Timber cladding for modern buildings: How to select the right wood for long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing exteriors

From the beams of Tudor homes to the sash windows of period properties, timber is renowned for its use in traditional architecture. However, in contemporary architecture, this old-school building material is still a much-loved staple. In particular, modern properties often use timber cladding for a clean, sleek look, which brings plenty of energy efficiency perks for eco homes. The secret to using timber in contemporary designs? Choosing the right timber species.

Why Timber Species Matter for Contemporary Cladding

The timber species you choose for your exterior cladding plays a crucial role not only in the aesthetic vibe but also in the durability and performance of your building’s exterior. Different timber species’ strength, durability and natural resistance to weathering will play a major role in how your project looks, so it pays to understand them better.

While you can opt for a less durable species and regularly apply a timber treatment, that does drastically increase maintenance hours – and cost. Not ideal. It is vital, therefore, that you select a timber for your cladding that aligns with your architectural goals, style, and environment.

For contemporary buildings, the visuals of your timber species play an important role in the overall success of your cladding project. Consider colour variations, grain patterns and the option for stains and finishes to help you find your dream timber cladding species.

How to Choose the Right Timber Cladding Species

At EcoChoice, our timber experts would always recommend whittling down your options based on practical factors first. For external cladding, you are going to need a tough timber with natural durability. Some of the top choices for UK weather include:

• Larch
• Iroko
• Cedar
• Frake
• Chestnut
• Oak
• Cumaru
• Douglas Fir

You can also opt for a treated timber, such as Thermowood. This can often be a more budget-friendly option, while the lightweight nature of Pine makes it a dream to work with.

After singling out suitable timber species, you can then explore the aesthetics of your options. Cedar is the modern aesthetic’s classic choice, with its deep red tones lending a rich depth to your project. Chestnut, on the other hand, is gentler in tone and a little more rustic, with the ability to weather to a beautiful silvery-grey (we even have pre-weathered Chestnut as the look is so popular). When paired with black finishes and sleek lines, it can lend a more rugged contemporary look to your walls.

Sustainable Homes Are the Future

Timber is a renewable, biodegradable building material, making it the perfect solution for contemporary eco homes. With energy usage and sustainability a rising concern in architecture and housing, it is an easy way to add green points to your building. But before making an order, be sure that the timber you choose is sourced from responsibly managed forests, as is all our PEFC and FSC®-certified timber at EcoChoice.

Start a Sustainable Timber Order

Looking for sustainable timber cladding in the UK? Browse our FSC and PEFC-certified range of timber species, and contact our team to start your order.