CLADDING & RENDER
What you need to know about the various solutions available for your home’s exterior
Russwood’s Scotlarch timber cladding comes in many colours, from pale orange to reddish browns. It can be supplied with a planed, skimmed or wire brushed finish
ICK DEARDEN
Your choice of cladding has the potential to transform your home’s exterior from plain and uninspiring into something with oodles of design panache. From a sleek coat of render to crisp timber boards, there are lots of options.
TIMBER
Few finishes offer the same characterful appeal as wood. With a plethora of shades available, timber is versatile and can be used to create a variety of effects. From hardwoods like oak, ash and walnut to softwoods such as larch and cedar, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. Plus, if sustainability is important to you, a renewable material like wood is a sensible move. As a minimum, you can expect a service life of at least 30 years from softwood cladding when it’s well-maintained. Some hardwoods will perform for 50+ years.
“Timber cladding can be laid vertically or horizontally and bespoke profiles can be made to suit most applications,” says Malcolm Frowen, head of cladding sales at Vincent Timber. You can even get playful with the direction of the boards and lay them diagonally, for instance, to inject a fun feel. Incorporating a slim gap between planks can also create a contemporary look, or alternate batons in relief of one another for interesting shadow effects. For a modern aesthetic, opt for a knotfree wood where possible, with a crisp, machine-cut finish rather than a waney edge. Applying a stain will also help you control the appearance of the wood as it weathers, creating a uniform hue across the elevation.