What is the Most Durable Cladding for a Garden Room in the UK?
Cladding options
Choosing the right cladding for your garden room is not just about appearance but a large factor to consider is durability, maintenance, and long term performance. At InFrame Garden Rooms, we have worked with a range of premium materials, from Millboard to Grade A timbers, and we understand where each performs best in a UK climate.
Millboard – The Premium Choice
If you want a cladding option that combines durability, low maintenance, and a luxury finish, Millboard is hard to beat. It is a composite cladding made from a unique resin mineral board, moulded from real oak for a natural wood look but without the downsides of timber.
Why we recommend Millboard
Extremely low maintenance – No annual oiling or sealing needed
UV resistant – Retains its colour for years
Moisture and rot proof – Perfect for the UKs wet winters
Long term investment – Although it is a premium priced material, its lifespan and performance mean it offers excellent value over time
The Shadow Line Plus system has been tested to the rigorous demands of BS EN 13501-1 and achieves a Euroclass D classification when installed in accordance with our installation guide.
Composite Cladding – The Practical All Rounder
Composite cladding is a great alternative to Millboard for clients who still want a high performance, low maintenance product but with a lower upfront cost. It is made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastic, making it resistant to rot, warping, and fading.
Why composite works well:
Cost effective – A more affordable option while still offering modern style and durability
Low maintenance – No annual treatments required
Good weather resistance – Handles the UKs freeze thaw cycles without issue
Grade A Western Red Cedar – The Natural Beauty
For clients who want the warmth and character of natural timber, Grade A Western Red Cedar is a beautiful choice but quality matters. We only recommend cedar with minimal knots for a refined, high end appearance.
Care and maintenance:
Cedar could be oiled once a year with a quality product like Osmo Oil to maintain its rich tones
It can be left untreated, but it will naturally silver over time, which some clients love
Annual oiling is a simple process that preserves the timbers natural depth of colour and adds a protective barrier
Non Visible Sides to your garden room
The non visible sides of your garden room such as the rear or sides facing a fence can often be clad in a more cost effective product without compromising performance. One option we use is Hardie Plank fibre cement cladding.
Why Hardie Plank is ideal for these areas:
Highly durable – Resistant to moisture, rot, and fire
Low maintenance – No annual treatments needed
Cost saving – Allows you to invest more in premium materials where they will be seen and appreciated
By using Hardie Plank on less visible elevations, we can keep the build cost efficient while still giving the front facing sides the premium finish they deserve. And as an added bonus it is non combustible and comes with a 15 year guarantee.
Cladding For Planning or Design Consistency
In some cases, local councils may require brick slip cladding as part of the planning approval process, particularly if they want the new structure to match the character of existing buildings. Brick slips are thin slices of real brick that create the appearance of traditional brickwork without the need for full-depth masonry. They are also an excellent design choice if you want your garden room to tie in visually with your home or other features in your garden. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, brick slip cladding offers a timeless look while being relatively low maintenance and long lasting.
Matching the Style of Your Home
Another option is to design your garden room so that it reflects the look of your main home. This could mean using the same cladding material, colour palette, or architectural detailing to create a sense of continuity between the two buildings. For example, if your home features timber or brick, carrying that style through to your garden room can make the new space feel like a natural extension rather than a separate structure. This approach not only enhances the overall design but can also add value by creating a unified aesthetic across your property.
Our Expert Advice
If budget allows, a Millboard front with Hardie Plank sides offers the perfect balance of premium aesthetics and practical cost management. Composite cladding provides a great middle ground, while Grade A cedar remains a timeless option for those who want a natural look and are happy with light annual maintenance.
At InFrame Garden Rooms, every project is designed with your budget, style, and long term maintenance preferences in mind so your cladding is not just beautiful on day one, but for many years to come.
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Millboard is considered the most durable cladding option for a garden room in the UK. It is made from a resin mineral composite that is resistant to moisture, rot, warping, and fading. With no annual treatments required, Millboard retains its appearance for decades, even in harsh weather.
The best cladding for a garden room depends on the balance between style, budget, and maintenance. For premium performance and minimal upkeep, Millboard is the top choice. For a natural look, Grade A Western Red Cedar offers warmth and character, though it benefits from annual oiling with a product such as Osmo. Composite cladding is a strong mid range option with good durability at a lower cost.
Cedar cladding is not difficult to maintain, but it does require some care. Oiling once a year with a quality product helps preserve its natural colour and protect the timber. If left untreated, cedar will weather to a silver tone over time, which can be an attractive look for many homeowners.
Yes. Many garden rooms use a premium material such as Millboard or cedar on the most visible sides and a cost effective option such as Hardie Plank on the non visible elevations. This approach keeps costs manageable while maintaining a high end appearance where it matters most.
