Which Timber Cladding Should I Specify?
August 24, 2026
When an architect approaches us about timber cladding, one of the first questions is often: Which timber would you recommend? There isn’t one answer that
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When an architect approaches us about timber cladding, one of the first questions is often: Which timber would you recommend? There isn’t one answer that
A Guide for UK Architects and Specifiers of Timber Cladding When specifying external timber cladding for commercial buildings, one of the most important areas to
When specifying external timber cladding for a commercial building, one of the most common questions architects, designers and contractors ask is: What is fire rated
Douglas Fir is water-resistant but not waterproof. It is naturally moderately water-resistant and can withstand exposure to moisture for short periods. However, over long periods,
Douglas Fir is a softwood that has good strength and moderate durability, when it’s properly maintained. It typically lasts between 30-60 years for exterior applications
It’s hard to definitively say which is better because they are both excellent softwoods and are chosen based on specific needs. For cladding projects, both
British Larch is popular because it’s durable, home-grown and very full of character. As it’s grown and harvested here in the UK, it has a much lower carbon footprint than imported alternatives and that makes it very attractive for environmentally conscious or carbon friendly UK larch cladding projects where the provenance of the materials is an important factor.
When it is correctly installed and properly maintained, UK Larch cladding should have an expected life of 30 to 50 years or more. This makes
Yes, British Larch is a decent quality softwood that can be used in many external situations very well, particularly cladding. Grown in abundance throughout the
“Canadian Cedar” and “Western Red Cedar” are very often used interchangeably. In most cases, they do mean the same thing: Thuja plicata, which we know as
Western Red Cedar lasts for 30-60 years or more outdoors when used for cladding. There are a number of variables which contribute to this life expectancy. These
Yes, Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular and dependable timbers for cladding. It has a natural durability, dimensional stability, and good appearance, making