How Much Does Timber Cladding Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

A data-led guide to timber cladding prices, cost drivers, and real project budgets

If you are planning a timber cladding project, one of the first questions you will probably ask is: How much does timber cladding cost per m² in the UK?

Quick answer: 2026 UK timber cladding prices

£35 – £180 per m² (supply only)

Most residential projects fall between £55 – £120 per m²

The reason for this wide price range comes down to a few key factors, including the timber species, board size, finish, and level of processing.

In this guide, we break down:

• real UK pricing benchmarks

• what drives timber cladding costs up or down

• typical project budgets for 40m², 100m², and 200m²

• the hidden costs many people overlook

• how to estimate your own project more accurately

Timber cladding price per m² in the UK

Cladding type	Typical price (per m²)
Standard softwood	£35 – £55
Thermally modified timber	£55 – £85
Factory pre-oiled	£65 – £100
Factory painted	£75 – £120
Charred timber (ThermoChar® style)	£110 – £180
Heat-engineered Sumika® cladding	£120 – £170

Timber cladding is typically 30–50% cheaper than metal cladding systems and is often significantly cheaper than brick slip façades.

What drives timber cladding costs up?

Understanding what affects price is essential, because this is where most of the variation comes from.

1. Timber species

The type of timber you choose has a major impact on cost:

• Softwood (spruce/pine) → lowest cost

• Thermally modified timber → mid-range

• Charred timber → premium

• Engineered systems → highest

Thermal modification and charring improve durability, stability, and lifespan, but they also add processing cost.

2. Board thickness

Thickness also plays a part in overall pricing:

• 18–19mm → budget

• 20–21mm → architectural standard

• 25mm+ → premium

Increasing thickness from 18mm to 20mm can add 10–20%.

3. Board width

Board width can affect cost more than many people expect:

• 90–120mm → economical

• 120–150mm → mid-range

• 150mm+ → premium

Wider boards usually cost more because they:

• require higher-grade timber

• generate more machining waste

• often need increased thickness for stability

4. Finish and processing

The finish you choose also changes the price point.

Finish type	Cost Impact
Unfinished	Lowest
Pre-oiled	+£5–£15/m²
Painted	+£10–£25/m²
Charred	+£40–£90/m²
Heat-engineered	Premium

Factory finishing increases the upfront cost, but it can also bring practical benefits. It can reduce site labour, improve consistency, and speed up installation.

5. Profile complexity

More complex profiles can also increase the price. Specialist profiles, such as tapered sections or shadow gaps, can add:

• £3–£10 per m² due to machining waste

6. Order volume

The size of the order matters too:

• Small orders → higher setup costs

• Large projects (100m²+) → economies of scale

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What can reduce timber cladding cost?

There are a few common ways to keep costs down:

• choose standard softwood species

• use standard sizes, such as 20 × 90 / 117 / 140mm

• order unfinished timber, with caution

• increase order volume

Why is some timber cladding so cheap at £20–£35 per m²?

Very low-cost timber cladding products usually involve:

• lower-grade imported timber

• higher knot content and instability

• green (unseasoned) timber

• no factory finishing

These products may appear attractive on price, but they often come with added risk, including:

• warping and movement

• higher installation waste

• increased maintenance

Why premium timber cladding costs more

Higher-end cladding systems cost more because they involve more specialist processing, better material quality, and improved performance.

Charred timber

Charred timber typically includes:

• specialist burning, brushing, and oiling

• a labour-intensive process

• high durability and low maintenance

Engineered cladding systems

Engineered systems often include:

• precision machining

• embossed textures

• improved stability

• secret-fix systems

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Real timber cladding project costs (supply only)

What does 100m² of timber cladding cost?

Type	Cost Range
Softwood	£3,500 – £5,500
Thermowood	£5,500 – £8,500
Painted	£7,500 – £12,000
Charred	£11,000 – £18,000

Typical project sizes

Project	Area
Garden room	30–50m²
Extension	60–120m²
Full house	120–200m²
Commercial	200m²+

Timber cladding cost estimator

A simple way to estimate supply cost is:

• 100m² × £85/m² = £8,500

Hidden timber cladding costs most people miss

These additional items can add £15–£60 per m²:

• Fixings: £4–£10/m²

• Battens: £5–£15/m²

• Breather membrane: £2–£5/m²

• Coating (if unfinished): £10–£30/m²

• Wastage: 5–10%

These costs are easy to overlook, but they can make a significant difference to the total project budget.

Lifetime cost vs initial price

Type	Initial Cost	Maintenance	25-Year Cost
Untreated softwood	Low	High	Medium
Thermally modified	Medium	Low	Low
Charred timber	High	Very Low	Low

The cheapest option upfront is rarely the cheapest over the long term.

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Timber cladding pricing FAQ

How much does timber cladding cost per m² in the UK?

£35–£180 per m² supply-only, depending on the specification.

Is charred timber more expensive?

Yes. It is typically £110–£180 per m² because of the specialist processing involved.

Is Thermowood worth it?

Yes. Its improved durability and lower maintenance requirements often help reduce lifecycle cost.

Does board width affect price?

Yes. Wider boards increase material grade requirements and generate more waste.

Are quotes free?

Most professional suppliers offer free quotes.

Get an accurate timber cladding quote

Every timber cladding project is different, and final cost will depend on:

• species

• board size

• finish

• volume

• delivery location

For the most accurate estimate, it is always best to request a project-specific quote from your supplier.