Timber Cladding FAQs

What is Timber Cladding?

               

Timber cladding is used to cover the exterior of a building, using timber, for aesthetic purposes. Timber cladding provides an outstanding natural insulation feature which is useful for any type of weather.

               

Is timber cladding suitable for my house?

               

Traditional and modern houses can use timber cladding. Traditional houses use timber cladding to enhance the rural vibe of the house. On the other hand, modern houses use timber cladding for accent and detail or for keeping the modern house relative to the natural surroundings.

So, do you want timber cladding for your home?

What type of timber should I use?

There are different types of timber that can be used for cladding such as Western Red Cedar, English Larch, Oak, Thermowood, etc. It will be less of a hassle if the timber is durable. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and stable and is usually cleaner than the other options. It doesn’t shrink easily. English Larch is also durable because it is slow grown. That means that it adds a greater value to your home. Hardwoods, such as oak, are also durable but are not as heavy as the other types of wood. Thermowood can last for around about 30 years and is consistent in colour. There are many timber options for cladding. Just consider several factors when choosing the right timber, such as weather conditions in your area or your budget. UK Timber has several timber cladding options for you.

Do I have to treat timber cladding?

               

Treated timbers usually last longer than the untreated alternatives. Saving the need of earlier timber replacement, you will have the option of treated or untreated timber. If you happen to choose a treated timber for cladding, it is recommended that you treat the wood before installation for convenience.

               

How is timber cladding installed?

The installation of timber cladding should be done by professionals. Basically, it is done by installing vertical battens. Over these battens, the timber cladding will be placed.

If you are thinking of designing your home with timber cladding, call UK Timber on +44 (0)1536 267107 for assistance. We also provide timbers for decking boards and wood flooring.

Image source:
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2096462

Guide to Working With Pressure-Treated Timber

Factors to Consider in Timber Cladding

Cladding is generally defined as the layering of a material to the exterior of a building. Its purpose is to infiltrate weather elements. Nowadays, cladding is used for aesthetic purposes. The most popular type of cladding is made from timber. Timber cladding is commonly used in either traditional or contemporary houses but before you add timber cladding to your own home, you should first consider the following:


Type of timber
Timber cladding boards are available in Oak, Western Red Cedar, Treated Softwood, English Larch and other types of lumber. It should be clear whether the timber is to be used for external or internal cladding. It is advisable to choose wood that can easily absorb moisture and resist decay to avoid major reconstruction in the future. You may also treat, paint or stain the wood. Some types of timber may require treatment and coating for durability purposes.

Laying style

There are four different timber cladding styles that you may choose according to you preference. The four types of laying styles are:

1. Feather Edge – each board is tapered across its width. 
2. Square Edge – each board has the same thickness. 
3. Shiplap – each board's profile partially overlaps the profile of the board next to it. 
4. Tongue & Groove – each board has a groove or slot on one edge and a tongue or thin ridge on the opposite edge which can be joined. 

Budget

The cost of timber cladding always depends on the type of wood that you use and in what quantity. The cheapest softwood boarding comes in at around £5 to £8 per square metre but it tends to decay quicker and requires regular painting and staining after installation. Although timbers such as red cedar, European larch, Douglas fir and oak are more expensive, they tend to last longer even without treatment or staining.

Building details

Buildings and houses usually have numerous corners, doors and windows. One way to avoid spending too much time installing the timber cladding is to carefully plan the details before you make a start. Make sure that the sizes of the timbers fit neatly into the area where they will be fixed. Mastic seals can help prevent moisture build up in case the timbers do not fit perfectly in the space where they are installed.


UK Timber supplies high quality wooden products for timber cladding. Please email us at sales@uk-timber.co.uk for enquiries.

Reasons Why Thermowood is a Fine Timber

Red and White Oak Flooring Comparison

Oak wood is an exceptional and timeless material that is used as decking boards, beams and as a perfect flooring option.

Oak flooring is widely used in many European households. Available in two kinds: the red oak and the white oak, both have an exceptional beauty. However, there are still differences between the two.  

Strength and Durability

Determining the strength and durability of an oak flooring material depends on two main factors – the Janka hardness and the density.

            Janka Hardness

The Janka hardness rating measures how resistant a piece of hardwood can be. The measurement is in pounds, where the higher rating is equivalent to a harder wood.

Density

Density measures how much wood is packed into a cubic meter.

The combination of the two factors will determine the capacity of the wood to endure wear and tear.

Red oak has a Janka hardness rating of 12,900 lbs. and a density of 780 kg/m3. White oak has a hardness rating of 1,360 lbs. and a density of 900 KG/m3. The white oak flooring is stronger than the red.

Appearance

Both have tight, complex grain patterns. The heartwood has a reddish-brown hue and is surrounded by warm glowing tones, making red oak the perfect option for a more exotic-looking floor. White oak takes on a pale tone with a contrasting dark grain, providing a more neutral and versatile look.

Movement in Service

Movement in Service refers to how much a hardwood shrinks or expands during shipping or after installation. The measurement is based on the tangential and radial shrinkage – which is expressed as a percentage. The lower the percentage, the less likely the wood will shrink.

The tangential and radial shrinkage for red oak flooring is 8.6% and 4.0%, respectively. For white oak flooring, the numbers are 7.2% and 4.2%. It is clear that white oak flooring can resist buckling, bending and warping – better than the red oak.

To learn more about UK Timber’s oak flooring options, call us on +44 (0)1536 267107.

Simple Tips to Keep Firewood Dry During Winter

Tips on Wooden Deck Maintenance

Decks are structural add-ons for homes. They can be categorised into three types: low-level, remote and hillside decks. Wooden decking boards can be treated or untreated depending on the preference of the homeowner. Decks should be checked regularly because timbers are prone to rot and may require renovating at some stage. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain wooden decks:

Get rid of the rubbish

Regular sweeping is important. Use a normal broom or a leaf blower when sweeping. Debris such as leaves and dirt can cause moisture build up, which can lead to the premature aging of wood that will likely result in rotting. The spaces between each decking board often acquire dirt. Use a putty knife to remove the dirt in between.

Inspect the deck

Check every part of the deck for signs of decay. Small spots of rotting can be easily resolved by scraping and wood treatment. However, a large rotting area can only be fixed by a board replacement. Nails should also be checked to see if they are coming loose. Try forcing loose nails back into the deck or replace them with decking screws or longer nails. Also examine the deck for cracks and splinters that may be sealed before further damage results. 

Clean the wood

Wood tends to stain due to the weather. Too much sunlight or too much rain can be contributing factors of wood discoloration. Scrubbing with water, detergent and a fibre brush could help return the wood to its original colour. Some people use a power washer, which blasts high water pressure for easier cleaning.

UK Timber Ltd provides a variety of high-quality lumbers that are perfect for any home project. E-mail us at sales@uk-timber.co.uk with all your enquiries.