Cladding is becoming increasing popular and timber has been used for this purpose for centuries due to its natural beauty and versatility. There are many species of wood to explore when selecting the materials to buy for an upcoming cladding project. So, which timbers do we recommend? Keep reading to find out.

Why is timber a popular choice for cladding?

Timber cladding adds a timeless, warm and natural finish to buildings, appropriate for many architectural styles, from commercial buildings to residential homes. In addition, there are some woods which have a natural durability due to its resistance to moisture, rot, decay and insects. This, paired with established weatherproofing techniques, means that timber cladding is longstanding. It is also a great option for the eco-conscious as the timber stores greenhouse gases during it’s lifecycle.

Is timber cladding a fire risk?

One of the biggest concerns regarding timber cladding is fire safety. Timber has a lower fire resistance compared to materials like brick and concrete, but it is still possible to use timber cladding safely. It is imperative to choose the right type of timber and take necessary precautions during the installation process. In general, treated timber and hardwoods have better fire resistance compared to softwoods, primarily due to their density. Additionally, fire retardant coatings and intumescent coatings can be applied to timber cladding to enhance their fire resistance.

The best types of timber for external cladding

When it comes to choosing the right timber for external cladding, there are a variety of options available, each with their own unique properties and characteristics. You might be wondering which wood is the best for your external cladding project? These are our top 5.

1. European Oak

European Oak is an extremely strong hardwood that is popular for its natural beauty and durability. It has a light to medium brown colour with honey hues and a prominent grain, giving it a classic appearance loved by many households. European Oak is a heavy and dense timber, making it a durable and long-lasting choice for external cladding. It has a natural resistance to decay and insect attack, it can also withstand harsh weather conditions.

Maintenance of European Oak is relatively low, requiring minimal cleaning and oiling. The cost of European Oak varies depending on the grade and thickness of the timber, but it is generally more expensive compared to softwoods like Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. However, its durability makes it a worthwhile investment. It is also grown and harvested responsibly, making it a sustainable option.

2. Thermo-Treated Meranti

Thermo Treated Meranti is a modified timber that is heat-treated, resulting in a more durable and stable wood. It has a light brown to reddish-brown colour and a consistent appearance, making it an ideal choice for contemporary architecture with a uniform, modern finish. Thermo Treated Meranti is a hardwood, and it has excellent resistance to decay and insect attack, making it a perfect option for external cladding.

Maintenance of Thermo Treated Meranti is similar to European Oak whereby it requires minimal upkeep in the way of oiling and cleaning. Thermo Treated Meranti tends to be more expensive than other woods like Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir due to the treatment process. However, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

For more information regarding thermo-treated timber, read our recent blog post: Why Thermo-Timber is the Future of British Hardwoods

3. Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for timber cladding due to its natural beauty, durability, and sustainability. It has a unique reddish-brown color that can become grey over time if untreated, although this can give it a timeless look. Western Red Cedar is a softwood, but it has excellent decay resistance due to its natural oils and tannins, making it a durable choice for external cladding. Not only is it easy to work with, but it’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and install.

Western Red Cedar is the perfect sustainable choice for cladding as it is grown and harvested in a sustainably. It produces less greenhouse gases and requires less energy to produce in comparison to alternative materials. With periodic cleaning and oiling, Western Red Cedar is relatively low maintenance to upkeep it’s stunning appearance. The cost can vary, dependent on the grade and thickness of the timber. It can be more expensive than other timbers, however it’s durability can make it a cost-effective option.

To learn more about the properties of Western Red Cedar, explore our recent blog post: Southern Cypress Timber “Swamp Cypress” Vs. Western Red Cedar.

4. Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is another timber perfect for external cladding due to its durability, stability, and natural beauty. It has a light yellow to reddish-brown color and a straight grain, which gives it a consistent and uniform appearance. However, if it’s left untreated, it can turn a striking silver-grey, making it a timeless beauty. Douglas Fir is a softwood, but it has a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it is super stable and strong. It has a natural resistance to decay, and it can withstand harsh weather conditions, even when left untreated.

Maintenance of Douglas Fir is relatively low, requiring only periodic cleaning and oiling. The cost of Douglas Fir varies depending on the grade and thickness of the timber, but it is generally less expensive compared to other hardwoods.

Timber for your next External cladding project

In conclusion, timber cladding remains a popular choice for external cladding due to its timeless beauty, stability, durability and sustainability. When choosing the right timber for external cladding, it is important to consider factors like durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. If you have an upcoming external cladding project and you require the finest materials, please get in touch with our friendly and expert team who can support you to select the most appropriate timber.

WL West Timber is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex with over 155 years’ industry experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.

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