Brick homes have a timeless appeal, but that does not mean an older facade has to stay looking dated. If the existing brickwork is structurally sound, you can modernise selected areas without completely covering the original character of the home.
WPC cladding for modern brick homes offers a practical way to introduce a contemporary timber-look finish while keeping brick visible. Used thoughtfully, WPC can add warmth, texture and architectural contrast to entrances, garages, extensions, porches and feature walls.
If you're considering WPC cladding for an Australian brick home, the key is to choose the right feature areas, colour, board direction and installation approach.
Can You Put WPC Cladding on a Brick Home?
Yes. CLADsmart WPC panels can be installed on brick surfaces using suitable plugs and an appropriate support method. CLADsmart recommends using battens where appropriate, while the exact fixing approach should follow the product's installation guidelines and the requirements of the existing wall.
WPC does not have to cover the entire facade. In many homes, using it selectively creates a stronger design result while allowing the original brickwork to remain part of the exterior.
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Why Combine WPC Cladding With Brick?
Brick and timber-look materials work well together because they provide contrasting textures.
Brick brings a solid, traditional appearance, while WPC wall cladding introduces linear detail and the warmth of timber. Rather than replacing the existing facade, you can use WPC as an architectural feature.
Combining the two materials can help you:
- Break up large areas of brick
- Highlight the front entrance
- Create a feature wall
- Add warmth to contemporary brickwork
- Modernise an older facade
- Visually connect an extension with the original home
- Add timber character without the ongoing upkeep associated with traditional timber
- Create a stronger connection between the home's exterior and landscaping
For more ideas about using cladding to improve the appearance of an exterior, explore CLADsmart's guide to creating a luxury facade without breaking the bank.
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7 WPC Cladding Ideas for Modern Brick Homes
1. Create a Feature Around the Front Door
Consider installing WPC behind the front door, around a recessed entry or across part of the wall surrounding the entrance. Vertical boards can emphasise height, while a contrasting timber tone can make the doorway stand out against red, cream, grey or charcoal brick.
The goal is to frame the entrance rather than overwhelm it.
2. Modernise a Large Front Facade
Large brick facades can sometimes appear visually heavy, particularly when there are few windows or architectural breaks.
A carefully sized section of WPC wall panels can introduce texture and create a focal point without covering the entire facade.
For a balanced result, consider the proportions of the feature relative to the windows, roofline and front door.
3. Add WPC to a Garage
Garage walls and doors can occupy a significant portion of a home's frontage. Adding WPC to a nearby wall or feature section can help integrate the garage with the rest of the facade.
Charcoal, black, walnut and darker timber tones can create a contemporary look, while warmer colours such as teak, cedar or pine can soften darker brickwork.
4. Give an Extension a Contemporary Finish
A new extension does not necessarily need to replicate every detail of an existing brick home.
Using WPC on the new section can create a deliberate contrast between old and new. Brick remains visible on the original structure, while the WPC feature helps distinguish the extension as a contemporary addition.
5. Add Warmth to a Porch
Porches can benefit from the warmth and texture of timber-look outdoor wall panels.
Depending on the design and installation requirements, WPC can be used on selected porch walls or feature areas to connect the exterior facade with timber elements, landscaping and outdoor furniture.
6. Highlight a Second-Storey Section
A large upper-level brick wall can sometimes dominate a facade.
Vertical WPC panels can draw the eye upward and emphasise the height of the building. This approach can work particularly well around balconies, upper-level windows or recessed sections.
7. Continue the Look Into Outdoor Living Areas
If the front facade already uses WPC, repeating a similar finish around an alfresco, courtyard or entertaining area can create visual consistency.
For additional inspiration, see these outdoor wall cladding ideas for small gardens and patios.
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Choosing WPC Colours to Complement Brick
You do not necessarily need to match the brick colour. In many cases, contrast creates a more interesting facade.
| Existing Brick | WPC Colour Direction | Design Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Red or terracotta | Teak, Cedar, Pine or Walnut | Warm and welcoming |
| Cream or beige | Dark Walnut, Charcoal Black or Jet Black | Strong contrast |
| Grey | Teak, Pine or Cedar | Softer contemporary finish |
| Black or charcoal | Teak, Walnut or Woodland Grey | Balanced modern look |
| Mixed brick | Neutral timber or darker tones | Helps simplify the facade |
CLADsmart outdoor panels are currently available in a broad range of colours, including teak, cedar, walnut, dark walnut, pine, woodland grey, charcoal black, jet black and white.
Before ordering, compare samples against the actual brick in outdoor daylight. Natural and artificial lighting can significantly change how colours appear.
If you are unsure which finish will work best, CLADsmart also offers an outdoor sample box so you can compare colours before committing to the project.
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Vertical vs Horizontal WPC Cladding
The direction of your WPC panels can change how a facade appears.
Vertical WPC Cladding
Vertical boards can emphasise height and are particularly suitable for:
- Front entrances
- Narrow feature walls
- Second-storey sections
- Recessed areas
- Homes with strong vertical architectural lines
Horizontal WPC Cladding
Horizontal boards can make a wall appear visually wider and may work well for:
- Wide front facades
- Garage feature areas
- Large outdoor walls
- Low-level feature sections
Neither orientation is automatically better. The best choice depends on the dimensions and architecture of the area being clad.
