New materials and experimentation with existing materials meant that a wide range of claddings were available in the 1970s, some more successful than others.

In addition to weatherboard, asbestos-cement cladding, brick veneer, concrete block and stucco, many other types of wall cladding were used.

Hardboard weatherboards

Proprietary exterior wall cladding sold during the 1970s was made from tempered hardboard that was formed into planks.

Initial installations of the product, if well maintained, may remain in reasonably good condition. Unfortunately, later installations of the product were not durable as it absorbed moisture and deteriorated, so it was taken off the market. Many owners of houses clad in this material received compensation to replace the cladding.

Most houses will have been reclad, but there may still be houses clad in this material.

It will remain intact if well protected against moisture ingress, by painting and maintenance of the coating, but remaining product may need to be replaced.

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Plastic

A proprietary plastic vertical plank cladding became available during the 1970s. Some of the original cladding discoloured and was replaced by the company.

Early in the 1980s, horizontal plank interlocking plastic weatherboards became available. Examples of early plastic cladding still remain in apparently sound condition although, as with many plastics, it is likely to have become more brittle with age.

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Other claddings

Other cladding materials used during the 1970s included

• plywood in plain sheet and with ribbed profile with shiplapped joints
• moisture resistant particleboard (Structex - although it is unlikely that any remains in use)
• pebble-coated steel vertical profiled panels
• metal (single) interlocking weatherboards 
• pre-finished aluminium weatherboards
• cut stone such as Hinuera from 1980.