Plastic cladding has become an increasingly popular choice for finishing exterior walls, and for good reason. It is low maintenance, cost-effective and highly weather resistant. Available in a wide range of styles and finishes, plastic cladding is easy to install and requires very little ongoing upkeep, making it a practical and durable solution for both modern and traditional properties.

With so many profiles and design options available, choosing the right type of cladding can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a tradesperson working on a residential or commercial project, or a homeowner improving your property, this guide will help you understand the different types of uPVC cladding and determine which option best suits your requirements.

Why is Plastic Cladding So Popular?

With such an unpredictable UK climate, traditional materials like wood and metal can quickly deteriorate. uPVC cladding, however, offers excellent weather resistance with no risk of rotting or corrosion. It also requires minimal maintenance and generally has a longer lifespan than other material options. Affordable and easy to install, uPVC cladding provides a practical and stylish solution for a wide range of properties — from domestic extensions and garden rooms to commercial fascia work and large-scale new builds.

Types of uPVC Cladding

Choosing the right type of cladding is important, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which is best for your project. Below is an overview of the most common uPVC cladding options and their ideal uses.

Shiplap Cladding

Shiplap cladding is one of the most popular choices. Each board features a slight overlap, which improves water runoff and provides extra protection against the elements. Shiplap is ideal for exterior walls, garden rooms, garages and sheds, offering a clean, modern appearance alongside excellent weather resistance. For tradespeople, shiplap is a reliable go-to for exterior jobs — it installs quickly and the overlapping profile is forgiving on less-than-perfect substrates.

Double Embossed Cladding

Double embossed cladding is designed with a raised texture, often mimicking the appearance of timber or other premium finishes. This gives a high-quality look while maintaining the low cost, durability and reliability of uPVC. Unlike shiplap, double embossed panels are flat, so precise installation is essential to prevent water ingress. This style is perfect for decorative walls or areas where aesthetics are a priority.

V-Joint Cladding

V-joint cladding features angled edges that create a V-shaped groove between boards, emulating traditional timber styles. While it offers a decorative finish, it is less commonly used because installation is more challenging and it is generally less effective at shedding water compared with shiplap or double embossed panels.

Tongue and Groove Cladding

Tongue and groove cladding interlocks tightly, providing a smooth, flush finish. This type is often used for internal walls or sheltered areas, such as garden rooms and feature walls. All of our internal wall panels are tongue and groove, making them ideal for full-room installations or accent walls.

How to Choose the Right Cladding

Selecting the right cladding depends on several factors. Think through each of these before ordering:

Location and exposure: Consider how exposed the area is to rain, wind and sun. For fully exposed exteriors, shiplap’s overlapping profile offers the best weather resistance. Double embossed is better suited to sheltered elevations or areas where appearance matters more than weather protection.
Aesthetic requirements: Decide whether you prefer a smooth, modern finish or a textured, timber-like appearance. Double embossed and V-joint profiles offer more decorative options, while shiplap gives a clean, contemporary look.
Installation: Some profiles are easier to fit than others. Shiplap is generally the most straightforward for quick installs, especially on larger runs. V-joint requires more care and precise alignment.
Budget and project scale: uPVC cladding is cost-effective across all profiles, but prices vary by style and thickness. For bulk trade orders, The Plastic Centre offers competitive pricing across our 21 UK branches — it’s worth talking to the team if you’re ordering for a larger job.

One of the biggest advantages of uPVC cladding is its low maintenance. It resists warping, rotting and corrosion, meaning it can be fitted and left in place, requiring only an occasional wipe down to keep it clean. Combined with its affordability and variety of designs, uPVC cladding provides a practical and long-lasting solution for almost any property.

Choosing the right cladding can dramatically improve both the appearance and protection of a property. Once you have selected the appropriate style and installed it correctly, the walls will be both visually appealing and resilient against the elements.

If you’re unsure which option is right for your project, our expert team is available at any of our UK branches to help you make the right call. Browse our full cladding range online today or speak to your local branch for project-specific advice.