23 July 2025
When selecting aluminium cladding for luxury or multi-residential developments, understanding costs is essential for balancing your design vision with project budgets. Material selection, labour rates, panel profile and site complexity all factor into the total supply and installation cost per square metre.
A question we’re often asked is: “What’s the aluminium cladding cost per square metre supplied and installed?” While our focus is supply-only, we’ve drawn on industry insights to provide indicative price ranges to assist in early-stage project planning. These multi-residential cladding prices are estimates and not definitive, but offer a useful benchmark when evaluating cladding options.
The final aluminium cladding price will vary based on location, installer rates, building access and the specific finish or profile selected. For a precise quote tailored to your project, we recommend engaging an experienced installer.
Need reliable contractors? Browse our list of recommended installers to support your next project with confidence.
To assist with early-stage budgeting and specification, we’ve detailed the key variables that impact the cost of cladding per square metre across premium residential and multi-residential applications.
Aluminium cladding cost per m² varies based on the grade of aluminium and project specifications. Common aluminium cladding price influences include:
Labour costs vary significantly depending on location, complexity and accessibility:
For a typical 200-500 m² project, here are estimated price ranges using Sculptform’s extruded aluminium Click-on Cladding:
Finish | Base Rate, Cladding, Clips, Tracks (AUD$/m2) | Trims (AUD$/m2) – Typical Allowance | Weather Membrane (AUD$/m2) – Including allowance for tapes | Cladding Install Rate (AUD$/m2) | Total (AUD$/m2) |
Standard Powder Coated Cladding | Approx. $185 | $20-35 | $8-12 (Flexible membrane) | $150-190 | $360-420 |
Wood Finish Cladding | Approx. $240 | $25-50 | $8-12 (Flexible membrane) | $150-190 | $415-490 |
Externally Insulated, High Performance Facade, Standard Powder Coated Cladding | Approx. $255 | $30-50 | $55-65 (Rigid Air Barrier) | $220-250 | $560-620 |
For architects working across high-end residential or multi-residential developments, material selection is as much about performance and longevity as it is about cost-efficiency. Understanding how aluminium cladding compares, both in pricing and application to other commonly specified materials is key to making informed design decisions.
The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of estimated supply and installation costs, giving you a high-level overview of how aluminium stacks up against other cladding options in the Australian market.
Cladding Type | Overall Supply Cost (AUD$/m2) | Supplied and Installed (Including Weather Membrane) (AUD$/m2) |
Solid Aluminum Panel – 3mm | $170-190 | $520-550 |
Colorbond Standing Seam Cladding | $75-100 | $280-320 |
Copper Standing Seam Cladding | $250-300 | $550-700 |
Painted Fibre Cement Cladding | $55-65 | $200-250 |
Premium Fibre Cement Cladding | $120-160 | $340-360 |
Terracotta Cladding | $210-250 | $420-460 |
Timber Cladding | $170-200 | $340-400 |
Extruded Aluminium Cladding – Powdercoat Finish | $190-220 | $360- 420 |
Pros | Cons |
Low maintenance and long-lasting | Higher upfront cladding costs than timber |
Lightweight yet highly durable | Requires professional installation for best results |
Fire-resistant and weatherproof | |
Recyclable and sustainable |
While Sculptform’s Click-on Cladding may have a higher supply-only price, the ease of installation reduces overall project costs. Benefits include:
For high-performance aluminium solutions, explore Velo Facades.
Q. How much does aluminium cladding cost per square metre?
A. This varies depending on the profile, finish and installation complexity. Please refer to the pricing breakdown above for a detailed comparison.
Q. Is the aluminium cladding price cheaper than timber or composite cladding?
A. While timber and composite cladding may have lower upfront costs, aluminium cladding offers long-term savings due to its low maintenance and durability.
Q. What are the long-term cost benefits of aluminium cladding?
A. Minimal maintenance: No painting or sealing required. Superior durability: Resistant to corrosion, fire, and extreme weather. Sustainability: Fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact.
At Sculptform, we aim to give you confidence and clarity when planning cladding solutions at scale, especially when it comes to managing costs. Our staff are here to help you choose the most appropriate aluminium profiles, finishes and systems to suit your design goals and budget.
Get in touch for tailored advice on materials, installation techniques and cladding costs for your next project.