A contemporary two-story house with a mix of dark gray siding and wood accents, featuring large windows and a balcony.

Combine materials for a stunning exterior

Create and define your home’s character with Hardie® products and materials and natural finishes. For inspiration use our AI-based design tool.

Combining different materials to create an attractive style

A building's facade highlights its architectural style and distinctive character. This can be achieved through the clever combination of materials such as bricks, wood, render and Hardie® Plank. The deliberate combination of materials gives facades an individual design, depth and structure. The special features of the construction stand out, combining durability with an attractive style. Hardie® fibre cement products can easily be combined with natural wood, white or coloured plaster, to create attractive and durable facades.

Hardie® provides a strong, reliable foundation

In order to meet technical and environmental requirements, a solid, reliable foundation is essential for any combination of materials. Hardie® Plank, Hardie® VL Plank and Hardie® Panel are exceptionally strong and retain their shape for many years. They have an A2-s1, d0 fire rating and are resistant to various environmental influences.

A grey house with an orange-trimmed window sits on a snowy slope, overlooking a calm bay and distant mountains under clear blue skies.

Creating effects through a simple material mix

A harmonious overall impression can be achieved using just two or three materials. For instance, the main area could be designed using Hardie® Plank. Other materials used in smaller areas, such as individual floors or around windows and entrance areas, can then enhance this effect.

Long-lasting facades

Hardie® cladding helps create a robust outer shield for buildings. It resists moisture, decay, pests and severe weather. ColourPlus™ technology increases colourfastness when materials are exposed to sunlight. They also require minimal maintenance.

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Water droplets on a dark textured surface, with some droplets forming streams along the grooves.

See the quality, feel the difference

Hardie® VL Plank convinces not only through words, but through experience. Order your free product sample and experience the authentic surface, the colour depth and the precision that make planning and installation so reliable.
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Design tips from our experts

The key to successfully combining different materials is achieving balance. Choose one main texture and use the others to support it, creating an overall balanced impression of the facade.

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Uniform appearance

Limit yourself to two or three materials in the mix - more can feel disjointed.

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Use texture variations strategically

Use smooth or textured materials to highlight horizontal or vertical areas of the building.

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Consider the effects of light

Different materials are affected by warm or cool undertones depending on how the light falls.

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Add details for the right effect

Carefully plan cut-outs, reveals, and joints – these determine the quality of the connection between different materials on the facade.

Design your home with Hardie™ Facade Visualisation Tool

See how Hardie® Plank and Hardie® VL Plank can transform your home. Explore design ideas, preview colours, and share it with your loved ones.

Ready to design your perfect material mix?

Discover our range of products, including Hardie® Plank and Hardie® VL Plank, which come in a variety of colours, textures and effects to help you bring your vision to life. Order free samples and explore the full colour palette to see how the materials will look on your home. Your facade design starts here.

Mixed material cladding ideas for UK Homes | James Hardie