NLL Guides · EXTERIOR WALLS
Replace or repaint timber cladding? Costs and a decision guide
Dorde Lalic founder and ownerLinkedInUpdated
Project photo from Billinge during cladding replacement on the gable.
Cladding that can be retained may be suitable for repainting, while rotten timber needs assessment for replacement. Base the decision on the timber's condition, the extent of damage and any work needed behind the cladding. Flaking paint alone does not mean all the cladding needs replacing.
Should you replace or repaint the cladding?
Cladding that can be retained and prepared for painting can be repainted, while soft, rotten timber needs replacing. Distinguish damage to the paint from damage to the timber itself before comparing repainting, partial cladding replacement and a larger replacement.
| Option | What needs assessing? | What should the quote define? |
|---|---|---|
| Paint existing cladding | Whether the timber and remaining paint can be prepared for painting | Cleaning, paint removal, priming and painting |
| Replace sections of cladding | Which boards are damaged and why | Replacement area, junctions, and painting of new and existing surfaces |
| Replace a larger area | Extent of damage and any work needed behind the cladding | Removal, cladding, underlying surface and final treatment itemised separately |
According to TräGuiden's repainting advice , soft, rotten timber should be replaced. The amount that needs replacing requires an assessment; this guide does not set a universal percentage threshold.
What does replacing exterior timber cladding cost?
NLL Måleri's labour price for cladding replacement is 1,000–1,375 SEK/m² including VAT, before any ROT deduction. Cladding timber is listed separately at 625 SEK/m² including VAT. Together, these two items total 1,625–2,000 SEK/m².
| Cladding replacement item | Price per m² including VAT, before ROT |
|---|---|
| Labour | 1,000–1,375 SEK |
| Cladding timber | 625 SEK |
| Total labour and cladding timber | 1,625–2,000 SEK |
This total is not automatically the price of a fully painted exterior. Removal, scaffolding, repairs behind the cladding and final painting need to be expressly defined in the quote. Read the cladding replacement price guide for the same breakdown and a worked example.
What does repainting the cladding cost instead?
For painting timber cladding, NLL Måleri lists 625–875 SEK/m² for labour and 187.50–250 SEK/m² for paint, tape and protective coverings. Both amounts include VAT and are before any ROT deduction. Together, these items total 812.50–1,125 SEK/m² of painted surface.
Painting and cladding replacement cover different work. Do not compare a painting estimate that includes paint with a cladding price that excludes final painting. Scaffolding, repairs and other extras also need to be treated consistently. See the cost of painting a house exterior.
When is replacing cladding worthwhile instead of painting it?
Cladding replacement becomes relevant when the timber is unsuitable for retention. Ask for an assessment of both the visible boards and any damage behind them before deciding the scope.
Can you replace part of the cladding and paint the rest?
Partial replacement may be an option when the damage is limited to identifiable areas and the remaining cladding can be retained. Ask for two clearly defined quantities: the area to be replaced and the area to be painted. Coordinating the work does not mean the same price per square metre applies to both tasks.
The combined option needs its own quote. This guide does not promise that it is always the cheapest option or that it provides a particular lifespan.
How do timber species and condition affect the choice?
Timber species, cladding profile, previous treatment and condition need to be considered together. The number of previous repaints does not by itself show that the cladding has reached the end of its life, and a more expensive timber species is not automatically right for every house.
Find previous product details if they are available. For new timber, dimensions and junctions also need to suit the planned work. For paint choices, see our comparison of linseed oil paint, acrylic paint and traditional distemper.
What information is needed for an assessment?
Send overview photos, close-ups of damage, the location and approximate measurements of the affected exterior walls. Identify what you have observed yourself and what remains uncertain. Ask for every proposed replacement and extra to be described in the quote.
NLL Måleri offers timber cladding replacement and exterior wall painting. The combination suitable for the house depends on the actual scope, rather than a general age limit for cladding.
