly with tropical landscapes, enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces.  

Combining well with materials like stone, glass, and metal, it adds a refined touch to architectural designs. The hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and spas, widely uses wood cladding to create welcoming environments that promote relaxation 

What is interior wall cladding? 

Interior cladding is wall paneling installed in homes. While traditionally used in kitchens and bathrooms for durability, it’s now popular in living and bedroom spaces for a touch of elegance.  

Internal wall cladding offers a canvas for personal expression, with diverse materials and styles available. It transcends mere decoration, adding warmth and character to any space while showcasing creativity. 

Types of Interior Cladding Materials Best Suited for Your Home 

  • Wood Paneling 

Wood paneling has been used for many years as both a decorative and practical covering for internal walls. Wood paneling for interior walls comes in a range of designs, including shiplap, slatted, wainscoting, and 3D styles, and is available in various materials like oak and wood pallets. 

Its benefits include a stylish and timeless appearance, enhanced insulation that can reduce heating costs, and the ability to conceal imperfections for a flawless finish. Additionally, when sourced from reputable suppliers, wood paneling can be a sustainable choice. 

  • Drywall and Plaster 

Drywall cladding involves securing stones to walls using embedded metal anchors, ensuring durability and longevity. 

Unlike wet cladding, dry cladding requires thicker stones to prevent cracks, making it a more complex process that demands skilled labor. As a result, dry cladding is generally more expensive due to the precision and expertise required. 

  • Stone and Brick Veneer 

To create a stunning focal point with interior stone wall cladding, explore options like granite, limestone, marble, quartz, basalt, slate, or sandstone for fireplaces, borders, or accent walls. 

To maintain your wall cladding’s beauty and longevity, regularly clean it with a damp cloth and inspect it for damage to address issues promptly. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage the stones, and seal the cladding annually to guard against moisture. 

  • Metal and Glass Panels 

Metal cladding, popular in commercial buildings, is now gaining traction in residential structures due to its strength, durability, lightweight nature, and fire resistance. It offers a range of options but requires extra care and maintenance to prevent rusting. 

Glass walls enhance indoor lighting with their transparency, creating a bright and spacious feel, and are easy to clean. However, they can be fragile, offer poor sound insulation, and are relatively expensive. 

Exterior view of an old wooden house with a white-framed window.

How to Choose the Right Cladding for Your Project 

Consider Your Climate and Environment 

In tropical countries like the Philippines, buildings endure intense heat, high humidity, frequent rainfall, and strong UV radiation. Therefore, exterior cladding options must be resilient to heavy rainfall to prevent moisture damage and withstand high temperatures and UV exposure to avoid deterioration. 

Coastal areas may require corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or treated wood, while regions prone to heavy rains and typhoons should consider options like metal or stone. 

Evaluate Your Design Goals and Budget 

Cladding materials vary from budget-friendly to premium, so it’s crucial to balance cost with both aesthetic and functional needs. High-quality materials, while pricier, can enhance a building’s appearance and increase its market value. 

A well-designed façade creates a strong first impression, boosting curb appeal and attracting potential buyers or tenants. 

Consider Maintenance and Longevity 

Some materials, like metal and vinyl, require minimal upkeep, while others, such as wood, need regular maintenance to prevent damage. Exterior wall cladding boosts a building’s appearance, but factors like dirt, grime, and weathering affect its longevity.  

Different materials vary in lifespan, and regular maintenance is key to extending their durability. Metal cladding for walls offers superior durability and resistance to corrosion and harsh weather. 

Read tips on choosing the right wall cladding material for your property. 

Proper Metal Cladding Solutions with Union Galvasteel 

Union Galvasteel has been a top wall cladding supplier in the Philippines for over 60 years. With the largest and most diversified distribution network in the country, our warehouses and sales offices are strategically located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

We offer premium pre-painted metal cladding and have strategically placed warehouses and sales offices nationwide. 

One standout product is Duraspandrel, a low-maintenance, cost-effective cladding option ideal for modern designs. Available in various colors, it can be customized to fit your needs. 

Another popular choice is Minirib, featuring 12 distinct ribs that enhance visual impact and emphasize height. It also comes in seven color options and can be tailored to suit your aesthetic preferences. 

For exterior cladding options and optimal interior cladding materials, visit our website or message us on Facebook. You can also reach us on 09175033965 (Globe), or 09190032303 (Smart). 

Leave a Reply