External timber cladding

touchdown77

Why is timber cladding sometimes fitted horizontal, sometimes vertical. Is it just personal preference?

Besides cedar, what other timber is suitable for cladding? (one that will keep its rich dark colour)

thanks!

DOCARCH

Preference...but it is easier to fit horizontal cladding as only one set of (vertical) battens are required behind. With vertical cladding you need two sets of battens (vertical and horizontal).

Larch is another popular cladding timber.

sydthebeat

touchdown77 wrote: »

Why is timber cladding sometimes fitted horizontal, sometimes vertical. Is it just personal preference?

Besides cedar, what other timber is suitable for cladding? (one that will keep its rich dark colour)

thanks!

as above, it mostly comes down to preference.

Even if a ventilated cavity is required behind the cladding, the choice of horizontal or vertical can be made by simply designing the battens and counter battens to suit the proposed finish.

other choices of timber can also be iroko, oak, some firs.
If you want the timber to retain its deep colour generally it should be treated and stained. most untreated timbers will weather to a lighter and / or bluer colour over time, cedar especially.