For many decades, timber cladding has been a reliable way of sheltering and adorning buildings in construction. Architects and builders favour it because it is robust, an excellent insulator, and a generally pleasing aesthetic sight for domestic, commercial, and public spaces. These claddings can also be applied in a wide range of architectural designs, ranging from natural to modern and minimalist. At Brick & Bolt, we try to offer a modern design with a natural look that suits our clients’ requirements.
What is Timber Cladding?
It is a process of putting timber boards on the building’s external walls. By doing this, it creates a watertight and visually appealing outer covering for your space. It can also act as the building’s weather defence mechanism, offering insulation and architectural freedom. Cladding can be made to merge with its neighbouring surroundings or to look dramatic and modern by employing various species of timber and finishes.
Types of Timber Cladding
Board and Batten Cladding
This style uses large vertical boards with narrower battens placed over the joints. This design protects the structure and provides texture to its outside. By allowing the boards to naturally expand and contract in response to temperature changes, this technique helps to avoid warping or breaking. It has a timeless, textured appearance that complements both conventional and contemporary styles.
Log Lap Cladding
Log lap cladding is similar in profile to round logs but employs milled timber boards with a curved external surface. Overlapping construction not only eliminates water efficiently but also provides better thermal insulation. Log lap is the perfect solution for a warm, rugged cabin-style appearance without the structural intricacy of actual log building.
Shadow Gap Cladding
A clean, modern finish can be achieved by fitting boards with slim, equal gaps between them in this cladding. The gaps project fine shadows that emphasize the linear façade design. Even though aesthetically appealing, this form of cladding requires careful installation methods to effectively handle water drainage and prevent weather invasion.
Shiplap Cladding
Shiplap cladding has rebated edges that permit boards to be overlapped precisely, creating a close seal which allows rainwater to run off quickly. Due to this characteristic, it is well adapted for areas with much rainfall and severe winds. The smooth lines have a universal style which can be fashioned to blend in with historic or contemporary styles.
Tongue and Groove Cladding
The boards of this cladding are made to fit into one another, creating a flat, flush surface. The close fit enhances water resistance and provides a smooth, high-quality finish. It is extremely versatile for vertical and horizontal installations.
Benefits of Timber Cladding
Structure
Timber cladding provides a secondary structural layer to a building envelope. Contemporary treatment processes like kiln drying, pressure treatment, and thermal modification greatly improve the timber’s inherent resistance to rot, fungi, and insect attack. The low weight of timber also minimizes loading on the building frame, allowing it to be used even for retrofitting.
Energy Efficiency
Wood also works as a natural thermal insulator, with the need to either heat or cool the building lowered. It substantially enhances the thermal envelope of a building if coupled with correct cavity insulation behind the cladding. It entails lower energy consumption, greater comfort inside, and reduced environmental impacts, well consistent with green building practices.
Ease of Installation
It is fairly easy to handle and work with in relation to heavier, stiffer materials. Timber boards are easily cut, shaped, and fitted by carpenters with standard tools, enabling quick on-site adjustments. Its flexibility at installation minimizes delays in the project and allows for greater choice in custom design, particularly around intricate architectural detail.
Aesthetic
Few products can compare with the warmth, richness, and adaptability of natural wood. From smooth, modern profiles to weathered, rough finishes, timber cladding adds visual drama to a building. With time, untreated wood develops a stunning silver-grey patina, yet treated or coated timber preserves rich hues for years to come, with enduring beauty without sacrifice.
Applications of Timber Cladding
Several applications of timber cladding are as follows:
- Timber cladding is used extensively over residential houses, commercial offices, schools, recreational centres, and civic buildings.
- It adds character to small buildings such as garden rooms, gazebos, and sheds, and creates a dramatic statement on large architectural facades.
- Its suitability over scales and styles makes it a priceless material for designers looking to structurally integrate functionality and form.
How to Install Timber Cladding
A professional installation ensures both performance and appearance.
Preparing the Substructure
Fix vertical or horizontal timber battens over the wall. Battens should measure at least 38mm x 50mm for ventilation space. Battens need pressure treatment for durability. Space battens 400mm–600mm apart, depending on board span and wind exposure.
Installing the Weather Barrier
Fix a breather membrane to the wall before installing battens. Make sure the seams are at least 100 mm vertically and 150 mm horizontally overlapped when the membrane is being installed. Verify that any openings are properly sealed and the membrane fits snugly.
Creating Ventilation
Between the wall and cladding leave at least a 20mm cavity. Both the base and the top of the cladding system can be ventilated. Fit insect mesh at all ventilation openings to stop bugs from entering.
Flashings and Weatherproof Detailing
Install flashings above doors, windows, and wall junctions to direct water outward. Use stainless steel or aluminium flashings. Add weather seals around openings.
Fixing the Cladding Boards
Always use stainless steel nails or screws to prevent staining and corrosion. Pre-drill near the board ends to avoid splitting. Leave appropriate expansion gaps between boards based on the timber species. Secret nailing is possible with tongue-and-groove boards for a cleaner look.
Finishing Touches
Factory-finished boards are ideal for consistent coverage and colour stability. Treat with UV-protective paints, oils, or coatings according to the manufacturer’s directions. Schedule regular maintenance, including recoating and cleaning, especially on exposed slopes.
Key Installation Tips:
Always install cladding boards with the heart side facing outward for better stability. Avoid fixing boards tightly to allow for natural movement. Maintain a slope on horizontal cladding to encourage water runoff.
Timber Cladding Design Tips
- Vertical timber cladding can make buildings seem taller and more refined, whereas horizontal cladding accentuates width and solidity.
- Combining varying board widths introduces dynamic texture to façades, producing visually stimulating patterns.
- Charred timber cladding, using the ancient Shou Sugi Ban process, brings a strong, fireproof surface with a distinctive black finish.
- Timber cladding may also be used in conjunction with materials such as stone, glass, and metal to create striking contrasts and distinctive architectural forms.
Conclusion
Timber cladding is evergreen and omnipresent for those buildings which are in search of durability, looks, and thermal performance. From rustic cottages to advanced architectural structures, timber suits each of them with excellent resistance against weather and eco-friendliness. With the right selection of materials, professional installation, and periodical maintenance, timber cladding can cover and refurbish facades over generations.