Cladding
Choosing the right cladding is critical to the performance, compliance and appearance of your project. Big River Group supplies a comprehensive range of external cladding systems across Australia, including fibre cement, AAC panels, composite cladding, and natural timber profiles, to suit residential, commercial, and architectural projects.
Every system is selected to meet Australian Standards, NCC compliance requirements, and BAL ratings where applicable. With technical expertise, material selection support, national supply and reliable delivery, we are here to help you specify the right cladding solution for your project.
Browse Cladding Types
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding panels are engineered external wall systems that deliver the look of natural materials while offering greater durability.
Explore →
Fibre Cement
Fibre cement offers one of the widest profile ranges of any external cladding material.
Explore →
Timber Cladding
Timber cladding remains a preferred material in architectural and custom residential design, valued for authentic grain and natural warmth.
Explore →Our Cladding Suppliers
All your cladding needs across Australia
Need help choosing the right Cladding material? Here at Big River we have a very wide range of cladding materials from all the leading brands for your next residential or commercial project.
Choose from brands like local favourite James Hardie, to global brand Innova, to the many specialty cladding brands such as Helix, Weathertex, Proboard and New TechWood – we have a wide selection to suit internal and external cladding applications.
- Wide Range Of Brands
- Wide Range of Materials
- Internal or External Applications
Why Big River Group?
Get Cladding Advice for Your Project
Not sure which cladding system suits your project? Our experienced teams can help you compare products, check compliance, confirm NCC requirements, and organise samples. Book a consultation or send through your plans for a recommendation.
Helping you understand the product characteristics
Fibre Cement vs Timber
For most volume residential builds, fibre cement cladding is a practical, low-maintenance choice in Australia. It is termite and moisture resistant, available with BAL ratings up to BAL-40, and requires minimal ongoing maintenance beyond repainting every 10–15 years. Natural timber cladding delivers authentic grain and warmth that engineered products cannot replicate, making it a popular choice for premium homes and architectural feature elements. Timber requires periodic oiling or staining and BAL performance varies by species and system design. Many projects use both: fibre cement as the primary wall cladding system, with timber used selectively for architectural effect.
BAL Ratings & Bushfire Zones
Before specifying any external cladding product, check your site’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) designation under AS 3959. The BAL rating dictates which products are compliant for use as external wall cladding on that site. Fibre cement products such as Scyon Linea, are rated to BAL-40, covering most bushfire-prone zones. AAC panels including MaxiWall are suitable for BAL-FZ – the highest classification. Timber and composite cladding compliance varies by product and system configuration.
Helping you choose the right cladding product
Profile Types
Cladding profile choice influences both the visual outcome and the installation system. Horizontal weatherboard profiles create a traditional Australian aesthetic and are well suited to residential builds. Vertical panel profiles add visual height and a contemporary edge, making it popular for modern homes and townhouses. Sheet and flat panel cladding systems suit commercial and multi-residential projects where a clean, refined look is required. Textured finishes replicate rendered masonry without the weight and cost of a wet system. Profile selection should be confirmed against the relevant installation guides and NCC requirements for the project class.
NCC Compliance
All external cladding must comply with the National Construction Code, including fire performance requirements under the relevant building class. Key considerations include the Fire Group Number of the cladding product, the wall system configuration (framing, sarking, lining), and any state or territory variations that apply. CodeMark certification, where held, provides a clear compliance pathway. Our teams can assist with identifying compliant product selections and can direct you to the relevant technical documentation for each system.
Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance requirements vary by cladding type. Fibre cement cladding is low maintenance – typically requiring periodic wash down and repaint every 10–15 years. Composite cladding requires minimal upkeep, generally requiring no ongoing staining or sealing, making it an ideal choice for projects where minimising future maintenance costs is a priority. Natural timber cladding requires the most active upkeep: hardwood species such as Spotted Gum typically need oiling or staining every 2–5 years depending on exposure, orientation, and climate. Correct priming and sealing at installation extend maintenance intervals for all timber products.
Get Cladding Advice for Your Project
Not sure which cladding system suits your project? Our experienced teams can help you compare products, check compliance, confirm NCC requirements, and organise samples. Book a consultation or send through your plans for a recommendation.
Cladding Products
Fibre Cement
Big River is one of Australia’s leading stockists of fibre cement products, including James Hardie, the industry-leading brand.
External wall cladding
MaxiWall AAC Panel System
Lightweight AAC wall panel system for fast internal and external walling.
Fast, cost-effective walling for residential and commercial
Hardie Fine Texture Cladding
Rendered-look fibre cement for smooth facades
Smooth, rendered-look facades
Weathertex Primeliner
97% natural timber weatherboard. Sustainable Australian hardwood.
Natural timber look with zero toxins
Cladding in Action
Macquarie University Student Accommodation
Multi-storey student accommodation at Macquarie University, Sydney, featuring ArmourForm formwork plywood and MaxiWall AAC panels for fast, cost-effective...
Jordan Springs Residential Estate
A large-scale residential estate in Jordan Springs, NSW, featuring Scyon Linea and Stria cladding across 200+ homes with...
Adelaide Terrace Residences
A boutique apartment complex in Adelaide featuring MaxiWall AAC wall panels and MaxiFloor AAC floor panels for a...
Henley Street Residence
Contemporary residential project showcasing Scyon cladding and structural timber framing.
See Our Cladding Range in Person
With over 20 locations across Australia, Big River has cladding specialists ready to help with your next project. Visit a location near you to compare profiles and textures side by side, and get expert guidance on the right cladding system for your build.
Visit Your Local Big River Location
Find specialist building products and expert advice at your nearest Big River Location.