Choosing the Right Cladding Finish and Texture

Cladding does more than just protect a building — it defines its character. The finish and texture you choose shape the first impression, influence how the material ages, and determine how much care it will need over time. When chosen well, cladding enhances both the beauty and value of your property. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the main cladding options available, along with some key points on installation, maintenance, and practical tips to help you choose the right finish with confidence.

Finding the Perfect Look for Your Project

Start by thinking about the style and finish you want your cladding to create:

• Natural silvering and  minimal upkeep –All timber will naturally weather over time, developing a beautiful silvery-grey patina. Hardwoods such as oak, ipe, and balau, as well as softwoods like cedar and larch, each take on this character in their own way. Featheredge boards and shingles are particularly effective if you’re after that traditional, softly aged look.

• Maintaining timber’s natural colour with oils – If you’d like to preserve the timber’s original rich tones, hardwoods and thermo-treated timbers respond especially well to protective oils. The profile you choose — whether square edge, shiplap, shadow gap, TG&V — can help showcase the wood’s natural grain and colour at their best.

• Colour-stable, low-maintenance composite – Composite boards feature deep-grain textures and come with a colour non-fade guarantee. The WEO Classic and WEO35 profiles offer a consistent, contemporary look with minimal maintenance required.

Materials at a Glance

Hardwood

Species such as oak, ipe, balau, and cumaru are prized for their strength, distinctive grain, and impressive lifespan. Left untreated, they naturally weather to a silvery-grey patina that many find appealing. For those who prefer to maintain the timber’s original rich colour, applying oils periodically will help preserve its depth and warmth. Hardwoods are an excellent choice for projects that value natural durability and character.

Softwood

Softwoods like cedar and larch bring lighter, natural tones that work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary designs. Their distinctive grain patterns add character and warmth, and if left untreated, they’ll gently weather to a soft silvery-grey over time. Alternatively, applying oils can enhance and deepen their natural colour for a richer appearance. 

Thermo-Treated

Boards from the Thermory® collection, including ash and pine, are transformed through a chemical-free thermal modification process. This heat treatment naturally strengthens and stabilises the wood, reducing movement and improving durability.

The process also enhances the timber’s natural beauty, giving it a rich, darkened colour that runs throughout — not just on the surface. The result is a beautifully balanced material that combines modern aesthetics with long-lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Composite

Manufactured with recycled materials, composite cladding offers the warm, natural look of timber with minimal upkeep. Its deep-grain textures and subtle colour variations create an authentic wood appearance, while advanced co-extrusion technology provides long-lasting protection against fading, moisture, and UV damage.

How Cladding Profiles Shape Light and Shadow

The profile you choose not only defines how your cladding looks up close but also how it plays with light and shadow across the façade. Each cut, angle, and overlap creates its own distinctive shadow line, adding depth, texture, and character to the finished surface.

• Featheredge –Featheredge boards are tapered and fitted in overlapping layers, creating a classic, traditional look. This style is perfectly suited to heritage properties, rustic builds, and countryside projects, where an authentic and timeless appearance is desired.

• Square Edge – Square edge boards feature clean, uniform edges and flush lines, creating a straightforward, unfussy appearance that works beautifully in traditional builds and heritage-style projects. A classic type of weatherboard, it is installed in the same overlapping style as featheredge cladding, offering a reliable and timeless option for a wide range of applications.

• Shadow Gap – Shadow gap profiles are defined by the recessed lines between each board, creating clean, crisp definition. Designed for vertical installation, this style is popular in modern projects where subtle contrast and precision are key to the overall look.

• Shiplap – Shiplap cladding features overlapping boards with a gently concave rebate, creating a smooth, uniform surface while effectively shedding water. Designed for horizontal installation, it offers a perfect balance of neatness and depth, making it a versatile choice for a variety of styles and settings.

• Batten – Batten cladding uses narrow slats, installed vertically or horizontally, to create a bold texture and rhythmic pattern. This profile adds striking definition to modern façades and garden outbuildings, while also being a popular choice for constructing fence panels, offering both style and structure in outdoor spaces. 

• Shingles –  individually fitted tiles that weather beautifully over time, developing a natural patina unique to each project. Their small-scale texture adds warmth and softness to façades, making them especially effective for traditional builds and characterful  properties.

Choosing the right cladding profile depends on both the style of the property and personal preference. While modern designs often favour shadow gap or batten cladding for their clean lines and definition, traditional homes tend to suit the timeless appeal of featheredge or shingles.

Finishes – Naturally Weathered vs Oiled 

The finish you choose for your cladding plays a key role in both its appearance and the maintenance it requires over time.

