At the design stage of the home, many users can not decide on the material for covering the house. The market offers many options that have their pros and cons. A properly completed finish allows not only to improve the comfort of living, but also to protect the building from various harmful factors, as well as to strengthen the sound and thermal insulation of the building.
Materials for covering the house outside
Various components are used in construction and decoration. We begin the review with wood, which is relevant at all times. The popularity of the material is due to its beautiful appearance and the ability to remove excess moisture from the room, regardless of the type and configuration of the walls.
The most popular types of wood are considered to be a “block house” system and imitation under timber. In the next position - a thickened lining, not different from analogues for the internal arrangement of the building in other parameters, except for the thickness.
The material for covering the house outside, the photo of which is given below, is called a “block house” and imitates round logs with a rounded front configuration. The second popular design has maximum resemblance to a planed beam, is also fixed on the crate, after which it is sanded and coated with special impregnation. Basalt cotton wool (not polystyrene foam or polystyrene) is used as heaters, then wood sheathing is beaten.
Pros and Cons of Wood
If you are looking for cheap material for covering your home, pay attention to the planed board, which is suitable for most regions of the country. The thickness of the product is 40 mm, installation takes place in a similar manner characteristic of the above analogues. The bottom edge of the board should go at least 10 mm to the previous element. With proper processing, such a cladding has good characteristics and attractive appearance.
Among the disadvantages of this design:
- susceptibility to pest attack;
- the possibility of putrefactive processes;
- darkening and loss of attractiveness externally, if proper maintenance is not observed;
- requires annual care.
Vinyl siding as a material for covering a house
Such a finish allows you to do it once and forget it.
In addition, such a design in some regions is more affordable and cheaper than wood. Since the siding is attached to the crate, the facade is a ventilated type. Inexpensive material for covering the house is universal, suitable for any walls, including options from cinder block, foam concrete and wood.
Vinyl siding is made of PVC, produced in strips of 20.5 or 25.5 cm wide. The thickness of the sheets is 1.1 and 1.2 mm. A special lock is provided on the longitudinal parts, on the reverse side there are perforated niches for fasteners, which are usually used as self-tapping screws. The siding is fixed on the crate of metal elements or wooden bars, previously impregnated with a special composition. Among the nuances of installation - leaving a small backlash at the fasteners, so as to compensate for temperature fluctuations and minimize the possibility of cracking of components.
The advantages of vinyl siding include:
- affordable cost;
- ease of installation;
- practicality;
- beautiful design of buildings of a broken configuration.
Among the disadvantages are increased fragility in frosty weather, fading in the sun.
Metal siding
This material for covering the house outside is a thin aluminum or galvanized strip. A special protective coating is applied to them. The fastening system is identical to vinyl analogues; products are resistant to fading and other climatic influences. Minus - a limited selection of shades. The protective coating is made of polymers or powder spraying.
Experts in their reviews indicate that metal siding can be bent, but it is almost impossible to break. In addition, they note the ease of installation, which will require metal scissors, a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. The main advantage over the vinyl version is resistance to freezing temperatures and durability. The disadvantage is the appearance, which is not very suitable for residential buildings, which will more resemble a production workshop or warehouse.
Basement option
The material for cladding a house of this type refers to varieties of vinyl siding. However, the design has a completely different configuration and overall dimensions. These modifications are specifically designed for decoration and protection of basement dwellings, can be used to decorate the entire facade. Appearance resembles brick or masonry of various types and colors. Quality samples differ from the simulated shape only by touch.
The design includes locks and perforations, the installation method is on the crate. Such material for house sheathing differs from siding more familiar to everyone in that it does not have a long rectangular configuration, but is made in the form of a separate wall section with curly edges intended for joining elements. In this regard, the crate must be adjusted to the size of the fragments used. First, one edge of the panel is led into the lock of the installed part, the coincidence of parts is achieved, and then fixed. During installation, tightening of the screws is not recommended in order to guarantee movement of the structure during thermal unrest.
Fiber cement slabs
Another popular material for covering the house appeared on the domestic market not so long ago. It includes wood fiber, cement, quartz, mica with the addition of chlorine or asbestos. The mixture is formed into sheets that are dehydrated or fired using existing technologies.
Among the protective decorative coatings, the following compositions are used:
- Acrylic spraying, characterized by affordable price and resistance to fading;
- hydrophilic ceramics, not subject to scratching and fading with an average service life of at least 30 years, with a low percentage of liquid absorption, more expensive than analogues;
- photoceramics, medium in price, retains color for a long time, easy to clean.
In addition, the wall cladding of the house with the material of the specified variety can be performed in several variations and textures (glossy or matte application, imitation of natural finishing components). The design is mounted on the guide rails, mounted on the wall with the help of kleimers (hidden brackets). Siding from fiber cement plates is formed before installation in long strips (standard dimensions - 360/19 / 1.2 cm). The fixture is fixed to the lathing lath, cut with an electric jigsaw, nailed or screwed on.
Thermopanels
These materials for covering the house (photo below) perform not only a decorative function, but also serve as insulation. On the heat-insulating layer in plants, decorative spraying is applied. Outwardly, it resembles natural stone or marble, does not burn, has minimal water-absorbing parameters.
The specified product is made on a foam base, mineral wool or polystyrene foam. Depending on the variety, the installation method differs (landing on special glue or a profile system). Joints are masked by aluminum platbands or grout paste.
