What is cladding?
Cladding can be broadly defined as a material attached to a building’s interior or exterior. It has two purposes – it is decorative and functional. In terms of aesthetics, cladding is a great way for a home to leave a first impression. Adding cladding has the rare ability to transform a boring suburban home into something of true beauty.
But it’s not just about looking good. High-quality cladding acts as an insulator and protects against structural deterioration. Moreover, it protects from sun, wind and rain as well as from fire, humidity, pets and pollution.
What is wood cladding?
Of course, given the above definition, wood cladding is simply wood cladding. To the untrained eye, wood cladding looks very similar to traditional wood floorboards. In general, they have approximately the same measurements as floorboards, although unlike floorboards, they are not produced with a tongue-and-groove profile.
The attractions and benefits of wood cladding are many. Wood cladding is available in a wide range of designs and styles, and brings with it the timeless texture and appeal of a natural product. Quite simply, it has the power to change the look of your home. Moreover, it is a good insulator and represents a versatile option for cladding. Lightweight and easy to work with, its installation can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal.
Is wood cladding the right choice for you?
When it comes to cladding, consumers are frankly spoiled for choice. In terms of cladding materials, selections include everything from natural stone, fake wood, concrete, fiberboard, and fiber cement to aluminum, steel, brick, vinyl, metal, composites and even glass.
Wood cladding is just one option among many. While, as mentioned earlier, it has many advantages and benefits, it is not without its drawbacks. On the downside, most wood cladding needs to be painted or stained every three to five years to maintain its natural appeal and protect it from harsh weather conditions. In contrast, many alternatives require no maintenance at all.
In addition, timber or timber obviously presents a fire hazard. These risks vary by product, but most wood cladding products, even when painted or sealed, present at least some level of fire risk.
However, the benefits of wood cladding are many. Regardless of whether you live in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, choosing whether or not a product is right for you is up to personal preferences. In this sense, the critical factors generally include such things as price, thermal performance, and suitability for local climatic conditions. The good news is that there are many wood cladding products available in Australia that meet these requirements and meet the personal preferences of homeowners across the country.
Is installing wood cladding a do-it-yourself job?
As mentioned, wood cladding is lightweight and easy to install. It’s a job that most competent DIYers should be able to handle without too many problems.
How much does wood cladding cost?
In terms of employment, costs vary greatly across Australia, but you can expect to be paid somewhere in the range of $30 an hour to $60 an hour for this job. Regarding actual wood cladding products, there is also a wide range of prices, depending on individual products as well as wood species. In the low range, you can expect to pay $3.50-$7 per linear meter for screwed pine, then in the high range, Tallowwood cladding is about $9-$12 per linear meter.
Wood cladding Australia – A selection of the best wood cladding on the market:
1. Boral solid wood veneer
Suitable for both commercial and residential applications, Boral wood cladding offers the perfect combination of durability and beauty, combined with bushfire resistance up to BAL 29. Installed on wood or steel structural systems, this wood cladding resists termites as well as seismic movements. To avoid weathering and maximize longevity, it is recommended to treat such a cladding with a primer or paint.
click here for more information.
2. Natural edge weatherboard
Produced using a patented sawing method that results in perfect quarterly sawing panels, Natural Edge Weatherproof Panels are recommended as exterior cladding on everything from homes and apartments to cottages, visitor centers and universities. These products have a smooth appearance, are unusually supplied and thus offer the added benefit of shrinkage without distortion and just less checking on their exposed faces.
click here for more information.
3. Vulcan Cladding
Abodo’s Vulcan cladding, a premium weatherboard cladding product, is available in a range of modern configurations including back plane and vertical panels. This veneer is made from the company’s thermally modified farmwoods and is FSC certified. As such, those who choose to purchase this beautiful product can enjoy all it has to offer in terms of durability, design details and weathering, knowing that it has been ethically manufactured to the highest standards of sustainability.
Click here for more information.
4. Weathertex fibreboard cladding
Weathertex cladding belongs to a group that is the first of its kind to receive Greentag Platinum certification. Moreover, it is produced without chemical additives and is therefore suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Made of Australian hardwood and natural wax, it even boasts a “better-than-zero carbon footprint” claim. Other features include termite resistance and guaranteed 25-year protection against rotting, splitting or cracking problems. Installation is simple enough for DIYers and is supplied either natural or ready-to-paint or paint.
click here for more information.
5. Dot glue coating
Now available from Nationwide Timber, the checkered bubble gum trim combines attractive pastels and shades with remarkable toughness and durability. A native species from the coast of New South Wales and southern Queensland, this product has proven very popular with homeowners across Australia. Spotted resin cladding has a Janka rating of 11 and is available with BAL ratings of 12.5, 19, or 29.
click here for more information
6. Everist Timber Rice Covering
Cedar wood veneer is known throughout the industry for being lightweight and extremely easy to use, as well as attractive, versatile and durable. Available in a range of colors including light brown and bright red, these products are suitable for use with black components and are stable in most weather conditions. For a fresh, modern look, the supplier recommends using oils or stains or alternatively, the product can be left to weather naturally. As the accompanying photo shows, it has a charred appeal.
click here for more information.