Published: 14/05/25 By: Mike Bekin
Kickstarting a timber cladding project? Get off on the right foot by choosing a timber species which matches your design vision. Your timber should also be fit for purpose, whether that be naturally durable or properly treated, and stand up to the long-term exposure to moisture, UV, and biological threats common to outdoor use. To help you make a solid selection for your timber cladding project, let’s take a look in this quick guide at some different options.
Cedar Cladding
Cedar is one of the most sought after cladding timbers. You can opt for either British Cedar, which is extremely cost-effective, or Canadian Western Red Cedar, which comes with added stability and resilience in richer colours. Let’s take a look at the highlights:
- Durable and naturally resilient to external threats.
- A rich reddy-golden tone.
- Ages gracefully to a natural silver with minimal maintenance required.
Larch Cladding
As the second softwood on our list, Larch is a reliable choice for your timber cladding. It is dense, durable and naturally resistant to decay, while the golden-brown hues of the timber make it a popular architectural choice.
- Resistant to rot and decay.
- A sustainable choice thanks to the fast-growing nature of Larch trees.
- Offers great dimensional stability.
Oak Cladding
Oak has been a staple in construction for centuries because of its strength and durability. Who does not love the ideal timber for traditional and heritage-style facades? This brings a traditional, rustic look to your cladding and strong resistance to the elements. It is also well-known for weathering to a chic silver-grey for a timeless aesthetic.
- Extremely durable and strong.
- It can be sourced from British and other European woodlands.
- A timeless and reliable choice which will not let you down.
Cumaru Cladding
If you are looking for a distinctive timber for cladding which stands out from the crowd, opt for Cumaru. This is one of our favourite timber species in terms of appearance, and its deep, rich reddish-brown colour has earned it the nickname of Brazilian Teak.
- One of the hardest timber species available which will weather storms with ease.
- Rich, warm colors with minimal maintenance required.
- Highly durable and resistant to rot and decay.
Ipe Cladding
Ipe is another super-hard timber in darker rich tones. A tropical hardwood, it is a lesser-known option, making it ideal for unique timber cladding projects. Because of its high density, Ipe cladding will require experienced installation, but it is well worth it for the end result.
- A warm and deep golden-reddy-brown.
- Ipe is naturally fire-resistant (Class A in the US), but it does not automatically meet UK fire codes without classification and testing under BS EN 13501.
- Incredibly dense and strong for hard-wearing cladding – best suited for luxury facades where longevity and aesthetics are important.
Iroko Cladding
Iroko is an African hardwood known for its golden to medium-brown colour, and is another option which is frequently compared to Teak (but without the price tag!). This timber species brings excellent performance to outdoor settings, with high resistance to weather and decay.
- A gorgeous golden-brown hue which deepens with age.
- Can be more budget-friendly than other tropical hardwoods.
- Requires minimal maintenance as it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects.
Order Sustainable Timber Cladding at EcoChoice
Found your perfect timber cladding species on this list? As these are some of our personal favourite choices, you certainly have good taste. Now, it is time to get your project off the ground and reach out to us to order your timber cladding.
If you are still struggling to find a timber species, no problem; we can help. Let us know what you are seeking, and we will match your requirements to a suitable timber.