Experts point to such advantages of thermal panels:
- simultaneous cladding and insulation of the building;
- attractive appearance;
- decent characteristics;
- practicality and reliability.
Clinker analogues stand out. Clinker tile is glued to the insulation. The product is characterized by high quality characteristics and a wide variety of models, but the price "bites".
Finishing wooden buildings
Materials for cladding wooden houses are the same components as for buildings from other structures. In any case, before starting the decoration, the walls are cleaned and treated with special antiseptics. Modifications from logs and beams additionally caulk around the entire perimeter with linen fiber or jute.
One of the most popular materials for cladding a wooden house outside is metal or vinyl siding. If the building belongs to the category of increased fire hazard, experts recommend the use of concrete finish. The advantages of siding include the following points:
- speed of installation;
- protection of walls against mechanical stress;
- a variety of colors and patterns;
- It does not require special care;
- lack of putrefactive processes;
- high level of protection against moisture;
- affordability.
Another popular option is brick cladding of wooden structures. It is somewhat more effective and attractive than budget counterparts. In this case, it is provided:
- reinforced thermal insulation properties;
- high reliability and durability;
- long period of service;
- resistance to frost;
- low parameter of water absorption;
The disadvantages of brick include the complexity of the construction, the need to strengthen the foundation, the high cost of material and work.
Also, for decoration of buildings made of wood, painting is used. The experts consider the protection of walls from climatic factors, resistance to temperature changes, and protection against burnout to the advantages of such a facade decoration. In order for the paint coating to be effective, it is necessary to choose the right composition. On the market are:
- polyvinyl acetate mixtures diluted with water;
- emulsions with acrylic filling;
- oil alkyd or acrylate solutions;
- a variety of varnishes and azure.
Each of these compositions has its own characteristics that must be considered when choosing.
Interior decoration
The most popular materials for covering the house inside:
- Rack options. They include lining, edged board, panel modifications made of PVC and MDF. Such a facing allows you to inexpensively and efficiently process a large area. The pluses include the ease of cleaning, installation and repair. Among the minuses is the exposure of wood panels to moisture and temperature fluctuations, and polymer analogues do not have high environmental cleanliness.
- Covering versions from linoleum, textile or vinyl. They are durable, practical, easy to clean, cheaper than panel and panel analogues. The options are not very suitable for decorating the bathroom or kitchen, vinyl and linoleum do not allow the floors to “breathe”, and the textile collects dust and moisture well.
- Roll wallpaper. They are available in various materials, allowing you to create an imitation of almost any surface. These finishing materials for wall cladding inside the house have taken a confident position in the relevant market. Experts recommend choosing cork or bamboo options. Moreover, they will be significantly more expensive than paper counterparts. The latter option is also convenient because it does not interfere with air exchange for walls, which is most comfortable when arranging rooms with low humidity or poor natural lighting. Other varieties include textile, silk and photographic wallpaper. The disadvantage is that if the material is not used for painting, the repair of local areas is very difficult.
- Paint and varnish compositions. The mass of the advantages of silicate, acrylic or silicone compounds is the simplicity of care, low dust content, long service life, and the possibility of use on any type of base. It should be noted that the surface for painting requires perfect alignment, otherwise the slightest roughness will be visible.
- Plastering. There are several types of plaster (decorative, embossed, structural, smooth options). Using this composition, you can create any effect of wall overlap, even on not even the most even surface. In this case, the solution requires skillful handling. Among other advantages - increased sound and thermal insulation of the room. Disadvantages - the high cost of application, especially if there is a need to resort to the services of a professional worker.
- Plates. They include artificial and natural stone, ceramic tiles and decorative bricks. To lay this material, it will require the involvement of specialists and a preliminary layout of the elements according to the pattern or pattern. Connoisseurs do not advise to completely finish the walls with stone, preferring the sheathing of individual sections.
- Sheet models. Among them are facing panels made of plastic or wood. Reliability, ease of operation, the possibility of internal wiring, installation for a minimum period of time are considered to be advantages. Disadvantages - the high price of wood panels, a low level of environmental friendliness of plastic.

Mounting Features
Despite the fact that the stage of finishing work begins in the final stage of construction, it is necessary to choose and plan materials for covering the house at the very beginning. You also need to consider that the finish is divided into two categories: start and finish. This means that it will be necessary to equip the walls for painting, wallpaper or other components with sheets of drywall or use putty. The first option is called “dry”, the second - “wet”. In any case, you can’t do without preliminary work.
Ceilings must be cleaned of excess guide elements, rust, protruding nails or self-tapping screws, and other extraneous inclusions. The walls are degreased and treated, if necessary, with a special fire-resistant or antifungal composition. Experts recommend that between the indicated methods choose the option that suits the user, taking into account his wishes, financial capabilities and the availability of free time. The “dry” version will also require the application of a thin layer of plaster on drywall sheets.
It is worth noting that it is not necessary to use sheets of the specified material. As their replacement may be MDF or other similar panels. In some cases, the wet method is not suitable. For example, if the structure is built of foam blocks. When decorating internal surfaces, a beautiful and original material looks optimally selected for combination with the general design of the room. For example, a lining made of wood is not very appropriate for an urban interior, and relief stucco is not oriented to the lining of rooms for small children.