Cladding Battens
Recycled plastic cladding battens provide a strong, rot-proof substructure for all types of façade installations. Designed to offer long-term durability and performance, without the maintenance issues of timber.
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Fast Delivery
Orders over £1200 are delivered free of charge
Trusted Warranty
Peace of mind with long-lasting protection
Trade Discounts
Exclusive discounts for installers and contractors
10% Pledge
We donate 10% of profits to sustainable causes
Cladding Substructure Accessories
Complete your cladding installation with accessories designed to protect, ventilate and prolong the life of your façade system. These components help create a clean finish, encourage airflow behind boards, and prevent issues like trapped moisture or insect ingress.
Insect Mesh
Insect mesh fits behind the cladding system to prevent bugs and debris from entering the ventilation cavity.
View Insect Mesh
Drip Trays
Drip trays sit at the base of the cladding system to direct rainwater away from the wall structure, preventing water ingress.
View Drip Trays
Coloured Screws
Coloured screws are coated for outdoor durability and designed to match the cladding finish for a discreet, high-quality appearance.
View Coloured Screws
Cladding Batten Installation
Installing cladding battens is a critical part of creating a long-lasting façade. Whether using recycled plastic or aluminium battens, our systems are designed to be easy to work with and fully compatible with modern composite cladding boards.
Maintain ventilation and spacing
Ensure battens are installed with appropriate spacing to allow for continuous airflow behind the cladding. This helps prevent moisture build-up and supports the longevity of the system.
Fix securely to suitable substrates
Battens can be fixed to a range of surfaces. Use appropriate fixings on the substrate and ensure the fixing method accounts for the load of the cladding system.
Follow our step-by-step installation guide
For full support on layout, fixings, accessories and best practices, follow our dedicated cladding installation guide.
Cladding Batten FAQs
If you don’t find the answer you're looking for, our team of experts is here to help. Give us a call on 020 8088 4888
No, composite decking will not rot, one of its biggest advantages over traditional timber. Composite decking boards are made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and high-performance plastics, creating a dense, moisture-resistant material that resists the fungal growth and decay associated with natural wood.
Unlike timber, which can absorb water and break down over time, eco-friendly outdoor decking made from composite materials is specifically engineered to be low-maintenance and long-lasting—even in wet or humid environments.
Moisture resistance: The plastic content repels water, preventing it from seeping into the board.
No organic breakdown: With no exposed wood grain, there’s no food source for fungi or mould that cause rot.
Capped protection (on some ranges): Premium capped boards have an added polymer shell for even greater protection against moisture, staining, and mildew.
If you're looking for a decking solution that resists the elements and avoids the pitfalls of rotting wood, composite decking boards are a reliable and sustainable choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Composite decking is designed for long-term colour stability, but some initial fading or lightening is normal, especially in uncapped boards. This early change is due to UV exposure and the natural bleeding of tannins from the wood fibres within the board.
Tannin leaching: During the first 8 - 10 weeks after installation, especially in wet weather, tannins from the wood content may leach out of uncapped boards. This can temporarily darken or stain the surface but is a normal part of the weathering process and usually washes away naturally.
UV exposure: Like any outdoor material, sunlight can cause surface fading. With composite decking, this typically results in a slight lightening that stabilises quickly.
Uncapped composite decking: May show more visible tannin marks and minor colour change initially, but these boards settle into a consistent tone over time.
Capped composite decking: Features a durable polymer shell that resists both UV damage and tannin staining, offering superior fade resistance and longer-lasting colour.
Once early weathering is complete, composite decking boards settle into a consistent tone and require no painting or staining. It’s a simple, low-maintenance way to create a great-looking outdoor space that stays that way.
No, composite decking is designed to offer excellent slip resistance, even in wet conditions. While no outdoor surface can be entirely slip-proof, especially in areas prone to standing water or algae, most composite decking boards outperform traditional timber due to their engineered textures and low-porosity surfaces.
Textured surface finishes: Composite boards are manufactured with slip-resistant patterns, such as grooves or embossed woodgrain, that provide reliable grip underfoot.
Low water absorption: Unlike timber, composite decking boards do not swell or become slippery as they absorb water. Their material composition resists moisture ingress, reducing long-term hazards.
Correct deck installation is essential. A slight fall or slope allows water runoff, preventing puddling that can lead to slippery areas.
Routine cleaning helps maintain optimal performance. Keeping the surface free from organic debris, algae, and mould is key to long-term slip resistance.
When properly installed and maintained, composite decking provides a safe and reliable solution for outdoor spaces.