• Letting it silver – All timbers — including oak, cedar, and larch — naturally weather over time to a soft, silvery-grey patina. This low-maintenance approach requires little more than an occasional clean and is often chosen for its subtle, understated appearance that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.

• Maintaining the colour and the role of oiling – Applying exterior oils helps to slow fading caused by UV exposure and enhance the natural grain, preserving the original warmth and depth of the timber. While recoating every year or two may be needed depending on exposure, the result is a richer appearance and a longer-lasting colour that showcases the wood’s natural beauty.

• Thermo-treated tones – Boards from the Thermory® range achieve their rich, deep colouring through the heat treatment process itself, without the need for surface staining. While the timber will naturally weather over time if left untreated, applying protective oils can help preserve its original tone and reduce premature weathering, keeping the boards looking their best for longer.

• Colour of composite – this cladding is co-extruded, giving it excellent resistance to fading, moisture, and UV damage. With no need for re-coating or ongoing treatment, it offers a durable, low-maintenance solution that keeps its appearance for years to come.

Each finishing option offers its own balance of appearance and upkeep, allowing you to choose a look that suits both your personal style and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with.

Texture and Pattern

Texture plays an increasingly important role in cladding design, with a growing preference for natural-looking surfaces. Brushed or sawn finishes add subtle relief, catching the light differently throughout the day and giving façades a greater sense of depth and interest.

Textured boards work especially well on feature walls, entrances, and other focal areas, introducing visual character and dimension that smooth cladding simply can’t achieve.

Installation Basics 

A well-designed ventilated sub-structure with a breathable membrane allows cladding to dry efficiently and helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped. Using stainless steel fixings is also highly recommended, as they resist rust staining and maintain long-term stability. For a sleeker finish, hidden clip systems can be used with compatible profiles, offering a clean, uninterrupted appearance.

It’s important to allow for seasonal movement within the cladding design so the boards can expand and contract naturally throughout the year. This flexibility helps maintain a neat, stable finish. Additionally, always seal any freshly cut ends with an end-grain treatment to prevent moisture ingress and prolong the life of the cladding.

Finally, consider the layout and direction of your cladding — the spacing of battens and whether boards are installed vertically or horizontally will influence not only how effectively water is shed, but also the rhythm and movement of light and shadow across the surface.

Maintenance and Longevity

Cladding doesn’t require much upkeep, but a little routine care helps it perform at its best. An annual visual check is usually enough to spot any issues early, along with a gentle clean to remove surface debris or algae. If you’d like to maintain the original timber colour, applying a fresh coat of oil every year or two will help slow fading and enhance the grain’s natural beauty.

All natural timbers undergo some micro-movement as they settle, along with gradual tonal changes. These are expected characteristics and add to the material’s authenticity. Composite cladding, by contrast, requires minimal upkeep beyond an occasional washdown to maintain its appearance.

With the right care, every cladding type offers a long service life, whether you choose to embrace natural weathering or maintain a freshly oiled look.

Budget and Spec Pointers

Cladding costs vary depending on the timber species, board dimensions, profile, and finishing choices. Dense hardwoods and thermally modified timbers tend to sit at the higher end of the scale, while softwoods and simpler profiles offer a more affordable option. Wider or longer boards and the use of premium finishes can also add to the overall cost.

When planning your project, it’s worth investing in the areas that make the greatest visual impact — such as prominent elevations, corners, trims, and the overall quality of installation. These details influence not only how the cladding looks up close, but also how it performs over time.

For less visible elevations or secondary buildings, you can often choose simpler species or profiles to achieve durability and a consistent look without adding unnecessary cost.

Expert Advice and Samples

Whatever style or setting you have in mind, there’s a cladding material, profile, and finish to suit your project. Each option brings its own character, texture, and performance, allowing you to create the look you want with confidence.

To take the next step, request free samples or speak with our team for tailored advice and a detailed quote – we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect match for your design.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will it silver? How fast?

Yes, both hardwoods and softwoods naturally weather to a soft, silvery-grey tone over time. The rate of change depends on exposure to sunlight and moisture, often beginning within a few months and gradually settling into a consistent colour over the following years.

Can I keep the original colour?

Regular oiling helps slow the colour change caused by UV rays and preserves the timber’s natural tones. Depending on exposure, recoating is usually recommended every 12–24 months to keep the wood looking its best.

Do textures trap dirt?

Brushed or patterned boards may collect a little more dust or debris than smooth profiles, but occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh. Many people find the extra depth and character well worth the minimal upkeep.