Timber cladding is an external timber skin used to add character, texture and weather protection to a building. Exterior Solutions Ltd supplies premium cladding for architects, designers, developers and homeowners across the UK, with options ranging from hardwood cladding to specialist Shou Sugi Ban® charred finishes.
The best wood depends on the look, durability and maintenance level you want. Exterior Solutions offers species including Ipe, Iroko, Teak, Elondo and Accoya for hardwood cladding, while its charred range can include timbers such as Accoya, oak, Douglas fir, larch, cedar, Kebony and Yūkari.
Hardwood cladding suits projects that want a clean, natural timber appearance with durable species and a refined finish. Charred timber cladding is often chosen when the brief calls for a more architectural look, added surface protection and distinctive finishes such as deep black crackle, brushed textures or contemporary coloured effects.
Most timber cladding benefits from some maintenance over time, usually light cleaning and occasional treatment with suitable oils or stains if you want to hold its original colour for longer. Exterior Solutions also notes that some options, such as cedar and charred timber, are lower maintenance because of their natural or enhanced resistance to weathering.
Untreated timber often weathers naturally and gradually changes tone as it is exposed to the elements. That is not always a problem, but if colour consistency matters, it is usually better to choose the right treatment plan early and ask for advice on how your chosen species is likely to age.
The installation method depends on the product. Exterior Solutions recommends the Magnet™ aluminium track system for Exterpark™ hardwood cladding where a clean, screw-free look is required, while its guidance for Shou Sugi Ban® cladding points towards installation by experienced carpenters or cladding specialists using suitable colour-headed stainless steel screws.
Not always, because the right fixing system depends on the timber and the finish you are trying to achieve. Invisible fixing can work well on certain hardwood systems, but for charred cladding, visible surface fixing with the correct screws may be the better choice for managing movement and helping to reduce splitting.
It is sensible to use a competent carpenter or cladding specialist, especially for premium or design-led products. Exterior Solutions advises professional installation to minimise unnecessary handling, protect the finish and help achieve a better-looking result on site.
Timber cladding should be kept in a dry, clean space between delivery and fitting. Exterior Solutions also advises keeping handling to a minimum and leaving protective separator layers in place where possible, so boards stay in the best condition before they are installed.
Yes – choosing the right timber is a big part of the service. From its Buckinghamshire base, Exterior Solutions supplies projects across the UK and can talk through species, finish styles, maintenance expectations and sample options so you can compare materials and move towards specification or purchase with more confidence.