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Inspect the wall
Make sure the wall is structurally sound, clean, flat, dry and suitable to carry a fixed batten system.
Cladding Installation Guide
AusDecking professional guide
Composite Cladding Installation Guide
A premium step-by-step guide for preparing your wall, installing battens or framing, setting out your first board, finishing corners and completing a clean composite cladding installation.
Plan first
Before you start your cladding installation
A quality composite cladding finish starts with a clean, structurally sound wall and a straight, ventilated subframe. Confirm the wall condition, cladding direction, corner finish and fixing method before cutting the first board.
Plan batten direction
Install battens perpendicular to the cladding boards, with consistent spacing across the full wall.
Choose corner finish
Decide whether you will use corner caps, butt joins, mitres or concealed trim before installing the first board.
Prepare tools
Have a fine-tooth saw blade, drill, measuring tape, chalk line, spirit level, rubber mallet and safety gear ready.
Estimator
Quick cladding estimator
Use this quick guide to estimate wall area, approximate board quantity and batten lines. This is for planning only, use the AusGrass Cladding Calculator for exact materials.
0m²Exact wall area
0Approx. cladding boards
0Approx. batten support lines
This calculator is a planning guide only. Final board quantities, trims, corners, caps, fixings, waste and batten quantities depend on board direction, wall shape, openings, cut layout and the cladding range selected.
Step-by-step
Professional composite cladding installation process
Follow each stage in order. The subframe and first board alignment are the most important parts of the job, as any variation can carry through the full wall.
Step01
Install battens or framing
Install battens vertically where boards are running horizontally, or horizontally where boards are running vertically. Boards should fix to supports running perpendicular to the board direction.
- Install battens securely to the wall using fasteners suitable for the substrate.
- Keep batten spacing consistent and do not exceed 500mm for standard wall applications.
- Use a straight edge or string line to keep the framing level and straight.
- Allow drainage and airflow behind the cladding.
Pro tip: Any unevenness in the battens can show through the finished cladding face, so pack low spots before fixing boards.
Step02
Prepare and cut your cladding boards
Measure the wall height and width carefully, then cut your cladding boards to suit the design and wall shape.
- Allow a minimum 5mm clearance at the bottom of each cladding board.
- Cut 1–2 boards at a time to allow for wall slope or variation.
- Remeasure as you install, especially on walls that are not perfectly square.
- Pre-drill fixing holes where required.
Cutting tip: For best results, use a high tooth-count blade designed for composite materials.
Step03
Determine the corner finish
Decide how the internal and external corners will be finished before installing the first board.
- Use a composite corner cap where a covered external corner finish is preferred.
- Use butt or mitre joins where boards will meet cleanly at the corner.
- Check the corner is straight before cutting boards to finished size.
- Dry-fit corner caps or trims before permanently fixing the first board.
Finish tip: Start from the corner in most circumstances for the cleanest finish at the visible edge.
Step04
Install the first cladding board
Once the corner finish has been selected, install the first board carefully and check alignment before continuing.
- Measure and cut the first cladding board to size.
- Pre-drill fixing holes into the fixing tab where required.
- Ensure the board is straight, level and set off the ground by at least 5mm.
- Fix into the battens using stainless steel or galvanised fasteners.
Alignment tip: If the first board is out of level, every board that follows can become harder to align.
Step05
Continue installing boards across the wall
Continue the installation by sliding the next board into the previous board and fixing the tab to the battens.
- Slide the solid tab of the next board into the recessed section of the first board.
- Cover the previous fixing point before installing the next screws.
- Check wall height and board alignment frequently.
- Use a spirit level and string line to ensure boards remain straight.
Range note: Slimline cladding generally follows the same process, but uses the stainless steel clip and screw system.
Step06
Continue onto another wall
Where cladding turns onto another wall at a 90-degree angle, the corner detail will depend on whether it is an inward or outward corner.
- For inward corners, the final piece of the first wall may need to be cut to suit.
- The second wall can butt against the first wall or slide into the recessed section where suitable.
- For outward corners, choose between cap, butt, mitre or slight overhang details.
- Keep corner finishing consistent across all visible walls.
Detailing tip: Dry-fit each corner piece before cutting the final board.
Installation details
Important cladding details made easy
These details help customers understand batten direction, airflow clearance and corner finishing before installation begins.
Batten spacing
Keep battens perpendicular to the cladding boards and spaced consistently.
Ground clearance
Allow airflow and drainage beneath the cladding.
Corner cap finish
Use corner caps where a covered external corner finish is preferred.
Aftercare
Keep your composite cladding looking sharp
Composite cladding is low maintenance, but simple care will help keep the wall cleaner and performing well over time.
Clean regularly
Wash with water and mild cleaner when required. Remove dust, dirt, leaves and debris before they build up.
Maintain drainage
Keep bottom clearances and wall openings free from blockages so water can drain and air can circulate.
Avoid harsh damage
Avoid abrasive cleaners, hard impact and dragging sharp items across the cladding face.
Quality control
Common installation issues and how to avoid them
| Issue | Likely cause | Prevention or fix |
|---|---|---|
| Boards look wavy or uneven | Battens are not straight, level or packed correctly. | Pack low spots and check the batten plane with a straight edge before installing boards. |
| Water collects behind cladding | Insufficient drainage or bottom clearance. | Maintain a minimum 5mm clearance and avoid blocking drainage or ventilation paths. |
| Visible misalignment | The first board or corner finish was not set straight. | Use a chalk line, level and dry-fit before fixing the first board permanently. |
| Corner finish does not line up | Corner choice was not planned before board installation. | Decide on cap, butt, mitre or overhang finish before cutting boards at the corner. |
FAQ
Composite cladding installation questions
Can composite cladding be fixed directly to concrete, brick or metal?
For non-timber walls such as concrete, brick or metal, battens should be fixed securely to the wall first so the cladding has suitable support and ventilation behind it.
What batten spacing is recommended?
For standard wall applications, batten spacing should generally not exceed 500mm unless an engineered design or project instruction allows otherwise.
Which direction should battens run?
Battens should run perpendicular to the cladding boards. Vertical cladding uses horizontal battens, and horizontal cladding uses vertical battens.
How much clearance is needed at the bottom?
Allow a minimum 5mm clearance at the bottom of each cladding board for airflow, drainage and movement.
Do all cladding ranges install the same way?
The general process is similar, but different cladding ranges can vary slightly in fixing method. The Slimline range uses a stainless steel clip and screw system.
Ready to install your composite cladding?
Choose your cladding range, calculate the materials required and confirm the correct corner caps, fixings and subframe before starting your project.
Composite Cladding Installation Guide
Follow this simple DIY guide on how to install composite wall cladding. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us
