Choosing timber cladding for your project

Thinking of installing timber cladding? There is a lot to know before you dive headfirst into your project. From specifying the right timber species to choosing your cladding profiles, get to grips  in this guide with the ins and outs of choosing timber cladding.

Which Projects Benefit From Timber Cladding?

Timber cladding is one of those rare materials that is just as well-suited to DIY projects as to large-scale architectural design.

For DIY enthusiasts, wooden cladding offers a simple way to build sheds and outbuildings. When done well, it creates a watertight exterior while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your project. It is also a go-to for internal renovations, instantly adding charm to home offices and storage spaces.

For architects and construction professionals, timber cladding is a versatile, sustainable material choice which often outperforms steel and concrete. It brings reliability and durability to exterior walls and is suitable for use across industries, including in the public sector, where sustainability is crucial. Its aesthetic flexibility is a major asset in construction, allowing builders and designers to adapt the final look of their cladding to suit the client’s specifications.

Why is Application Important When Specifying Timber Cladding?

The end use of your timber cladding will determine what you need from it. An external cladding project, for instance, requires excellent resistance to rot and insect infestation. If your timber comes into contact with the ground, it must also withstand frequent exposure to water.

These considerations are crucial when specifying your timber, and we would always recommend finalising your cladding plans before selecting the right timber for the job.

Key Considerations When Choosing Timber Cladding

Choosing the right timber species for your project comes with key considerations. These are:

Timber Cladding Species

The properties of timber vary depending on the species, making this a crucial factor when selecting your timber cladding. The wrong timber can reduce durability, increase maintenance costs and make your cladding tricky to install. In other words? Your project is only ever going to be as good as the timber species you choose.

We will take a look at the right profiles and timber species for different timber cladding projects later in this guide.

Timber Cladding Profiles

Cladding profiles refer to the shape of your a individual timber boards and how they fit together. The main timber cladding profiles are:

• Shiplap: A slight overlap on one edge of the board fits into the groove of the adjoining board, creating a tight, interlocking structure. This creates a rustic, weatherproof seal which protects the structure beneath your cladding and is a top choice for exterior walls.
• Tongue and groove: Similar to shiplap, tongue and groove features a protruding tongue and a slight groove which slot together for a flush, watertight finish. It creates a slightly cleaner aesthetic than shiplap and is popular for contemporary cladding projects. Sometimes finished with a V for a more pronounced groove between boards.
• Featheredge: These are thicker on one side and taper to a thinner edge, overlapping as they are installed. Commonly used in fencing and rustic-style cladding, this profile offers excellent water run-off, a traditional aesthetic and flexibility for covering uneven surfaces.
• Shadow gap: Despite appearances, this profile slots together just as tightly as shiplap or tongue and groove. The difference here is that the cladding is purposefully designed with an extra layer of timber which creates a shadow effect, making it a favourite amongst contemporary architects.

Need help choosing the right timber cladding profile for your project? No problem – reach out to our team today, and we will be happy to help.

Best Timber Species for External Cladding

External timber cladding needs a durable, tough timber species which will withstand the Great British weather without a hitch. Typically, we recommend a durability class of between 1 and 3 (class 1 being the most durable and class 3 being moderately durable). For inspiration, here are some of our top timber species picks:

• Cedar: Prized for its natural durability and gorgeous red tones, Cedar is one of the toughest softwoods on the market. It is a low-maintenance choice, with excellent workability which makes it a brilliant option for DIY projects and professional construction alike. Given the choice between British and Canadian Cedar, we would opt for Canadian – it has a slightly higher budget but superior durability which makes it a more reliable choice for exterior cladding.
• Larch: Another durable softwood, Larch is a lighter-toned species which suits both rustic and contemporary aesthetics. It is fairly easy to work with, although it does require a little more skill than Cedar, and offers good durability. Currently available from sustainable European forests.
• Frake: Frake, also known as limba, is a fast-growing, beautiful tropical hardwood which has become a popular choice for cladding projects.
• Chestnut: A beautiful timber species, Chestnut’s colour makes it a standout for timber cladding. It is warm and light, with hues ranging from gold to deep brown, and brings plenty of aesthetic appeal to exterior facades. Over time, without treatment, it fades to a charming silver patina, lending a rustic feel to projects.
• ThermoWood: This is not quite a species, but a type of treated timber. To create ThermoWood, a less durable timber species (such as Pine or Spruce) is subjected to heat and pressure, altering the wood at the cellular level. It creates denser, stronger, and tougher timber, perfectly suited for cladding, and adds a darker, even tone to the wood.

Best Timber Species for Internal Cladding

It is far easier to find a timber species for internal cladding than it is for external projects. Most internal environments do not expose timber to the threats of the outdoors, e.g. moisture and the resulting mould infestations, giving you more flexibility in your choice. Our top kinl-dried recommendations include:

• Pine: The most popular choice for timber cladding, this is a budget-friendly option which is ideal for interior use. It offers excellent workability, is lightweight and easy to stain, paint or varnish, making it a brilliant choice for DIY projects – provided you’re OK with knots..
• Douglas Fir: This sits slightly higher up the budget scale but brings plenty of charm, with a soft pink hue running through the light timber. It is stronger than many common softwoods and lends itself well to heavy-duty cladding projects and commercial spaces.
• Oak: If you have the budget for it, Oak is a welcome addition in heritage homes and upscale interiors. While its durability means it is more commonly found outdoors, it was once a staple of British internal beam and cladding projects and retains that traditional character. If you are on the hunt for native timbers for your project, it is well worth looking at Oak.

Maintaining Your Timber Cladding

One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of choosing timber cladding is deciding how you want it to look over time. All timber tends to need some maintenance; some more than others.

Many durable timber species can be left untreated, even when used for external cladding. A less durable timber will require regular oiling and staining to restore natural oils and protect against external threats. If you choose a timber with a lower durability, be ready for the upkeep it takes to keep it looking its best!

However, low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Even the toughest timbers benefit from periodic inspection to check fixings, finishes and ventilation gaps. We recommend getting to grips with all that is required before choosing your timber.

Work With Timber Cladding Experts

Not sure what your next steps are? That is exactly what we are here for. At EcoChoice, we help our clients find the right species and profiles for their timber cladding, working with your unique requirements for the perfect fit.

For more advice or to start a timber cladding order, reach out to us today.