Before we start, we should clarify – what is timber cladding?
Timber cladding is a common exterior finish for buildings. ‘Cladding’ refers to components that are attached to a primary structure to form the external structure, and ‘timber’ refers to the material that these components are made of.
What are the different types of timber cladding?
There are many types of cladding and we should say not just limited to timber, composite cladding is now also widely used as a maintenance-free solution but for this blog, we’ll concentrate on timber.
Shiplap cladding
With a tongue and groove fit but a longer lip than some other grooved boards – this offers provides superior water protection.
One of the many reasons shiplap timber cladding is ideal for sheds, cabins and summerhouses is due to the superior protection from the weather that is provided by the wooden boards. Thanks to the profile of the wood, the boards are able to contract and expand accordingly to the climate without warping. Shiplap cladding has an extremely tight seal which prevents water penetration and creates a low maintenance structure.
Log lap cladding
Loglap cladding is still tongue and groove but rather than a flat finish to each cladding board, each board has a curved finish. The loglap boards are planed to 15mm at the thickest point.
Rebated Feather edge cladding
Rebated Feathered Edge Cladding is designed and manufactured to fix flush against the mounting surface. The sawn boards are cut on a diagonal to create a tapered finish which gives enhanced weather protection. The Boards are then Tanalised to protect the timber and prolong life expectancy. This form of cladding is popular for garden sheds, agricultural barns, animal shelters, stables, log stores and cabins. The Tanalised timber will eventually weather to a grey look and blend in with natural woodland surroundings. Cladding Boards can also be treated with fence paints or other coloured timber preservatives to give a different finish.
Feather edge cladding
Feather edge cladding normally from North European Whitewood (from Tulip mainly) kiln dried to 18% prior to being painted black
Tapers from 22mm to 7mm
Double coated to ensure a uniform black covering on all faces
Matchboard cladding
Tanalised matchboard cladding perfect for wooden panelling both interior and exterior walls, ceilings, or sheds.
The tongue and grove design of these matchboard cladding panels makes them very easy to install. Used along an interior or exterior wall these boards create a rustic stylish look that can instantly transform any surface. The tantalised pressure treated cladding is suitable for out door use and will last much longer than untreated timber. The pressure treating process protects the timber from rot, mould and other signs of decay which effect timber with age.
All the above cladding types are more about the profile of each cladding board rather than the type of timber itself.
What is the best timber for cladding?
Cedar
A highly-durable softwood with a stunning, warm reddish-brown hue, Western Red Cedar has become a wildly popular cladding timber in recent years. Many consider it to be the best species for cladding as it’s a durable softwood with a high resistance to warping and twisting and is easy to handle.
Lightweight, stable, affordable, weather resistant and with impeccable workability and nailing properties, this resinous species naturally repels all the outdoor evils it will encounter.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re wood cladding a house or the side of a large real estate property, Western Red Cedar won’t let you down.
Larch
Larch is a very popular timber for cladding, and it does not require regular treatment.
With the best quality Larch grown at higher altitudes and cooler temperatures, species like Siberian Larch are very highly rated. It is slow growing which results in minimal knots and imperfections.
Generally speaking, Larch is cheaper than Cedar but is by no means the poorer alternative, it has many attractive qualities.
Siberian Larch is durable and stable so acts as great exterior cladding.
European Oak
With a lovely deep golden brown colour and a straight grain this is a very popular choice for hardwood cladding.
Extremely tough and durable like any hardwood and its appearance is only enhanced by selective staining.
For long-life durability and a beautiful appearance, it’s a great choice for exterior cladding.
Douglas Fir
This is a Redwood timber grown in the UK as well as other countries.
Known for its durability even though it is a softwood, it also has high qualities of strength and versatility.
It’s also sustainable due to its ability to capture and store Carbon as well as its long tall growth.
