Cost · February 2026 · 6 min read
How much does commercial cladding cost per m²? (2026 UK guide)
Indicative ranges only — not for budgeting or commercial decisions. Cladding isn't a commodity; costs vary with location, access, programme, specification, finishes, performance and market conditions. For accurate pricing, request a formal tender on your drawings and specification. Provided for general education only.
“How much does cladding cost per square metre?” is the most common question main contractors ask — and the hardest to answer, because every project is different. For early-stage planning, here are realistic 2026 ranges, with the caveat that your actual costs may vary significantly.
2026 UK cost ranges (supply & install)
| System | £/m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brick slip rainscreen | £200–350 | Most common commercial system |
| Terracotta rainscreen | £350–550 | Premium aesthetic, long lead times |
| Aluminium composite (ACP) | £180–300 | Budget-conscious, large areas |
| Timber rainscreen | £220–400 | FSC timber, pre-finished |
| Zinc / copper rainscreen | £400–600 | Premium metal, specialist install |
| Stick curtain wall | £600–1,200 | Glazed, high performance |
| Unitised curtain wall | £1,000–1,800 | Off-site fabrication, fast install |
| EWI render | £120–200 | Budget option, less durable long-term |
What actually moves the price
- Design complexity and performance (fire, thermal, acoustic)
- Access and programme (BMU, abseil, occupied buildings)
- Coordination complexity with other trades
- Finishes, lead times and market conditions
The cheapest tender is rarely the cheapest outcome — coordination failures and redesign cost far more than the line item. That's the case for a design-led, single-responsibility partner.