London Stone DesignClad: The Ultimate Choice for Contemporary Cladding Solutions

Vertical surfaces are an essential (and sometimes overlooked) part of any garden. London Stone's DesignClad porcelain cladding can elevate your garden and interior design projects and is a versatile and stylish solution for creating seamless, modern surfaces, not just for cladding walls!

Available in three distinct ranges—Luxury, Premium, and Compact—DesignClad offers a durable, low-maintenance finish that will enhance any space. Whether you're looking to clad an exterior wall, add backing for an outdoor kitchen or water feature, or even create stunning internal feature walls, DesignClad provides unparalleled design flexibility. Each range is designed to meet the demands of both aesthetics and performance, giving you the freedom to tailor your project to perfection. Manufactured from porcelain, DesignClad is a robust, low maintenance material, that stands the test of time and will enhance any outdoor project.

Deep-Dive into the Three Ranges: Luxury, Premium, and Compact

Here’s a quick-look comparison between the three ranges of DesignClad. To view each range, sort by the appropriate size in the filters on this page.

1. Luxury DesignClad

Luxury DesignClad is the ultimate statement in modern elegance, offering an expansive palette of high-end finishes that range from sleek, polished surfaces to more textured, tactile options. Manufactured in Spain, the large-format panels (1500x1000mm) make Luxury DesignClad ideal for projects where scale and impact are key. It creates a seamless appearance that minimises grout lines, resulting in a sleek, uninterrupted surface. Perfect for ultra-modern or minimalist garden designs, it gives you the ability to create a truly high-end look that transforms an outdoor space into a luxury retreat. Luxury DesignClad has a mesh-backing, adding to the strength of such a thin product. This additional backing also makes it easier to install, increasing the material’s durability during installation.

Garden Use: Imagine using Luxury DesignClad to create a stunning feature wall behind a contemporary water feature, or as the backdrop to a modern outdoor kitchen. The large panel sizes reduce visual clutter, while the premium finishes enhance the sophistication of your garden. It’s perfect for giving your garden a polished, professional look, especially in spaces where you want to convey modern, clean lines.

Here’s a great example by Michelle Brandon Garden Design, of how effective green planting looks in front of Dark Steel Luxury DesignClad - in what could otherwise be a dull fence panel.

Comprising of eight different colour options, the range centres around two main colour palettes – the softer, warm tones of lighter beiges found in Hydra Beige and Hydra Plomo, and the more metallic, industrial-looks of Hydra Argen, Steel Corten, the aforementioned Steel Dark, Opium Black, Vulcano Roca, and Vulcano Ceniza.

Gardens Of The Future used Vulcano Ceniza to create stunning feature walls and a stand-out water feature in this striking, modern North-East London garden. The large panel-size of the cladding allowed for the material to form impressive, seamless structures.

This beautiful multi-levelled garden by Kitti Kovacs utilises Steel Corten Luxury DesignClad to wonderful effect. The rich, varied colouring of the DesignClad used to clad the retaining walls accentuates the brown tones featured in the property’s timber cladding, and the darker grey tones of the metal pergola, while also complementing the colouring of the clay paving pathways.

2. Premium DesignClad

The Premium DesignClad range is designed with versatility and cost in mind. Essentially emulating our luxury range – but at a much lower price point – it also offers a slightly smaller panel size (1200x600mm) compared to the Luxury range, making it easier to work with for a variety of applications. This Indian range comes in a selection of natural stone-effect finishes that beautifully mimic the look of real stone but with the added benefits of durability and low maintenance. Premium DesignClad is highly suitable for both garden and interior projects, offering a sophisticated aesthetic without the need for the regular upkeep that natural stone demands. This range has a matt finish, and is also significantly thicker than the Luxury range, at 9mm.

Garden Use: Premium DesignClad is an excellent choice for creating stylish garden walls that need to complement both contemporary and more traditional garden designs. The stone-effect finishes blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, whether you're framing a lush planting bed or defining a cosy seating area. Its smaller size also makes it easier to handle for curved or more intricate installations.

There are three light-coloured products in the Premium Range – Desert Beige, Golden Sand, and Off White. These materials bring a sense of calm and warmth to your outdoor space and are a superb alternative to use instead of white rendered walls which can be difficult to keep clean.

Liverpool-based garden designer, Dee Stewart, combined Desert Beige Premium DesignClad alongside Florence White Porcelain and two types of DesignBoard Composite Decking in her modern garden project. Dee said, "Desert Beige DesignClad was used to define the clean lines of this contemporary garden, facing the low walls, planters and built-in seating. The seamless finish worked so well with the coping stones, the decking and the planting areas and provided the sophisticated, low-maintenance garden the client was looking for."

