The use of cladding is not a new practice in the UK. It has long been used for improving insulation, adding to the aesthetics of a building and helping to give it a fresh, modern look. Wooden cladding is the perfect option – bearing in mind on of the main purposes of cladding is to enhance the appearance of a building, it is a good idea to use timber. This is a beautiful, natural material that will add a certain ambience to a home or commercial building and make it look modern, yet also traditional. This is one of the most popular types of cladding to use in the UK, as it has various benefits for the building owner.
What kinds of buildings use timber cladding?
Any kind of building can use timber cladding! Often, only a smaller section of the building will make use of cladding, rather than the whole building. This is a deliberate design feature that will make certain parts of the building stand out and perhaps blend in with surroundings. For example, a wooden house close to woods might use cladding to blend in with its surroundings.
Cladding is often also used on commercial buildings, and whilst it usually used to be metal, it is now quite often wood instead. This is as aesthetics become more important, and people are becoming more conscious of looking after their buildings in the right way. Wooden cladding creates a better environment for people to live and work.
Why is wooden cladding the right decision?
Wooden cladding might well be the best decision for your home or building. Here are some reasons why:
- It looks great and adds a real premium touch to the property.
- It is available in different wood species and finishes.
- It is strong and adds stability to a building.
- It is going to last a long time and is a good investment.
Different types of wooden cladding
These are some of the most popular types of wooden cladding, and their uses:
- Waney edge cladding boards. These boards have a waved edge and are especially popular for outhouses and garden buildings. They could be used on a shed, or to give a home office a rustic look.
- Featheredge cladding. This will give your home a rustic look, but with a neater finish. It is a good middle point between waney edge and profiled.
- Rebated featheredge cladding. You can use this for a flat fix, whilst still giving a rustic appearance. This adds to its weatherproof properties as well.
- ThermoWood cladding. Heat treated for better strength and better insulating properties. It won’t decay as other types of timber might, because it has been treated.
Things to look out for when buying
- Quality. Check the retailer out thoroughly before you commit to buying.
- Price. Don’t go for the cheapest option – it will be cheap for a reason.
- Size. Some retailers offer custom milled timber.
- Delivery. Check that your timber can be delivered.
- Sustainability. Use cladding that has come from renewable sources.