Timber facade cladding covers all cladding boards made from wood or wood-based material that finish the outer wall and protect it against the weather. Wood gives a facade a warm, natural appearance and is widely used in both new build and renovation, usually mounted on a timber or aluminium batten frame with a ventilated cavity behind it.
Application
There are various profiles and mounting directions. Feather-edge (rebated) boards are horizontal planks with a bevelled profile that sheds rainwater outward; the “Swedish” rebated board is a popular variant with a clean, flat face. With shiplap or clapboard cladding the boards overlap like roof tiles, creating a pronounced shadow line. Vertical boards or open cladding with gaps between them give a modern, crisp look.
Characteristics
The wood species determines appearance, durability and maintenance. Planed spruce is inexpensive but needs a paint or stain finish. Larch and Douglas fir are naturally more durable and weather to an attractive grey. Thermowood is thermally modified timber, made more stable and durable by heat treatment. Untreated wood turns grey over time, which can be a deliberate aesthetic choice. Good detailing and ventilation behind the boards are crucial for a long service life.
Related terms
- cladding
- timber
- shiplap
- facade
- insulation
- cavity
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