How to cover an ugly exterior wall

Do you have an ugly exterior wall that bothers you? Or do you want to renovate your home affordably and increase its value? Give your exterior walls a fresh and attractive appearance with Aku Woodpanel exterior panels. You won't find a cheaper solution. Below, we’ll explain exactly how you can cover your unsightly exterior walls.

Covering the exterior wall

With our outdoor wall panels, you effectively clad the walls. Of course, there are other options to enhance the exterior of your home. You could use plastic cladding, apply plaster, or paint the walls.

Cladding exterior walls with wood-look panels offers both a stylish appearance and practical benefits. The steps you need to take for installation are straightforward, and the result is immediately visible. This saves a lot of time and effort. The costs for cladding your home with our exterior panels are lower than you might expect. In the step-by-step plan below, we’ll guide you through the installation process.

Step 1: Choose the desired colour

First, choose the desired colour of the panel. In our range, we currently have four colours of exterior panels: oak, birch, stone grey, and black. The panels are made of high-quality composite material, with a beautiful 3D wood look and wood grain texture. These panels are weather-resistant, colourfast, and durable.

Step 2: Preparing the wall

Make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and sturdy. Remove dirt and loose materials, such as peeling paint or old plaster. Repair and level the surface as needed.

Step 3: Measure and plan

Measure the height and width of the area where you want to install the exterior panels. Ensure the panels are evenly distributed. Mark where the panels should go.

Step 4: Installing the panels

Start at the bottom and place the first panel against the wall. The groove side should face inward. Leave a gap of at least 10 mm between the panel and the ground to allow for proper ventilation and water drainage.

Pre-drill the panels to avoid damage. You can install the panels horizontally or vertically. In either case, ensure the tongue of the new panel fits into the groove of the previous panel. Leave a gap of at least 8 mm between the panels to allow for expansion or contraction. Press the panels firmly together for a tight connection.

Repeat these steps until the entire surface is covered. Make sure the panels fit well, with no gaps between them except for the prescribed expansion joints.

Tips for cladding your exterior wall

1. Choose the right type of composite
   Composite panels come in different types and styles. It's important to choose a type that matches the style of your home and surroundings.
2. Prepare the surface properly
   A well-prepared surface ensures that the composite panels can be attached correctly and durably. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of irregularities. Any cracks or holes in the wall should be repaired first.
3. Consider ventilation
   It’s important to integrate proper ventilation when installing exterior panels. This prevents moisture build-up behind the panels, which could cause mould and damage to the façade. Ensure there’s enough space between the panels and the wall to allow air circulation. A ventilated façade extends the life of both the panels and the underlying wall.
4. Maintain and clean the panels regularly
   Although composite panels are low-maintenance, it’s important to clean them regularly to remove dirt and grime. This keeps the façade looking fresh and new. Use a soft brush or cloth to avoid scratches. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the protective layer of the panels.
5. How much time do you want to spend on home maintenance?
   When you choose exterior panels, you save a lot of time on the maintenance of your home's exterior. Our panels have a lifespan of up to 25 years and are easy to maintain by simply cleaning them.

If you apply paint or plaster to the outside of your home, you’ll need to maintain it regularly. This takes a lot of time and incurs recurring costs. For example, paint is subject to weather conditions, which can cause it to peel and fade. Every 5 to 7 years, you’ll need to repaint to protect your home from damage and keep it looking fresh. Plaster also needs regular cleaning and coating.

What will this cost?

The average cost for cladding exterior walls with our panels is €45 per square metre. This is a one-time investment for the next 25 years. This solution is often more cost-effective compared to other renovation methods.

The cost of plastering the exterior of a house can range from €45 to €100 per square metre and has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, depending on maintenance, the quality of the work, and weather conditions. Plaster must be cleaned and coated regularly, and cracks need to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage.

The cost of painting the exterior of a house can range from €30 to €50 per square metre and has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, depending on the type of paint used, the quality of the work, and weather conditions.

Five advantages of cladding your exterior wall

1. The appearance of the home improves significantly.
2. Our exterior panels are maintenance-free for over 25 years, with minimal wear and fading.
3. An extra exterior layer provides better insulation, which can result in energy savings.
4. An attractive appearance increases the market value of your home.
5. Using exterior panels reduces maintenance and is long-lasting.

Tips for further styling your exterior wall

• Add extra exterior lighting to highlight the wood texture of the panels in the evening.
• Invest in climbing plants to create a natural green wall.
• Consider using seasonal decorations to brighten up your home’s exterior.

With the steps and tips from this blog, you can transform an ugly exterior wall into a beautiful eye-catcher. This increases both the value and the appearance of the home. Aku Woodpanel’s exterior panels offer a versatile, durable, and visually appealing solution for any home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!