Award-winning landscaper Ben Barras, of Stonecraft Landscape & Design, used Off White Premium DesignClad to create stunning raised flower beds in this contemporary, contrasting garden project. Due to the low maintenance and low water absorption properties of DesignClad, the scheme will retain its good-looks and formality over the years ahead.

There are five more metallic, more industrial-looking colours within our Premium range: Vintage Steel, Metal Dark, Vintage Grey, Dark Mocha, and Matt Grey. These colours are at home in more modern schemes, and work with a wide range of colour palettes: from dark garden furniture and pergolas to colourful outdoor accessories and vibrant planting.

Hard landscaping specialist Landtech Landscape showcased Dark Mocha and Vintage Grey Premium DesignClad in their stunning Lancashire garden scheme. Alongside a host of London Stone paving materials, the team utilised the DesignClad as backing to the focal water features, and to clad the raised beds, completed with mature olive trees.

Based in Tonbridge, Kent, Praesto Landscapes featured Vintage Steel Premium DesignClad in their Tunbridge Wells project, cladding retaining walls throughout the garden and sunken seating area, accentuating the brown colours present in the natural stone cladding, and timber cladding and roof tiles used on the property’s exterior.

3. Compact DesignClad

Compact DesignClad is designed for those who want a durable and stylish cladding option at an affordable price point, with particular focus on adjustability. With its smaller panel size (1200x600mm) and robust construction, it’s the ideal choice for projects where functionality is as important as design. Compact DesignClad panels are available in a variety of modern, understated finishes that are perfect for adding subtle texture and interest to both garden and interior spaces.

Garden Use: First showcased at the 2023 FutureScape trade show, Compact DesignClad is perfect for creating durable garden walls, especially in high-traffic areas where impact resistance is key. It's also ideal for smaller garden projects like raised beds, planters, or feature walls in compact urban gardens. Its modest size allows for easy installation, and the range of finishes ensures there’s a style to suit any outdoor space.

With five distinctive and stylish colours to choose from, this Indian material, like the Luxury and Premium ranges respectively, can be divided into similar colours: the pale, warming tones of Almeria Beige and Valencia White, and the more industrial contemporary-look of Sienna Copper, Valencia Grey, and Almeria Ash.

JLM Garden Design used the warming tones of Almeria Beige in their contemporary, low maintenance garden. Owner Jonathan Maude says, "Almeria Beige DesignClad provided me with the opportunity to offer my client the perfect solution to her raised beds, complementing the Cream Porcelain paving. Simple to install with a crisp finish, the perfect solution to a vertical surface in any garden."

DesignClad: More Than Just External Cladding

While DesignClad is often used to transform outdoor spaces, it’s also an excellent choice for indoor projects. The Luxury range makes a striking feature wall in contemporary living rooms or bedrooms, while the Premium and Compact ranges are versatile enough to be used as both internal cladding and even as stylish interior flooring. Whether you’re looking to create a chic modern kitchen with stone-effect floors or a luxurious bathroom with seamless cladding, DesignClad’s versatility allows you to achieve a unified, high-end aesthetic. Read more on how to use exterior cladding for interior designs, and how to install DesignClad in your bathroom.

DesignClad – Making an Impact at RHS Shows

London Stone introduced DesignClad into the UK market in time for use in the 2017 spring-summer season; the busiest time in any landscaper’s calendar. It didn’t take long for the materials to be used by the world’s leading garden designers and landscapers at the annual, prestigious RHS Shows.

The 2017 show saw the decorated design duo of McWilliam Studio feature specially engraved Steel Dark Luxury DesignClad within their showstopping Breaking Ground Garden on the show’s illustrious Main Avenue. The garden won a coveted gold medal.

Utilising the same material, but in a totally different way, multi-gold-medallist Tony Woods created Urban Flow With Thames Water at the 2018 show. Winning a gold medal and Best in Category, we worked closely with Tony and his team at Garden Club London to create a large-scale arch and smaller water feature using the material. Finishing the edges of the DesignClad with a mitre allowed for crisp, precision joins where two sides of the material meet; exactly the kind of detail that the show judges look for.

The Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, is the world’s largest flower show, and the 2021 edition saw the aptly named designer Amelia Bouquet, use Golden Sand Premium DesignClad as part of her, ‘The Communication Garden’, in support of Mental Health UK’. Amelia said of the material, "I find the DesignClad the perfect design solution for creating a backdrop. Plants and trees stand out beautifully against the cladding and the golden sand colour is both warm and contemporary looking."

What Is the Best Exterior Wall Cladding?

