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Both exterior timber cladding and internal timber cladding are excellent ways to elevate a space. Using natural materials to bring warm tones and a refreshing design can brighten and add character to almost any area of any size. However, there are some things to consider when fitting your panels. We’ve put together our top five for you here.
1 – Type of Boards
Your first hurdle is considering which kind of timber cladding panels or boards you need or prefer. An obvious distinction you can make right away is whether you need internal or external timber cladding, as some panels are only suitable for indoor use.
Aside from that, you can also choose from various options including feather edge, bead and butt, match board, shiplap, and loglap.
Each has a different finish and will affect the final look and feel of your space. Different boards also fit together using varying joints, whether that’s the simple interlocking fit of tongue and groove or more rustic feather edge boards that can be overlapped however you choose.
2 – Ventilation
Damp is the enemy of wood. Even treated timber will experience a shortened lifespan when subject to prolonged damp spells. The way to avoid this is with adequate ventilation behind and around your cladding.
Ensuring that air can flow around your cladding will help it dry out after exposure to rain, snow or the occasional hose down. This will prevent the timber from rotting and keep your cladding looking fresh for much longer.
3 – Treatments
Once your cladding is in place, you can choose to leave it as is to enjoy the natural hue of the wood or paint or stain it in a colour of your choice.
You can also apply finishes such as wood preserver or stain-blocking primer, which offer additional benefits, especially for external timber cladding.
4 – Finishing Details
This is a key one: details. Don’t make the mistake of spending all that time and effort installing beautifully crafted cladding just to forget details like door or window openings.
It’s important to utilise your cladding timbers to create a cohesive design throughout your property. Edges and other details caused by variations in the surface underneath your cladding need the same attention as everywhere else. Make sure that your cladding design and patterns flow to every part of your space.
5 – Substructure
Your substructure will usually be composed of sections of sawn timber, providing a frame for the timber cladding panels to attach to.
This consideration links with our earlier section about ventilation, because as well as providing a strong mounting point, your substructure needs to allow for airflow behind your cladding to prevent moisture from becoming trapped and rotting your panels from the back.
To ensure your substructure remains sturdy for as long as possible, it’s crucial to use treated timber, as this will withstand all kinds of weathering for longer.
Coventry Timber Products: The Go-To for Cladding Supplies
At Coventry Timber Products, we stock everything you need for your exterior timber cladding or internal timber cladding project, from boards and substructure materials to tools and painting and staining products.
We’re also on hand to provide any advice or support you might need to help you finish your project. To get started, shop our range of timber products or get in touch with our friendly team today for more information.
For more information on What to Consider When Installing Timber Cladding talk to Coventry Timber Products Ltd