Types of cladding for timber frame houses

Types of cladding for timber frame houses

The beauty of building a new home with a timber frame system is not only knowing that it is constructed with sustainable, environmentally friendly timber that’s a great natural insulator, but also because you can design every detail – inside and out.

One of the biggest decisions that you will make is how your finished home will look on the outside. A traditional masonry finish remains popular, but constructing your home with a timber frame system allows you to choose from a wide range of cladding solutions that will make your home look unique and incredible.

Considerations when choosing cladding for timber frame houses

Target Timber’s timber frame systems comprise closed panel systems walls that, including outer brickwork, offer U-values down to 0.16 – among the lowest on the market.

The insulated closed panels are designed to suit the type of cladding that you choose so that these optimum U-values can still be achieved. Even if you opt for two different types of cladding, this will be taken into consideration at the design stage.

How is cladding applied to your timber frame house

Before cladding can be applied, the timber frame panels are covered in an airtight and watertight membrane. This is a breathable barrier that prevents moisture from entering the building.

Battens are then fixed to the timber frame panels, over the membrane. These will create a cavity between the membrane and the cladding that allows moisture to evaporate. The type and size of batten or fixings will depend on the type of cladding.

Cladding options for timber frame houses

Masonry – any type of standard house brick or custom-made brick is low maintenance and highly durable.

Timber cladding – these come in a range of finishes and they can be stained or painted. Some of the most popular include:

Cedar – highly durable, insect resistant, and will weather naturally
Larch – this has a unique grain that is best seen if left to age naturally
Oak – again, very durable and its grain can be enhanced by staining
Pine – a softwood that would require preservative treatment to increase durability
Spruce – similar to pine, it has a lovely look but will require preservative treatment
Accoya – this is a highly durable timber that has been treated to make it rot-resistant

Target timber frame house

Stone cladding – attractive and durable, stone can give a home a rustic or ultra-modern look and it can be cut into various sizes. The most popular types include granite, limestone, slate, basalt, and sandstone.

Metal cladding – whether stand-alone or combined with timber or stone, metal cladding gives a stylish modern finish. Options include steel, aluminium or zinc which come in all kinds of finishes and colours.

Timber frame detached house

Composite cladding – this low maintenance option is made from a combination of materials such as wood, plastic and metal and comes in a range of different shapes, textures and colours.

Take a look through our Project Gallery to see plenty of types of cladding on timber frame houses.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about cladding on timber frame houses.