Ultimately a subjective choice based on a range of factors, but you’d be hard pushed to find a better exterior wall cladding than London Stone’s DesignClad range. Balancing durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance characteristics, DesignClad offers a solution for every project, whether you’re looking for a high-end, large-format feature wall or a more modest yet stylish cladding option for a smaller space. The non-porous, weather-resistant surface of DesignClad panels means they’re impervious to moisture, frost, and UV damage, making them the ideal choice for outdoor applications.

For those seeking the best exterior cladding material options, DesignClad’s combination of aesthetic flexibility, ease of installation, and low maintenance properties, make it an unbeatable option for both residential and commercial projects.

Installation and Cutting: Seamless Application for a Professional Finish

DesignClad panels are easy to install and offer a quick, efficient solution for cladding projects. The panels are lightweight, meaning they can be affixed to walls without the need for structural reinforcements. This makes them ideal for both new builds and renovation projects. The large-format panels in the Luxury and Premium ranges reduce the number of grout lines, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface that is both modern and easy to maintain.

We have produced a comprehensive DesignClad Installation Guide to walk you through the process, as well as creating a DesignClad installation video with the expert help of The Landscape Academy’s Mark Youde.

When it comes to cutting DesignClad panels, we recommend using a diamond blade for clean, precise cuts. The panels can be cut to size on-site, giving you the flexibility to adapt them to your specific project requirements. We also recommend using a specialist flexible tile adhesive (SBR) to ensure a long-lasting bond, particularly for external installations where exposure to the elements is a factor. By following the correct installation guidelines, you can ensure that your DesignClad panels will remain in perfect condition for years to come. Some installers make use of Cement Backer Boards when installing DesignClad, as it assists with bonding the product to the substrate/frame and reduces the chance of moisture from the wall leaching through.

DesignClad FAQs

What materials is DesignClad made from?

DesignClad panels are made from high-quality porcelain cladding, which makes them incredibly strong, long-lasting, and resistant to weathering. This material is also non-porous, ensuring minimal water absorption and resistance to stains and discoloration. Unlike rendered walls, you don’t need to repaint or re-stain over time.

What are the main differences between the Luxury, Premium, and Compact ranges?

• Luxury DesignClad offers larger-format panels with a refined finish and a broader selection of colour tones for a high-end look.

• Premium DesignClad balances quality and value with a range of finishes suitable for contemporary projects.

• Compact DesignClad features slimmer, affordable panels that are ideal for smaller areas or for budget-conscious projects without compromising on style or durability. The panels are also incredibly easy to work with, due to their 1200x600mm size.

Where can DesignClad be installed?

DesignClad is versatile and can be installed on both exterior and interior walls. It’s commonly used for feature walls, to clad raised beds and step risers, garden structures, facades, and outdoor kitchens, but it can also be used indoors for creating sleek, modern spaces.

How do I maintain DesignClad?

DesignClad is extremely low-maintenance. The porcelain surface is easy to clean with just soap and water, should you need to. Its non-porous nature means it resists stains, moss, and algae growth, making it perfect for both outdoor and indoor installations.

Is DesignClad suitable for all weather conditions?

Yes, DesignClad panels are designed to withstand the weather conditions in the UK climate. They are frost-resistant, UV-resistant, and won’t fade or degrade in harsh environments, making them ideal for use in outdoor spaces year-round.

Can DesignClad be cut to size?

Yes, DesignClad panels can be cut to fit specific dimensions using appropriate tools for porcelain materials. London Stone also offers a bespoke cutting service to ensure a perfect fit for your project.

Can I install DesignClad panels myself?

Many of our products are suitable for DIY installation. However, we recommend professional installation to ensure the best results. If you are looking for a local landscape professional, you may find one via our Connect service.

What is the lead time for DesignClad orders, and how much is delivery?

We aim to hold good stock levels of our materials, with next working day delivery often being available if you order before 13.00. For bespoke cutting services or larger orders, lead times may be longer, but our team will provide you with an accurate estimate upon ordering.

We offer free nationwide delivery on orders £750 + VAT and over.

Can I view DesignClad products in your showrooms? 

Yes! Our network of nationwide showrooms offer inspirational displays where you can view our materials before buying. You will never receive a ‘hard sell’ approach from London Stone – our showrooms offer a relaxed atmosphere, with complimentary refreshments and free customer Wi-Fi. Our friendly, expert sales staff are always on-hand to answer any questions you have, and to guide you into making the right choice for your project. 

We encourage you to visit a showroom prior to purchasing, as most customers find viewing materials in person highly beneficial. If you can’t make it to a showroom, why not take a virtual tour of our flagship Birmingham showroom in HD quality? 

How do I contact London Stone? 

There are a number of ways to contact us, including via WhatsApp chat, phone, email, or in person. Our trading hours are Monday – Saturday, 08.30 – 17.00.