Composite decking is a man-made building product manufactured with a blend of wood fibres, plastic polymers and a small amount of bonding agents. This mix is heated, formed into board shaped lengths and then cooled.
Recycled wood fibres: Typically sourced from sawdust or reclaimed wood, these fibres provide the deck board with strength and a natural grain-like texture.
Recycled plastics: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene is used to bind the board together and add moisture resistance. These plastics are often sourced from post-consumer waste such as packaging or plastic bottles.
Additives and binders: Colour pigments, UV inhibitors, and bonding agents are added to improve fade resistance, colour consistency, and structural stability.
Capped composite decking includes a protective polymer shell that surrounds the core, providing enhanced resistance to staining, fading, and moisture.
Uncapped composite decking boards are more affordable but may be more susceptible to early weathering or surface marking.
This eco-friendly outdoor decking solution not only diverts waste from landfill but also offers excellent durability and aesthetics with minimal upkeep.
In many ways, composite decking is a better long-term choice than traditional wood decking, especially when it comes to durability, maintenance, and environmental impact. While timber remains popular for its natural aesthetic and lower upfront cost, composite decking boards offer several key advantages that make them a smarter investment for modern outdoor spaces.
Low maintenance: Composite decking doesn’t require sanding, staining, or sealing. Occasional cleaning is all that’s needed, making it a truly low-maintenance decking solution.
Longer lifespan: Unlike timber, composite boards won’t rot, splinter, warp, or suffer from insect damage.
Slip and fade resistance: Capped composite boards are designed to resist UV fading, stains, and moisture, maintaining their appearance.
Eco-friendly materials: Most eco-friendly outdoor decking options use recycled wood and plastics, reducing landfill waste and deforestation.
For some projects, such as heritage restorations or where a weathered natural finish is specifically desired, wood may be appropriate. However, for the vast majority of deck installation projects, especially where longevity, performance, and sustainability are priorities, composite decking is the superior choice.
Plan Your Project With Our Cladding Calculator
The cladding calculator is designed to provide a quick estimate based on standard installation assumptions. For a detailed and accurate quote (especially if your project has unique requirements) we recommend getting in touch with our expert team on 020 8088 4888.
Choose your cladding
The calculator will factor in board dimensions, coverage area, and recommended fixings.
Enter your dimensions
Enter the length and width of your area, the calculator will generate a tailored list of materials.
Estimate in minutes
In just a few clicks, you’ll have a breakdown of how many boards and fixings your project needs.
Why Choose Aluminium or Plastic Battens Over Timber?
Timber battens have long been used in cladding installations, but they come with limitations, from rot and warping to fire risk and ongoing maintenance. Aluminium and recycled plastic battens offer a future-proof alternative delivering long-term performance.
No rotting or moisture damage
Plastic and aluminium battens are immune to rot, fungal growth and water ingress, ideal for exposed façades.
No warping, splitting or inconsistency
Where timber can twist, bow or split as it dries or weathers, our battens offer precise, consistent profiles every time.
Low maintenance, long lifespan
Unlike timber, there’s no need to treat or inspect these battens. Aluminium and plastic battens require zero upkeep.
Benefits Of Recycled Plastic Cladding Battens
Recycled plastic battens are a robust, long-lasting alternative to timber, ideal for residential cladding projects. Engineered for outdoor use and built to withstand the elements for decades.
Completely rot-proof
Plastic battens are immune to moisture, fungal decay and wood-boring insects. Even when installed close to the ground or in damp environments, they maintain structural integrity.
Zero maintenance
Once installed, there’s no need for preservative treatments. That means lower long-term costs and peace of mind.
Sustainable and waste-reducing
Made from 100% post-consumer plastic sourced in the UK, these battens help divert waste from landfill.
Benefits Of Aluminium Cladding Battens
When performance and compliance matter most, aluminium cladding battens deliver. Lightweight yet strong, these battens offer a non-combustible, dimensionally stable alternative to timber.
Non-combustible and fire-rated
Aluminium is a Class A non-combustible material, making it suitable for use on buildings where fire safety is paramount.
Lightweight and strong
Aluminium battens offer excellent structural rigidity with minimal weight, making them easy to handle on-site.
Corrosion-resistant
With natural resistance to corrosion and oxidation, aluminium performs well in all weather conditions
Why Choose Aluminium Battens
Order your free sample pack today
Not sure which composite decking is right for your garden project? Our free sample packs take the guesswork out of choosing. See the colours in natural light and feel the textures before making a decision - all from the comfort of your own home.
Delivered quickly and free of charge
All wood materials we use are FSC® certified
Member of World Land Trust's Carbon Balanced Programme
We donate 10% of our profits to Rainforest Trust UK
