Shadowclad® Ultra: proven performance for residential builds
17 Apr 2026, PlaceMakers News, Product news

Save time and reduce labour costs with Shadowclad® Ultra, a smarter cladding choice for residential builds
When building homes, every hour saved on site counts – and so does every dollar. Carter Holt Harvey Plywood’s Shadowclad Ultra is the same product that has been trusted in New Zealand construction for over 25 years, with the addition of a pre-primed finish that speeds up the job and keeps things moving.
Shadowclad Ultra comes pre-primed with ULTRASHIELD by Climate Surfaces, a high-performance powder coating specially designed for Shadowclad panels. This factory-applied primer eliminates the need for on-site priming, letting tradespeople get straight into installation and finishing.
Faster installs, lower costs
Compared to onsite panel preparation, builders and developers gain an advantage through:
- Pre-primed panels by Climate Surfaces with ULTRASHIELD powder coating, which reduce onsite preparation time and associated labour requirements commonly involved in priming panels onsite.
- A factory-finished surface that delivers protection against moisture and early weather exposure.
- A surface designed to readily accept paint and compatible film-forming stains, making it suitable for a range of finishing options.
- Support from the Shadowclad sITe App, installation tools and technical guidance.
Designed for quality builds
Shadowclad panels come packed with features designed for residential construction. Manufactured from responsibly grown plantation resource, it meets NZ Building Code requirements for cladding and features vertical shiplap joints for easy, weathertight installs. It’s also low in formaldehyde emission (E0), and available Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified (FSC® C012019) on request.
The band-sawn sheet surface gives it a natural, tactile finish, and it’s suitable for use as exterior cladding with H3.1 LOSP or H3.2 CCA treatment options. A full range of purpose-designed flashings and specific installation details completes the system.
Tools and support to keep the job moving
From install to finish, Carter Holt Harvey plywood provides resources designed to help projects stay on track. The Shadowclad sITe App provides on-the-go access to specification and installation guides, details and videos.
Free samples and the Shadowclad Stick Installation Tool can be ordered online. Full technical support is available via a comprehensive technical library for downloads. Direct support is also available by calling 0800 326 759.
Build smarter with Shadowclad Ultra
Whether working on a new family home or a modern bach, Shadowclad Ultra cladding system saves time, reduces costs and is designed to help achieve a high-quality finish. For residential projects, Shadowclad Ultra has it covered.
Visit www.chhply.co.nz to learn more, request free samples, or order your install tools today.
Note: Shadowclad Ultra is not suitable for use with penetrating stains. Shadowclad Natural is suitable for this purpose. Please go to www.chhply.co.nz for more information.
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