Thinking about your next exterior cladding project? This is your handy guide to all the basics of cladding – profiles, styles, the best wood species and tips for installation and care.
Cladding can transform a building and give the exterior a beautiful, natural finish. If you’re looking to add a special appeal to your home, here’s everything you need to know before you start an outdoor wood siding project.
What is wood cladding?
Wood cladding is a common, common exterior finish for buildings. “Fairing” refers to a covering for a structure and all components attached to achieve it.
It comes in a number of species (the tree the wood comes from) and is machined into a number of profiles (which determine how the pieces fit together). Different types of wood have different physical properties and appearance. The choice of profile can also affect the properties and aesthetics of the cladding.
Of course, the cladding does not have to be made of wood. But the natural aesthetic of wood paneling has made it a timeless, popular choice that will never go out of style.
Of course, the wood cladding does not have to be limited to magnificent architectural representations. Homeowners are increasingly choosing to add a touch of luxury and beauty to their own homes. It’s also very popular for larger commercial projects.
What are the advantages of wood cladding?
1. Natural beauty
Perhaps the greatest benefit of wood – the reason so many people turn to it – is its undeniable natural beauty. Outdoor wood siding gives a warm feeling and once weathered it can blend in with its natural surroundings. Wood paneling allows you to create seamless transitions between buildings and forests. Wood siding can also add a calming, natural aesthetic to buildings in urban areas. They are also versatile. A beautiful wooden exterior finish can be at home in a traditional or contemporary setting.
2. Sustainable
In addition to its wonderful natural beauty, wood siding is also an incredibly eco-friendly material. In fact, it’s probably the greenest building choice you can make. For each tree from which the disguise is made, there is always the opportunity to plant new ones. Not only is wood 100% renewable, but it also captures carbon from the atmosphere, helping to combat global warming. A reputable timber trader and supplier of sustainable cladding will source their timber from FSC and PEFC certified suppliers. This guarantees that the wood used is 100% renewable and sustainably harvested. Not to mention that leftovers can be reused or disposed of in an environmentally friendly way – rarely as easy as with other building materials.
3. Customizable and resizable
Wood paneling is much easier to replace than other exterior finishing materials. So if you want a change in the future or need a siding spruce, wood is guaranteed to be the least expense. Wood is one of the cheapest materials to customize because it doesn’t require any special equipment. For those with a keen eye for design, it’s worth noting that wood paneling is highly customizable. It looks fantastic painted and with different stains available there are endless design possibilities for creative homeowners. Wood is also easy to repaint, so changing the color of the paneling is never an option!
4. Naturally insulating: for heat and sound
Inside the wood is a cellular structure that contains air pockets. This makes wood a fantastic natural insulator, keeping the house (indeed any building it is applied to) hotter. In fact, wood insulates fifteen times better than masonry, 400 times better than steel and 1,770 times better than aluminum. It is also a good sound insulator that keeps noise out.
5. Time and cost-effective
Cladding projects done with wood tend to be less expensive than other building materials. Of course, costs can vary – but as a rule, wood is a good choice for budget-conscious customers. That’s not to say you can’t splash out on expensive, exotic wood if your heart desires! It’s also worth noting that wood is lighter than other building materials, making the siding quick and easy to transport, maneuver, and install.