Timber cladding has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years. Although the UK has always used timber as a construction material, the desire for sustainability and a more natural look has seen its popularity rise as more people discover how suitable it is for improving their garden, both aesthetically and functionally.
Here Nelson Potter, who supply timber cladding to customers across East Anglia, identify some of the material’s key advantages.
Its Versatility
Timber cladding is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. In landscaping terms, it can be used as edging to footways and paths, in gates, fencing and decking.
Its main benefit is that it’s lightweight and very easy to work with, making it a go-to material for many garden landscaping projects.
It’s also ideal for small-scale landscaping projects such as bin stores, log stores and coal sheds. And, if you feel confident enough, you can use it as an integral part of your new garden office.
Its Sustainability
Timber cladding is naturally renewable, unlike most other construction materials. Its production only leaves a tiny carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel, as the trees the cladding is sourced from naturally absorb CO2 and release oxygen into the air.
It should also be completely recyclable even when it’s come to the end of its useful life in your garden, meaning that you won’t have to deal with any excess building material waste that cannot be recycled.
Its Natural Look
Timber almost always blends in well with your outdoor surroundings, particularly if there are already trees in your garden. This leads to your garden having a much more natural look, compared to using concrete materials.
The colour or shade of the wood will also evolve as it weathers, in the same way that trees and shrubs do as the seasons change – creating a much more natural and rustic look for your garden.
Its Durability
Assuming it’s well looked after, high quality timber cladding can last between 40 to 60 years. However, you may need to treat it with preservatives every few years to ensure you prolong its lifespan. You may also need to ensure it’s treated with a flame-retardant chemical if you are using it on larger or taller projects such as home offices, or if it’s being used close to your garden’s boundary.
It might sound like more work compared to using different materials, but this maintenance is well worth the natural look which timber cladding provides.
It’s important to note that cheaper softwood won’t last as long as high-quality hardwood cladding, and any timber product which is in contact with the ground will degrade more quickly if it’s in the open air. However, any chips and other minimal dents are often hard to spot against the natural grain of the timber.
Its Insulating Qualities
Timber cladding is an excellent insulator of both heat and sound, so if you are using it on a building like a home office, summerhouse or workshop it will ensure it stays warm in the winter and potentially save you money on heating; it will also help keep buildings cool in the summer.
The sound-dampening qualities will also ensure that you won’t annoy the neighbours, as any external distractions or noise should be kept to a minimum (and equally you won’t be disturbed!).
Timber Cladding in East Anglia from Nelson Potter
At Nelson Potter, we stock a variety of different types of cladding, suitable for many purposes.
Some use the tongue and groove system to interlock with each other, whereas others fit together via the loglap method. We also stock the shiplap system, and all three types of cladding we offer are made from high-quality Scandinavian timber.
We also stock garden sheds, fencing, decking and other bespoke products for customers across Suffolk and Essex. Everything in stock is available at our online shop; you can also call us at either our Dodnash yard (01473 311905) or at our base in Bromeswell (01394 460199). Both depots are open from 8am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 8am-12noon on Saturdays.