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Did your ears prick up at the hint of faster install times? Ours did, too. While the more traditional timber and fibre cement have always been go-to cladding options, there is a new alternative wall cladding option that is shaking up the market and offering up more choice.
The latest is Ekodeck® Shiplap Cladding, an eco-friendly composite cladding product that goes up quickly and needs zero aftercare. Even fans of natural timber are impressed by it, like carpenter Luke Hunter, owner of Top Tier Renovations in Wollongong, NSW.
Luke recently gave the new shiplap cladding a go on a tiny home and was surprised with the results.
“It was an easy install – three of us knocked it out in a day. We’ve worked with fibre cement before, but ... Ekodeck is a game changer. It’s lightweight, looks great and needs no upkeep.”
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
A quick convert, Luke paired the shiplap cladding in a Carbon (dark grey) finish with a black Colorbond roof and black window frames for a sleek and modern coastal vibe.
“This product is going to take off,” Luke says. “People want something that looks good and lasts without the hassle – and this ticks every box.”
Here are some more reasons to consider Ekodeck Shiplap Cladding for your next wall cladding project, and why you (and your clients) won’t be disappointed.
“There’s no risk of silica dust with Ekodeck, so you don’t have to wear a respirator or plug your saw into a vacuum system,” Luke says.
“A basic drill, any type of timber blade and some screws are all you’ll need to install it,” Luke says. Ekodeck Shiplap Cladding comes with clips and trim, but not screws, so be sure to buy these separately ahead of installation.”
Being made from 80 per cent reclaimed and recycled materials, including 38 per cent reclaimed timber and 44 per cent recycled HDPE plastic, means this exterior cladding product is a more environmentally friendly choice.
Tip: Did you know that Bunnings Trade also supports builders and developers with supply and install solutions in joinery, flooring, plasterboard and more?
“Conventional cladding can often need a lot of post-installation work, including oiling, painting, filling gaps and sealing, but with Ekodeck, once you put the last screw in, the job’s done,” Luke says.
“Unlike traditional cladding, where you have to continually check that the lap lines measure up, this clip system automatically spaces and supports the boards, so you get straight lines with zero effort. Also, with board lengths up to 5.4 metres, you can create seamless façades with minimal joins,” Luke explains.
“The product costs about the same as timber and fibre-cement cladding, but it works out cheaper as there’s no painting or sealing required,” Luke says.
“The boards weigh a fraction of the alternatives, which is easier for transport and delivery,” Luke explains. “There are different installation types: horizontally for a classic, coastal look or vertically for a modern aesthetic. The boards naturally expand and contract with the weather, making them less likely to crack or break.”
The lightweight boards and easy-to-use clip system mean Ekodeck Shiplap Cladding takes about half the time to install as timber and fibre cement.
Ekodeck Shiplap Cladding is CodeMark®-certified and BCA- and NCC-compliant, meeting Australia’s highest standards for safety, durability and sustainability.
“Unlike conventional cladding, which typically needs repainting and resealing every few years, this type of cladding needs no aftercare,” Luke says. “Just hose it down with warm water to remove any dirt and it will look great for decades.”
UV- and moisture-resistant, it’s suitable for homes in coastal areas. Plus, it comes with a 25-year warranty.
Take a look at the full range of Ekodeck products available at Bunnings now.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
