Timber Cladding Design Considerations

Hardwood or Softwood?

The first consideration is the type and species of wood to be used.

Timber cladding solutions fall under two main categories, softwood, and hardwood. Both have long lifespans and can be used on internal or external cladding projects and are sourced from locations around the world. Both hardwood and softwood come in a range of finishes, with hardwood cladding offering darker colour and oak being a popular choice.

Softwoods are normally a lighter colour and are considered easier to work with due to their lower density. Both hardwoods and softwoods naturally weather to a silver/grey if the surface is not properly treated over time, a finish that is extremely desirable on some projects and blends the building into its wider environment The best quality softwood products for cladding grow in a cold climate which makes the timber from Canada and Siberia superior to home grown.

For an environmentally conscious choice, timber that is being transported from further away results in additional carbon emissions from transportation, meaning the embodied energy in the timber is greater. However, Ecova Clad is the only timber cladding solution that goes beyond the carbon neutral benefits of wood by offsetting all related carbon emissions. The greater the carbon resulting from transport and production, the more we offset.

So, when specifying Ecova Clad, you can focus on aesthetic and design considerations, knowing your building’s environmental credentials are in good shape.