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.

Factors that Influence Aluminium Cladding Cost

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.

Supply Cost Factors

Aluminium cladding cost per m² varies based on the grade of aluminium and project specifications. Common aluminium cladding price influences include:

• Aluminium Grade: Higher-grade alloys (e.g., 5052 or 6063) offer superior durability but may come at a higher price.
• Cladding Specification: Size, profile and coating selection impact material costs.
• Mounting Track Centres: Typically 600mm or 1200mm centres, determined by wind load requirements.
• Project Size: Larger projects often benefit from economies of scale, reducing overall cladding cost.
• Trims and Accessories: Budget an additional 10-20% for trims, depending on project complexity.
• Curves and Customisation: Complex designs with multiple curves increase metal cladding cost per m².
• Insulation and Membrane Options: Adding rigid or flexible membranes impacts the final cost.

Install Cost Factors

Labour costs vary significantly depending on location, complexity and accessibility:

• Metro vs. Regional Areas: Labour rates in Sydney or Melbourne tend to be higher compared to regional areas.
• Project Type: Large-scale commercial projects may have enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) rates, affecting pricing.
• Number of Windows and Penetrations: More detailed work increases labour time and installation expenses.
• Scaffolding and Equipment: Multi-residential cladding prices depend on the height and accessibility of the site.
• Onsite Storage: Adequate storage facilities may be required to manage materials efficiently.

For more cost-effective options, VELO facades offer pre-engineered aluminium solutions that streamline installation while delivering standout quality and design.

Aluminium Cladding Supply and Installation Cost Breakdown

For a typical 200-500 m² project, here are estimated price ranges using Sculptform’s extruded aluminium Click-on Cladding:

Cladding Cost Comparison – How Does Aluminium Compare?

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.

Pros and Cons of Aluminium Cladding

Why Choose Click-on Cladding for Your Project?

While Sculptform’s Click-on Cladding may have a higher supply-only price, the ease of installation reduces overall project costs. Benefits include:

• No shop drawings or fabrication required, saving design time.
• Click-in installation system eliminates the need for traditional fixings, reducing labour time.
• Faster site installation, minimising delays and total project costs.

For high-performance aluminium solutions, explore VELO facades.

Have Any Questions?

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.

Contact Us