When choosing cladding for a transportable home, you need materials that look great but are also lightweight, durable, and easy to move. Heavy cladding like brick or stone simply won’t work for a building that needs to be relocated. Instead, we focus on two excellent options: Weathertex (a reconstituted hardwood product) and BGC fibre cement. Below is an overview of these materials, their profiles, finishes, and key benefits—so you can pick the perfect exterior for your new home.
Why do we choose Weathertex or BGC Fibre Cement?
Transportable homes must balance sturdiness with the ability to move. Weathertex and fibre cement are much lighter than brick or stone, making them ideal for relocation without compromising on strength or appearance.
Both Weathertex and BGC fibre cement offer lengthy warranties—25 years in most cases. This reassures you that your home’s exterior can handle typical wear and tear, as well as variable weather conditions, for decades.
From vertical grooves for a contemporary look to classic horizontal boards for a more traditional style, these cladding materials come in a wide range of profiles. Most can be painted or stained in virtually any colour, including dark shades like black, without voiding the warranty. This is a significant design advantage over many competing cladding systems.
Introducing Weathertex
Weathertex is a reconstituted hardwood product made from Australian hardwoods. It provides a natural, timber-like feel without the drawbacks of traditional solid wood. Key benefits include:
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Warranties of up to 25 years (15 years for certain stained finishes)
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Paintable or stainable surfaces
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Strong resistance to impact and weather
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Cost-effective pricing
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Better than zero carbon foot print.
Weathertex Profiles
Ecogroove Woodsman- Finish: Painted in any Dulux colour
- Profile & Texture: Horizontal Ship-lapped, woodgrain
- Cost: Standard
- A painted rustic weatherboard design with natural timber texture.
Primelok Classic 200mm
- Finish: Painted in any Dulux colour
- Profile & Texture: Traditional weatherboard, smooth
- Cost: Standard
- A classic colonial or country-style board with secure Primelok technology.
- Finish: Painted in any Dulux colour
- Profile & Texture: Vertical grooved sheet, woodgrain
- Cost: Upgrade
- Gives a modern edge with vertical grooves and a natural grain finish.
- Finish: Stained with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil
- Profile & Texture: Vertical grooved sheet, woodgrain
- Warranty: 15 years
- Cost: Upgrade
- Perfect for those who want a warm, organic timber finish.
Introducing BGC Fibre Cement
Fibre cement is known for its stability and low maintenance. It resists rot, pests, and moisture, and typically carries a 25-year warranty. BGC’s Stratum range can mimic traditional weatherboards but can also be installed vertically for a modern look.
BGC Stratum Profiles
Stratum 150 Cladding- Finish: Paintable in any Dulux colour
- Profile: Ship-lapped boards, horizontal or vertical
- Texture: Smooth
- Cost: Upgrade
- Offers a sleek, classic weatherboard aesthetic that can also be installed vertically for contemporary designs.
- Finish: Paintable in any Dulux colour
- Profile: Ship-lapped boards, horizontal or vertical
- Texture: Smooth
- Cost: Upgrade
- Similar construction to Stratum 150 but with a wider board for a different visual effect.
Colour Choices and Design Flexibility
A major advantage of both Weathertex and BGC fibre cement is their ability to handle dark colours without sacrificing warranty coverage. Many other cladding materials restrict dark paints because of potential heat absorption issues. With these products, you can confidently choose anything from a bright white to a sophisticated black, ensuring your home’s exterior matches your design vision.
Balancing Cost and Aesthetics
Cost varies depending on the profile and finish. Horizontal woodgrain boards, such as certain Weathertex Woodsman options, are often the most budget-friendly because they hide fixings well and conceal everyday marks. Vertical grooved sheets or stained finishes typically cost a bit more but can deliver a striking modern or natural appearance. Ultimately, the choice depends on the look you’re aiming for and the amount you’re comfortable spending.
Installation and Transport Considerations
These materials are popular for transportable homes because they’re lightweight yet strong. Weathertex and BGC fibre cement boards can flex and handle minor impacts, helping reduce damage during transit. They are also designed to seal tightly, offering lasting protection against moisture. Once on-site, professional installation ensures each board or sheet is fastened securely, giving you peace of mind about weatherproofing and long-term performance.
Final Thoughts
Your home’s exterior is one of its most defining features, especially in a transportable build where aesthetics, weight, and durability all matter. Weathertex and BGC fiber cement stand out as versatile, high-performance cladding options that can be tailored to traditional or modern styles, and customised in an array of colours—even dark shades.
From cost-effective horizontal boards to striking vertical grooved sheets, these two product families offer something for everyone. Reach out to discuss your specific design goals, and let us help you create a beautiful, long-lasting exterior for your new transportable home.
