Timber cladding is a popular and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance the exterior of a house. It not only adds a natural and warm appearance but also provides insulation and protection against the elements. Whether you’re looking to revamp your home’s look or add a durable layer of protection, timber cladding is a versatile option that suits various styles and climates. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to timber clad a house.
What Is Timber Cladding?
Timber cladding is the process of covering the exterior walls of a building with wooden boards or panels. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, offering a protective barrier against weather conditions while enhancing the visual appeal of the structure.
Commonly made from durable wood species like cedar, larch, or oak, timber cladding is valued for its natural appearance and eco-friendly properties. It can be installed in a variety of styles, such as horizontal, vertical, or shiplap, allowing homeowners to customize the look to suit their preferences. Additionally, timber cladding is known for its excellent insulation properties, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.
Common Timber Types Used
When selecting timber for cladding, several popular wood species are commonly chosen for their durability, aesthetics, and performance. Cedar is a top choice due to its natural resistance to decay and insect damage, as well as its lightweight nature, making it easy to work with. Larch, another frequently used timber, is appreciated for its dense texture and golden hue, offering both strength and beauty.
Oak, known for its durability and timeless appeal, is often favored for more traditional or rustic designs. Other options include thermally modified timbers, which undergo a special heat treatment process to enhance their stability and resistance to moisture. Each timber type brings unique characteristics, allowing homeowners and builders to select the ideal material for their specific needs and environmental conditions.
Tools and Materials Needed
When working with timber, having the right tools and materials is essential to ensure precision and efficiency. Basic tools such as a handsaw, power drill, and measuring tape are indispensable for cutting and assembling the wood. Additionally, a carpenter’s square is critical for maintaining accurate angles during construction. Sandpaper or an electric sander is necessary to smooth rough surfaces, while wood glue and screws provide secure joinery.
For finishing, paints, stains, or protective sealants help preserve the timber’s appearance and durability. Depending on the project’s complexity, more advanced tools like a table saw, router, or nail gun may also be required. Making sure all materials are high-quality and appropriate for the specific type of timber will lead to a more successful and lasting result.
10 Methods How to Timber Clad a House
1. Select the Right Timber Species for Durability and Aesthetics
The first and perhaps most critical step is choosing the right timber species. Not all woods are created equal when it comes to external use. Western red cedar, larch, Douglas fir, and thermally modified hardwoods are common favorites due to their resistance to rot and insects.
Softwoods like pine can also be used if treated properly. Each species brings its own color, grain, and weathering characteristics. Consider your climate—some woods handle moisture better than others—and your desired maintenance level. Some homeowners prefer untreated timber that grays naturally, while others want long-lasting color and use finishes or stains.
2. Decide Between Horizontal, Vertical, or Diagonal Orientation
The direction in which the timber is installed significantly affects the visual outcome and practical performance. Horizontal cladding, such as shiplap or feather edge, is the most traditional and sheds water effectively. Vertical cladding, like board-and-batten, can create a modern look and encourages quicker runoff in rainy climates. Diagonal styles, while more decorative, require greater planning and precision during installation.
The orientation should also consider prevailing weather, architectural design, and personal preference. Ultimately, it defines both the aesthetic and the maintenance complexity of the finished exterior.
3. Prepare the Wall Surface with a Suitable Framework
Before any timber is installed, a solid backing framework must be established. This involves fixing vertical or horizontal timber battens (depending on your cladding direction) to the exterior wall, typically spaced 400mm to 600mm apart. These battens should be treated for external use and must be aligned and leveled carefully, as the cladding will follow their line. The batten system allows air circulation behind the cladding, known as a “rainscreen” gap, which helps prevent moisture buildup and rot. This substructure is the unseen backbone of your timber cladding system.
4. Incorporate a Breathable Waterproof Membrane
To prevent water ingress into the building’s structure, install a breathable membrane between the battens and the existing wall. This layer protects against moisture while allowing any trapped water vapor to escape, preserving the integrity of both the cladding and the underlying wall. High-quality house wraps or breather membranes specifically rated for cladding applications are recommended. Ensure the membrane overlaps correctly at joints and corners to create a continuous barrier. This step is essential for homes in damp or high-rainfall regions.
5. Use Treated Timber Battens and Fixings
All battens and fixings used in the cladding system must be resistant to rot and corrosion. Use pressure-treated timber for battens and stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized screws and nails for all fixings. Avoid standard steel, which can react with tannins in some woods (especially cedar), causing unsightly black streaks or premature corrosion. Proper materials ensure the longevity of your installation, particularly since this structure is constantly exposed to the elements.
6. Choose the Right Profile for Your Timber Boards
Timber cladding comes in various profiles, each affecting the appearance and installation technique. Common profiles include tongue-and-groove, shiplap, bevel, and board-and-batten. Tongue-and-groove provides a seamless finish, ideal for modern aesthetics, while shiplap offers better water run-off due to its overlapping edge. Feather edge and bevel siding provide a more rustic look. The choice of profile depends on the desired architectural style and how much weather resistance or ventilation the cladding needs to provide.
7. Install from the Bottom Up with Precise Alignment
Cladding should always be installed from the bottom of the wall upward, allowing each board to overlap the one below for effective water shedding. Begin by fixing a starter board or drip batten at the base to establish a level foundation. Use a spirit level or laser level to ensure your first row is perfectly straight—any misalignment will be amplified as you progress upward. Fix each board securely at every batten point, leaving expansion gaps as required by the timber supplier’s guidelines. Accurate alignment is key to a professional, lasting finish.
8. Leave Expansion Gaps and Ventilation Space
Timber expands and contracts with humidity and temperature. To accommodate this natural movement, leave appropriate expansion gaps between boards, particularly at ends and corners. Consult your timber supplier for recommended spacing. Additionally, ensure there is a ventilation cavity (usually 20–50mm) between the cladding and the wall to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup. If ventilation is restricted, the cladding could trap water, leading to rot or decay over time. Small insect mesh at vents and at the top and bottom of walls will prevent pests from nesting in the cavity.
9. Apply Protective Finishes or Let it Weather Naturally
Once installed, timber cladding can be left to weather naturally or treated with oil, stain, or paint, depending on your preference. Untreated wood like cedar and larch will develop a silver-grey patina over time, which many homeowners find attractive. If you want to preserve the timber’s original color, apply a UV-resistant exterior wood oil or stain annually or as recommended. Paints provide long-term protection but may require scraping and recoating every few years. Choose breathable, flexible finishes that move with the timber to avoid cracking or peeling.
10. Maintain Regularly to Extend the Cladding’s Life
Like any exterior finish, timber cladding benefits from regular maintenance. Inspect the wood annually for signs of wear, rot, or insect damage, especially near joints, windows, and baseboards. Reapply finishes as needed and clean the surface with mild soap and water to remove mildew or grime. Replace any damaged or warped boards promptly to prevent moisture ingress. With consistent care, timber cladding can last several decades while retaining its natural beauty and performance.
Conclusion
Timber cladding is more than just an exterior finish—it’s a harmonious blend of form and function. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary facade or a traditional cottage charm, timber brings timeless appeal and natural insulation. These ten methods provide a detailed roadmap for anyone seeking to timber clad a house, emphasizing careful preparation, material choice, and attention to detail. When done correctly, timber cladding can transform an ordinary structure into an elegant, weather-resistant home that stands the test of time and trend. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to timber clad a house!
