Architects have always loved terracotta – and it’s not hard to see why. The natural finish, depth of colour, and enduring appeal make it a go-to choice for timeless, design-led facades. But for builders? Historically, it’s been a tougher sell.

Too often, terracotta has been value engineered out of projects in favour of lower-cost options. Not because it's the wrong product – but because it's been perceived as too expensive.

That perception is changing.

Builders are reconsidering terracotta – and for good reason

With tighter margins, greater compliance demands, and increasing pressure to deliver high-quality outcomes, builders are looking for smarter, long-term solutions. And they’re starting to see terracotta – particularly Clayton – in a new light.

“I frequently hear the same thing from builders I'm working with. They assume terracotta is out of their price range, but once they run the numbers, they’re pleasantly surprised to find Clayton is actually well within budget – and often helps them save time on install too,” says Arne Harris, Project Sales.

What’s driving the shift?

Simplified installation system

Clayton’s clip-in rail system is fast and easy to install – reducing time on site and keeping labour costs under control. No specialist trades required.

More cost-effective than you might think

With advanced production technologies, terracotta is no longer reserved for ultra-premium projects. In fact, Clayton pricing starts at around $90 per square metre, depending on the profile and thickness. Pricing can vary significantly depending on your design and performance requirements – contact us for a tailored estimate.

Built for Australia

Clayton is highly durable and impact-resistant, with excellent performance in extreme UV, hail, and weather conditions. It’s also deemed non-combustible under C2D10(5)(g) of the NCC 2022, helping builders meet code with confidence.

Support for projects of all sizes

Whether you're building a boutique apartment block or a major commercial project, Clayton has the capacity to supply at scale – backed by project specification guides, installer training, and a 15-year warranty.

Why terracotta isn’t getting value engineered out anymore

Yes, there are cheaper materials on the market – but they rarely offer the same long-term durability, colourfastness, or maintenance profile. On-site painted fibre cement might be cheap upfront, but it fades, chips, and needs repainting. With Clayton, you get a low-maintenance, coloured-to-last solution that performs for decades.

When you factor in installation efficiency, compliance benefits, and reduced maintenance, Clayton terracotta becomes a smarter financial choice – not just a better-looking one.

Want to see how it could work for your next project?

Whether you’re chasing a more robust facade solution or rethinking your cladding spec, it’s worth running the numbers on the Clayton terracotta facade system.

Call us for a price breakdown, book a meeting or request samples.

Image: Clayton terracotta facade system at UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW

Architecture & Design Team

Fairview

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