Exploring types of timber cladding for modern UK homes

Working on a contemporary home? Timber cladding is a clear winner for exterior walls, bringing a modern, sleek aesthetic to your property for a look which is flawless from every angle. Of course, not every type of timber cladding nails that contemporary look, with a wide range of traditional and rustic styles also readily available. So which is right for your project?

To learn more, our timber experts have put together this guide to the right types of timber cladding for modern homes.

Timber Cladding Species

Start your contemporary cladding project off on the right foot with a species which suits your style. Modern timber cladding tends to focus on uniformity and bold colours, with either quite light or quite dark tones being the go-to for modern architecture. For a blend of function and form, our top choices for contemporary timber cladding species include:

• Treated Pine: Pine is a staple of modern design, with a light, even tone and cost-effective price making it a popular choice. Just be sure to opt for pressure-treated Pine to ensure your timber is durable enough for exterior applications (do not worry, this will not affect the appearance of your cladding!).
  

• European Larch: This is a really light-toned timber which you could almost describe as pale, but in the best way. Notes of gold and brown add just a touch of warmth which will create a welcoming feel while sticking with that contemporary aesthetic.
  

• Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich red hue, this adds a pop of colour to modern homes while still feeling undeniably fresh and on-trend. It does have a little more tone variation than Larch and Pine, but pairs perfectly with the black window frames and bi-fold doors which are staples in contemporary architecture.
• ThermoWood: Transforming less durable softwoods into tough, strong timbers, ThermoWood brings performance and style to your cladding. The treatment process creates a much darker timber, which tends to be very uniform and brings a sleek, streamlined look to external walls.

Not seeing a timber which is ticking your boxes? Browse our full range of species to find the right look for your property.

A Quick Note on Maintenance

Contemporary cladding leans towards bold, fresh colours. These require a little bit of TLC to maintain, with regular staining and oiling a must to both enhance and protect the colour of your carefully chosen timber species.

We also recommend applying a UV protective finish before installation. This prevents your timber from fading into the silvery-grey patina which is beautiful on rustic buildings, but does not quite fit the sleek look of modern homes. A quick coat of this protective treatment will maintain the natural vibrancy of your cladding for years to come (with regular re-application, of course). 

Timber Cladding Profiles

Alongside choosing the right species, the profile of your timber cladding is going to be crucial in achieving your desired aesthetic. For those contemporary vibes, our favourite options are:

• Shadow gap: Potentially the most modern profile, this creates a super clean and linear look which is amplified by the consistent, small gaps between the boards. It works particularly well on cladding installed vertically, which is a very on-trend look.
• Tongue and groove: A classic choice which provides a smooth, uniform surface. The interlocking boards fit tightly for a faultless finish which is both practical and pretty.
• Shiplap: This can work on both contemporary and traditional homes. It has a little more texture, making it less obviously modern but still keeping those crisp, neat lines for a smooth finish.

Take a peek at our full range of cladding profiles to explore more possibilities for your cladding.

Design Your Modern Cladding

If you have a vision in mind, it is always best to design your cladding carefully before jumping into installation. At EcoChoice, we offer cladding design services for exactly that reason. Using trusted tech and our industry expertise, we can design unique cladding installations tailored to your exact requirements for a smoother project from start to finish.

Talk to our team about our cladding design services.