Cladding can have many uses, from making a building more thermally efficient to improving its appearance and giving it a distinctive look. Timber cladding is a specialist type of cladding that will lend a building an air of rustic charm; few features can lend the same kind of sophistication, and certainly not within the same price bracket. You could often expect to pay double, or even triple, the amount if you are looking at other features that give the same kind of finish.

Timber cladding is used on the outside of a building to finish it to a high standard and give it more longevity. There are many benefits to using it, whether you have a commercial property or a domestic one. These are some of the reasons why you might choose to apply timber cladding to your building:

·     Weatherproofing. Cladding will help protect a structure against adverse weather conditions, such as frost, snow and rain. It will also help protect it against damage from the wind.

·     Protection against moisture. Wooden structures are notorious for letting in moisture. To avoid this, you can apply wooden cladding to the outside of a building a protect it against moisture penetration.

·     Environmental factors. Using timber cladding is more environmentally friendly than using other types of cladding that might have labour intensive manufacturing processes. Timber cladding that is sustainably sourced will be more environmentally responsible and will help to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

·     Appearance. Few finishes are as beautiful as natural timber, with its unique woodgrain and distinctive solid wood appearance.

Whilst timber cladding offers a beautiful finish, it also isn’t suitable for every kind of building; it will have its specific uses. These are some of the main types of building where timber cladding might be used:

·     Sheds. Cladding can be used on a garden shed to make sure it will withstand the elements and will be geared up to all weather conditions. It can make a shed look rustic and blend in with its natural surroundings.

·     Garages. If you want a more rustic type of garage, rather than one made of brick or concrete, then timber cladding can be a good option. It can also be used to upgrade existing garages, as cladding can be applied over other types of material.

·     Workshops. Many people who are building workshops in their garden or as a standalone property will choose to have timber cladding applied. This will help improve the appearance and make it feel cosy – more like a pretty cabin than a place you would associate with work.

·     Cabins or log homes. This type of home is becoming increasingly popular, either as an extension of an existing home (such as a granny annexe) or as a standalone property where the homeowner is constructing something new altogether. People who are designing and building their own home might want to consider a log cabin, as there will be financial benefits, and it is still a kind of home that can last well into the future.