A Guide to Using Cladding in Wet Areas

If you’re thinking about renovating the wet areas in your home, don’t limit yourself to tiles – create a modern space that is both unique and low maintenance in your kitchen, laundry, powder room or bathroom (excluding shower recesses) by considering fibre cement cladding.

WHAT IS FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING?

Fibre Reinforced Cement (FRC), or simply fibre cement, is made from a combination of cellulose fibre, cement, sand and water, as well as a small amount of additives that give this innovative building material particular characteristics. Fibre cement cladding is known for its durability and is often used as a long-lasting alternative to timber for both interior and exterior walls and flooring.

Axon Cladding was the perfect choice for Deborah Hutton’s bathroom renovation!

WHAT ARE ITS UNIQUE FEATURES?

Fibre Reinforced Cement (FRC), or simply fibre cement, is made from a combination of cellulose fibre, cement, sand and water, as well as a small amount of additives that give this innovative building material particular characteristics. Fibre cement cladding is known for its durability and is often used as a long-lasting alternative to timber for both interior and exterior walls and flooring.

Fibre cement is resistant to water and termite damage as well as rotting and warping. As a durable alternative to timber cladding, fibre cement offers the same streamlined appearance without requiring regular upkeep, and without the susceptibility to heat and moisture damage.

Professional builders, designers and homeowners alike love that it’s fuss-free and low maintenance, as well as being a breeze to work with. Stepped shiplap on the long edges of Axon Cladding™ means quick and easy installation, while the pre-primed sheets make paint application simple and long-lasting.

WHY IS IT PERFECT FOR WET AREAS?

Fibre cement is a popular choice for external cladding due to its resilience against the elements, in particular warping and rotting from heat and moisture. It is these qualities that make it ideal to use in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and other wet areas.

While tiling is a versatile option for wet areas, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and ensure the grout doesn’t collect dirt and mould. If you’re concerned about the upkeep of tiled walls, fibre cement cladding might be the best option for your home and lifestyle. Choosing fibre cement for your laundry, kitchen or powder room also means maximising space – because Axon Cladding and other fibre cement cladding options are thinner and more streamlined than traditional construction methods, every bit of internal floor area can be utilised.

Axon Cladding is resistant to moisture damage, so it’s perfect for bathroom areas!

HOW CAN I MAKE IT WORK IN MY HOME?

The benefits of fibre cement aren’t limited to practicality – this adaptable cladding option can be painted in almost any colour, meaning you can continue the same look and feel throughout your home. Fibre cement looks great when mixed with other materials, so pair it with a tiled shower, bathtub or floor for a unique, mixed material design. To create strong visual impact, look to the vertical lines of Axon Cladding to bring texture and interest to internal walls in wet areas.

For a modern farmhouse look, the horizontal lines of Linea Weatherboard™ or Stria Cladding™ offer the timeless appeal of weatherboards without the concerns of warping and water damage that come with timber cladding. Love the Hamptons look? Carry this coastal style through to your bathroom, kitchen and laundry with fibre cement cladding in classic white or light grey. Soft shades of cream will bring warmth to your wet areas, while a bright white matched perfectly to the tiles and vanity in your bathroom will create a clean, seamless look.

Axon Cladding shouldn’t be used in the shower recess. Use Villaboard, proper waterproofing and tiles.

If you plan to renovate the wet areas in your home, don’t compromise on style or practicality. Choose a fibre cement cladding option that fits with the rest of your home for a modern look that is low maintenance and suits your lifestyle perfectly.