What cladding to compliment white render/black windows?

[Andehh]

Hi all, 

 

We were originally looking at black slate Z Stone, but our builder has shown us the weight and thickness of it vs the render, and price!, and we are having real second thoughts on it. 

 

Can anyone recommend an alternative black/very dark cladding to fit a modern style bungalow? White render, back aluminium windows. 

 

We like charred wood but with 4 young children, I can see them picking at it and knocking it about. 

 

Any other black tile treatments for external application which people would recommend? 

 

... Thanks in advance! 

[Conor]

Never liked the Z stone mesylf. All I could see is the Z pattern joins. A place near us did just vertical black stained wooden panels. A bit thinner and thicker than fence panels, something like 3x1s. Looked great against the red brick, slate roof and black fascia etc.

 

Just be aware you might fall foul of planning if you do something starkly different from your original design.

[Andehh]

Thanks conor, have you got any pics of how it turned out?

 

Thanks for reminder on planning..... That's a really good point!!!