What is the difference between wall siding and cladding?

Wall siding traditionally refers to decorative exterior coverings—wood, vinyl, or fiber cement—applied directly to framing members to shield against weather and provide visual texture. Aluminum siding, a subset, comprises interlocking panels that mimic lap or board-and-batten styles, focusing mainly on aesthetics and basic weather protection. Wall cladding encompasses a wider range of systems, including aluminum composite panels, rainscreen assemblies, and high-performance curtain walls. Cladding integrates insulation, moisture management, and structural support via engineered subframes, delivering superior energy efficiency and fire performance. While aluminum siding is cost-effective for simple residential facades, aluminum cladding systems cater to complex architectural expressions and stringent performance standards in commercial and high-rise projects.