Composite Cladding vs Aluminium Cladding

Composite cladding is often chosen to balance looks with affordability, but not all composites perform the same. Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) and timber composites each have their strengths and drawbacks.

By comparing these materials against Sculptform’s solid aluminium cladding, you can get a better understanding of the differences, especially in relation to safety, durability and overall performance.

Here, we explore how ACP and timber composites stack up against aluminium, and why aluminium cladding is increasingly regarded as the more reliable solution for facades and architectural details.

The Types of Composite Cladding

The term “composite cladding” covers two main categories:

Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) – Thin aluminium sheets bonded to a central core.
Timber Composite (Wood–Plastic Composite) – A mixture of wood fibres and plastic designed to mimic timber.

Each has its place, but both have limitations when compared to solid aluminium cladding.

Advantages of Aluminium Cladding

Aluminium cladding strikes the perfect balance between strength and versatility. Approved for construction standards and engineered for lasting appearance, it’s a trusted material for contemporary architecture and facades.

Durability – Naturally resistant to corrosion, warping and pests, aluminium performs exceptionally well in harsh Australian conditions. In commercial developments, facades retain their sharp profiles and finishes for decades.

Low Maintenance – Aluminium never needs staining or sealing. A quick wash is usually enough to maintain its appearance, making it ideal for high-traffic zones such as transport hubs or retail centres.

Aesthetic Flexibility – Available in powder coat, anodised and realistic timber-look finishes, aluminium allows designers to balance natural warmth with modern lines. Residential projects often use timber-look aluminium to capture the feel of wood without ongoing upkeep.

Compliance – Unlike composites, solid aluminium is non-combustible, giving architects and builders peace of mind when working in fire-compliant zones.

See how our aluminium cladding can add a rich texture and depth to your next project.

Limitations of Composite Cladding

While composite cladding options are still widely used, it comes with some challenges.

Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP)

ACP are made up of two thin aluminium sheets around a core material, which varies in quality. Lower-grade options are well known for combustibility risks, making these unsuitable for many compliance-sensitive projects. Even with improved cores, ACP can suffer delamination or impact damage over time.

By contrast, solid aluminium cladding is non-combustible and maintains its integrity for decades — a safer, longer-term choice.

Timber Composite (Wood-plastic composite)

Designed to imitate natural wood, timber composites blend wood fibres with plastic. However, they can be prone to fading, scratching and moisture-related issues when exposed to the elements. Maintenance, such as cleaning, refinishing or even replacements, can increase costs over time.

Unlike these composites, aluminium cladding resists UV, weathering and moisture, requires minimal maintenance and is fully recyclable, supporting both durability and environmental sustainability.

Why Choose Aluminium over Composite Cladding?

When weighing up your options, the right choice often comes down to compliance, performance and long-term value.

Need a non-combustible facade?
Aluminium is the clear choice, meeting stringent fire safety requirements.
Designing for harsh conditions — strong sun, coastal air or impact-prone areas?
Aluminium delivers durability and colourfastness, whereas composites often fail.
Looking for a low-risk internal feature on a tight budget?
Composites may be considered, but check if compliance should be a factor.

At Sculptform, aluminium cladding provides more than just performance — it delivers design freedom with timber-look finishes, hidden fixings and flexible profiles, supported by local expertise from initial concept through to final installation.

Get a full picture of the benefits of aluminium cladding.

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Applications of Aluminium Cladding

Aluminium cladding is a versatile facade solution offering both practicality and creative scope. It can be used on a wide range of projects, such as: COC-Hero-Everton-Park-006

Commercial buildings – For offices and shopping centres, aluminium cladding offers the modern, low-maintenance finishes that high-traffic areas need. Its non-combustible properties also make it ideal for compliance on multi-level building projects.

Residential projects – In housing developments and apartments, aluminium cladding offers the look of natural timber without ongoing upkeep. Timber-look aluminium is especially popular for facades, soffits and feature walls because it helps create a warm and welcoming look.

Architectural features – A flexible material, aluminium can be shaped into curves, battens and bold profiles, making it a go-to for innovative architectural statements. Designers prefer it for accents, like doors, marking areas and rendering dramatic patterns.

Infrastructure and public spaces – Transport hubs, schools and civic centres rely on the durability of aluminium cladding against weather, impact and heavy traffic. It’s also the best choice for public spaces because it’s non-combustible and low maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How cost-effective is aluminium cladding?

While initial costs can be higher, aluminium offers better long-term value. It won’t warp, corrode or crack, and requires only occasional cleaning, unlike composites that often require refinishing or replacement. Over its lifespan, aluminium proves highly cost-effective.

Q. Is aluminium cladding environmentally friendly?

Yes, aluminium is environmentally friendly. Aluminium is 100% recyclable without losing quality, and a large proportion of building-grade aluminium already comes from recycled sources. At the end of a project’s life, cladding panels can be recovered and reused, reducing waste to landfill. By choosing aluminium cladding, designers and builders can align their sustainability goals while delivering a durable, compliant and great-looking facade solution.

Q. What maintenance does aluminium cladding require?

Aluminium cladding is valued for being a low-maintenance facade solution. Unlike timber, it doesn’t need sealing, painting or staining to retain its finish. In most cases, maintenance involves nothing more than occasional washing with water or mild detergent to remove dust, salt or surface grime.

This makes aluminium especially practical for large commercial facades, coastal projects or high-rise buildings, where access is limited and ongoing maintenance can be costly. Its durability and resistance to fading, warping and corrosion means that it retains its appearance with minimal effort over decades of use.

Have any questions?

Our clients are at the heart of every project. It’s our job to deliver on the big picture and the smallest detail. We’re your proactive design partner – we’ll listen to what you really need and work with you to make sure the job gets done right.