For a more detailed comparison, read CLADsmart's guide to horizontal vs vertical cladding for modern Australian homes.
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How to Install WPC Cladding on a Brick Home
Installing WPC over brick requires more planning than simply fixing boards to the wall.
CLADsmart's outdoor WPC panels are designed for DIY installation, with the product guidance recommending tools such as a level, mitre saw and circular saw. The panels also use a mould design with an expansion gap to support weatherproofing during installation.
A typical project should involve:
- Inspect the Existing Brickwork: Check for loose, damaged or unstable bricks before starting. The existing wall needs to be suitable for the proposed installation method. Repair any structural or surface issues before installing the cladding.
- Plan the Support Structure: CLADsmart recommends using battens for optimal results on many surfaces. The correct support method will depend on the wall and application. For brick surfaces, CLADsmart advises that plugs can be used for installation.
- Measure the Feature Area: Accurate measurements help determine how many panels are required and where joins, corners and openings will fall.
- Plan Windows, Doors and Corners: Mark openings before installation begins. Consider how the WPC will finish around windows, doors, external corners, lights, vents, and existing architectural features.
- Allow for Correct Expansion and Finishing: Outdoor materials need to accommodate movement and weather exposure. Follow the CLADsmart installation guidelines for the appropriate expansion gaps, fixings and finishing details.
- Install the Panels: Once the supporting structure and measurements are confirmed, install the panels according to the product-specific installation instructions. For larger or technically complex projects, professional installation may be preferable.
WPC Panels for Australian Outdoor Conditions
Australian homes can experience significant exposure to sun, rain and changing temperatures, so exterior materials need to be selected with the application in mind.
CLADsmart Outdoor WPC Panels are designed for outdoor use and are promoted as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber, with resistance to moisture, rot, termites and UV exposure.
If weather exposure is a major consideration for your project, see CLADsmart's guide to [outdoor wall panels for heat, rain and UV protection in Australia]outdoor wall panels for heat, rain and UV protection in Australia.
Importantly, panel performance depends not only on the material but also on correct installation, support, drainage and the conditions of the specific site.
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How Much Does WPC Cladding Cost?
The total cost of a WPC cladding project depends on more than the panel price.
Consider:
- Total wall area
- Panel colour and size
- Number of panels required
- Battens or supporting structure
- Fixings and accessories
- Corners and finishing details
- Existing wall preparation
- Installation labour
- Site access
- Delivery and freight
CLADsmart offers delivery across Australia, with delivery arrangements and freight costs varying according to location, order size and product type. Metro Melbourne delivery options are also available.
For an accurate project estimate, calculate the required coverage and review the current product and freight information before ordering.
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How to Plan Your Brick-and-WPC Facade
Before ordering your WPC wall panels, work through this simple process:
- Assess the existing brickwork. Make sure the wall is suitable for the proposed project.
- Choose the feature areas. Decide where WPC will have the greatest visual impact.
- Select your colour. Compare physical samples with the brick in outdoor light.
- Choose board orientation. Decide whether vertical or horizontal installation better suits the wall.
- Measure carefully. Calculate the required panel coverage and account for openings and cuts.
- Plan the support system. Review battens, fixings and substrate requirements.
- Consider finishing details. Plan corners, transitions, windows, doors and edges.
- Review installation instructions. Check the latest CLADsmart product guidelines before installation.
- Arrange delivery or freight. Delivery costs can vary depending on location and order requirements.
- Decide whether DIY or professional installation is appropriate.
For further inspiration, explore CLADsmart's guide to outdoor wall panels for Australian homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put WPC cladding over brick?
Is vertical or horizontal WPC better for brick homes?
What sizes are CLADsmart Outdoor WPC Panels?
Can WPC panels be installed directly onto brick?
Where can WPC wall cladding be used?
Are WPC panels suitable for Australian homes?
For Melbourne homeowners specifically, you can also read about the benefits of CLADsmart outdoor WPC panels for Melbourne homes.
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Upgrade Your Brick Home With CLADsmart WPC Panels
You do not need to completely replace a brick facade to create a more contemporary exterior.
The right combination of brick and WPC cladding can add warmth, texture and architectural interest while allowing the existing brickwork to remain part of the design. From front entrances and garages to extensions, porches and outdoor entertaining areas, carefully selected WPC panels can create a modern timber-look finish without the appearance of a full facade replacement.
CLADsmart outdoor WPC panels are available in multiple colours and sizes, offer a realistic timber look, are made with recycled wood fibre and recycled HDPE, and come with a 15-year warranty.
If you're ready to compare finishes and plan your project, explore CLADsmart outdoor WPC panels and consider ordering samples before making your final colour selection.
For homeowners comparing weatherproof outdoor wall panels and outdoor cladding panels for an Australian property, starting with the right product specifications, installation method and design plan can make the entire project easier to manage.