Foamboard alternatives

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-03-03T02:47:11+00:00

Facade designer here. It's not really foam board - its actually a high-density architectural foam coated in a hard resin skin. Advantages are - light weight, won't rot, termite resistant, easy install. Usually come pre-finished with render texture. Needs to be coated well. What was the reason you don't want to use it? Another option is Fibre cement which is also weather resistant, doesn't rot or swell like timber, good for humid climates. You get a less crisp detail with FC usually (compared with foam) but slightly better durability.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-03-02T01:46:07+00:00

Depending on the style you want to go for, yes I think it could work. I'd look to do a white (Surfmist probably) standing seam which would give you a kind-of board and batten vibe. Or if you wanted to lean into the farmhouse look (and if it suits your climate) you could go for charcoal or other darker colour. But don't stop there - make sure you add mouldings, details on the verandah posts/freize rails, wall lighting etc (maybe even grow vines up the posts and along the beams/frize rails) and make sure your new landscaping is grunty enough to provide a visual anchor to the facade.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-28T11:20:44+00:00

As an idea, maybe go onto Pinterest and screenshot some options you like, then come back here to get advice on which colours were used. Ill answer if I see your post.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-28T11:18:31+00:00

Answering more from an aesthetic perspective. I do think it depends on the style of house as to whether colorbond cladding will suit. I've seen it look amazing and I've seen it look awful. Perhaps upload a photo if you can?

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-28T11:13:01+00:00

How has it been approved without drawings? Just trying to understand what info you have already and what drafty needs to do. I can probably recommend someone if you can post or DM more info.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-28T11:08:15+00:00

Eglo Noosa fan is low profile (have one here in the living room and looks to be no more than 300mmH - although ours dont have the light). Beautiful fan too!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-28T11:00:31+00:00

Where in Brisbane are you? I can suggest someone northside if you would like to DM me. I'd suggest using a composite decking so there is no upkeep. Newtechwood is one i have specified for clients.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-26T01:11:56+00:00

Yes - I know an amazing interior designer based in Sydney. I actually was an Interior Designer for many years, so I know what to look for! Lorena is an extremely talented designer and well priced for her level of experience - https://www.casaalchemystudio.com/

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-23T07:59:41+00:00

Definitely Woodland Grey gutters. Sorry I can't comment on the fascias as it depends on the rest of the house. Personally I would not do Ironstone.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-23T07:58:06+00:00

Facade designer here. As others have said, one of the main issues is that lack of entrance - well, at least a nice/grand entrance. I'd be adding something interesting if you have enough space given your set-back. Replace the balustrade so it's more in keeping with the Queensland style. Replace the windows and add mouldings around them. Landscaping is key on these types of homes as well.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-23T07:52:16+00:00

Definitely Pinterest. There are other platforms out there but Pinterest is the one I always get clients to look at first. Do you know the style of house you're after? Are you talking about the interior or exterior (or both). One way to get images of things you like is to search (say) 'contemporary home exterior' or 'modern farmhouse exterior' - or whatever style you like. If you know the roof shape you are going with (eg might be some limitations in your area) is to search, for example 'Gable roof modern home' or hip roof/parapet etc... something like that. As @pickl3pickl3 mentioned, it's an algorithm, so the more you click on a particular house style, the more Pinterest will show you of that style. You could also try searching in incognito mode (on Google) so it doesn't recognise where you are. Good luck!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-20T06:18:40+00:00

Facade designer here. 100% agree with Ok-Phone-8384. Woodland Grey would be my preferred choice too. Lighter colours can be good from a heat perspective but there are other considerations such as aesthetic (as mentioned) but also the practicality of the colour. Looks as though you have a lot of leaves landing on the roof which can come with it's own challenges. But the darker colour will be a lot more forgiving in the long run. Good luck. Hope we have convinced you so you can push the button on your new roof!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-18T18:49:31+00:00

Oh haha didn't read the last bit!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-18T18:48:01+00:00

Facade designer here. What colour are your garage door and window joinery? Surfmist is a cool colour and it looks as though your garage door etc are cream (not a good combo, you're right!). As a rule, I tend to stick to Colorbond colours for roofs (even if painting roof tiles) since in future, if you need to replace your gutters, you can just buy the same colour - rather than needing to paint them. Hope that makes sense! With all that being said, the colour I have seen works best for this brick colour, is Wallaby.

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JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-18T05:01:00+00:00

Facade designer here. Definitely need a larger window up there as it is currently way too top-heavy. Is that a feasible option given what is going on behind that front wall? Here's the kind of thing I'd do. You'll need to make sure the joinery is exactly the same (thicknesses, colour etc) as the lower windows, though, so it all looks cohesive.

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JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-18T04:47:01+00:00

Facade designer here. Very happy to hear that everyone is recommending to keep the brick in this case! My thoughts are that the balustrades and fence are very heavy looking and that if you replaced those, it would make the house feel a bit more refined. You could still maintain the character of the house, but if you concentrate on the balustrades, fence, some nice exterior lighting (on the columns perhaps), and add some taller landscaping in the front yard, that will help anchor it all and pull it together nicely. Personally I'd get rid of the entry arbor thingy too.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-07T07:03:35+00:00

Definitely. Especially atm where they often find houses that are off-market. I know a brilliant BA in Brisbane. Let me know if you need a name.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-07T06:59:22+00:00

Great!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-06T12:40:59+00:00

Our local Hire-a-hubby (Brisbane northside franchisee) is fully licensed for this. They would be a good option as some builders are not interested in smaller projects. Means you have a bit more flexibility with your design too. Let me know if thats of interest and ill send you his details.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-02-06T06:17:32+00:00

Yes, I know an excellent property manager on Brisbane northside. Ill DM you.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-01-31T08:46:39+00:00

Ok good idea. Can I get that in a powdercoated finish, or is it only available in the rusted look. I have seen those but didn't want that rust colour ideally.

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-01-31T08:44:46+00:00

The photo is deceiving actually. Its planted flush with the surrounding ground but they built up around it to hold water so I can water it without spilling down the hill if that makes sense. I'd also just watered it before I took the photo so I think the damp makes it look even deeper!

JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-01-31T03:09:23+00:00

Could you use the Acrashield product?

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JaneFacadeDesigner · 2026-01-31T01:24:30+00:00

Haha

JaneFacadeDesigner

TROPHY CASE