The strongest woods for cladding – and the ones to avoid

Timber cladding is an increasingly popular option for properties in the UK. From new build homes to commercial renovations, opting to finish your walls in timber is a sustainable, long-lasting choice which is not short on beauty. But as your cladding boards will be constantly exposed to the elements, it is important you select the right timber species if you want your cladding to hold up year after year.

In this guide, we have taken a look at some of our top picks for strong, hard-wearing timber cladding, as well as some of the species to avoid.

ThermoWood Cladding

ThermoWood Cladding is a type of treated timber which is making waves in the architectural world. This innovative method takes some of our naturally less durable species, such as Pine, Ash and Frake, and subjects them to intense heat and pressure. This changes the timber at a cellular level, creating cladding boards which bring plenty of durability to construction projects.

It is hard not to notice how beautiful ThermoWood is. The eco-friendly treatment brings out rich hues in lighter-toned softwoods, creating deep golds with undertones of brown and red. The aesthetic is ideal for more contemporary styles, bringing warmth to modern buildings.

Tropical Timber Cladding

There is a whole world of tropical species waiting to be explored! In the UK, these dense hardwoods are often overlooked when it comes to timber cladding, but they absolutely should not be. In fact, some of our all-time favourite choices for exterior applications are tropical hardwoods. We recommend taking a look at:

• Cumaru
• Jatoba
• Ipe
• Opepe

These species are well-known for their incredible strength and longevity, with Class 1 durability (as durable as it gets!) and the resistance to wear and tear for which tropical hardwoods are well known. All our timber at EcoChoice is responsibly sourced from FSC and PEFC-certified forests,, so you can choose a tropical timber species with a clear conscience.

Oak Cladding

We cannot talk about strong woods for cladding without mentioning Oak. A staple of British construction, this is a beautiful, tough timber which is widely available and fairly cost-effective. What makes Oak such a standout choice is that it is both strong and malleable, making it easier to work with on-site for efficient cladding installation without the fuss. For a low-maintenance timber species on which you can rely, we would highly recommend choosing European Oak.

Cedar Cladding

Cedar is a softwood, but do not let that fool you. This is a strong, hard-wearing timber which is perfectly suited to exterior cladding projects. With a beautiful golden-red hue, it is a favourite amongst architects and homeowners alike and has the power instantly to elevate a property’s kerb appeal.

At EcoChoice, we supply both British and Canadian Western Red Cedar cladding. British Cedar is a great cost-effective option for sheds or low-budget projects, while Canadian Cedar is a more high-end timber cladding which is well-loved by UK architects.

Cladding Options to Avoid

When choosing a timber species for a cladding project, avoid using any untreated timber which is lower than a durability Class 3. This includes species such as Pine, Birch and Beech, which simply are not up to the task of being used outside. Of course, these can be used if they undergo a treatment such as modification into ThermoWood (see above), which drastically improves their durability.

Which Timber Cladding Species Should You Choose?

Each cladding project is different. If you know what you need but are not sure which timber species is right for the job, we can help. Reach out to our team at EcoChoice for expert advice.