Timber cladding is a great way to give your home a natural and unique look, but choosing the right type of timber can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 5 timber cladding materials for your exterior walls, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision for your home.
UK grown Western Red Cedar Cladding
Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for timber cladding due to its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to rot and insect damage. It is a softwood that has a reddish-brown colour, and over time it will develop a silver-grey patina if left untreated. Western Red Cedar can be stained or painted to enhance its natural colours, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a versatile and long-lasting option.
* The image above is UK grown Western Red Cedar Cladding
UK grown Larch Cladding
Larch is a durable and long-lasting timber that is perfect for exterior cladding. It has a beautiful golden and pale brown colour and is naturally resistant to rot and decay. The timber's unique grain pattern creates a visually striking look that stands out from other cladding materials. Being UK grown Larch also offers an environmentally friendly option, as it is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Scotland.
* The image above is UK grown Larch Cladding
UK grown Douglas Fir Cladding
UK grown Douglas Fir Cladding is a softwood that is known for its strength and durability. It has a warm, reddish-pale brown colour that looks great on exterior walls. Its naturally durable for use as a cladding product and can take a variety of finishes to preserve the look and durability. Douglas Fir is a cost-effective option that offers a natural and timeless look.
* The image above is UK grown Douglas Fir Cladding
ThermoWood Ash Cladding
ThermoWood Ash is a hardwood that has been used for centuries due to its strength and durability. The ThermoWood treatment gives it stability and durability and the process turns it a chocolate brown and has a vibrant grain structure similar to Oak that can be enhanced with a UV treatment that preserves the natural look of the timber. Ash is a versatile timber option that can be used for both rustic and contemporary looks, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to blend classic and modern styles together.
* The image above is ThermoWood Ash Cladding
ThermoWood Radiata Pine Cladding
Radiata Pine (clear grade) is a popular and innovative timber option that has been thermally modified to offer increased durability and strength. It is made from sustainably sourced Radiata Pine from New Zealand and the process resists insects and decay. Radiata Pine is a stable timber and is also used for the Accoya and Abodo brands and is resistant to expansion and shrinkage, making it perfect for use on exterior walls.
* The image above is ThermoWood Radiata Pine Cladding
It's essential to choose the right type of timber cladding for your home's exterior walls, and now that we've covered the top five options let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Western Red Cedar cladding provides a warm and natural look; however, it can be expensive, and some may not like the silver-grey tone it acquires over time. Larch is a durable timber option and environmentally friendly. Douglas Fir is a wood that provides a natural look and is more cost-effective than some of the other types of timber cladding. ThermoWood Ash cladding is a hardwood that provides a traditional and natural look and can be versatile with modern and traditional designs. ThermoWood Radiata Pine is a softwood that would otherwise perish if used externally but the ThermoWood process allows timbers like this to be used externally in excess of 30 years, without the need to use Amazonian species.
Maintaining Your Timber Cladding
Once you've chosen the right type of timber cladding for your home, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Periodic maintenance includes cleaning and oiling or coating your cladding at least once per year.
In conclusion, these top 5 timber cladding materials provide lasting durability and natural beauty. Each option has its unique characteristics, so it's essential to do your research before making a choice. Timber cladding may require occasional maintenance depending on its exposure to the elements, but it's a worthwhile investment that can add value to your home and give it a charming appearance. With UK grown species and ThermoWood processed species you have a wide variety of options, profiles and finishes to choose from. Not sure where to start then browse https://www.qtdgroup.com/products