Timber Cladding – A Comprehensive Guide for Selecting the Best Wood

11.06.2025

Choosing the best wood for cladding

Timber cladding adds timeless charm and natural beauty to any building, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We will discuss:

The different types of timber cladding
Styles of timber cladding
Best timber cladding: Aesthetics
Best timber cladding: Durability
Best timber cladding: Maintenance
Best timber cladding: Cost
Traditional timber cladding vs modified wood cladding
Modified wood siding: Thermally vs acetylated wood

The different types of timber cladding

There are numerous different types of timber cladding available on the market but to help choose the best timber cladding, you need to look at all the available options:

Pine Cladding – affordable and easy to work with, but pine cladding is soft and therefore can be more prone to dents, cracking and warping as well as rotting if not properly sealed and maintained.

Oak Cladding – beautiful, strong and durable option with a distinctive grain, but it does require regular sealing to prevent moisture absorption and decay. It is less commonly used due to cost and maintenance needs.

Cypress Wood Cladding – naturally resistant to rot and moisture due to its natural oils. A durable choice that requires minimal maintenance but can be costly and difficult to source in some regions.

Western Red Cedar Cladding – a popular, moderately expensive timber cladding that is naturally resistant to insects and decay. However, it does need regular maintenance such as staining or sealing to prevent warping, splitting and splintering.

Douglas Fir Wood Cladding – a strong, lightweight timber with uniform, straight grain that resists twisting, heat and moisture. It holds finishes well, but is not as naturally decay-resistant as cedar or redwood and requires proper sealing.

Ipe Wood Cladding – a dense, naturally durable low-maintenance hardwood but comes at a high purchase cost. It is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and moisture and has a long lifespan, but is difficult to work with due to its hardness.

Engineered Wood Cladding – a manufactured product made from wood fibres and resin. It is engineered for durability and hence resistant to water, warping, fungus, is highly durable and low-maintenance. It is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood and requires less maintenance, but lower-quality options may be less durable, and improper sealing can lead to moisture-related issues over time.

Thermally Modified Wood Cladding – heat-treated wood that becomes more stable, moisture-resistant and durable. A sustainable choice that offers enhanced longevity while maintaining a natural wood appearance.

Charred Wood Cladding (Yakisugi) – traditionally a Japanese technique, where wood is charred to create a striking and durable surface and improves fire-resistance. It creates a unique aesthetic but may be prone to damage when it comes to extreme weathers such as hail.

Accoya Wood Cladding – considered one of the best and most advanced wood siding options, Accoya is a high-performance, acetylated wood known for its exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to rot, swelling, and insects. It is a sustainable choice with extensive warranties, though its superior quality comes at a premium price.

Project shown: Villa M facade and terrace, Germany. Architects: Delugan Meissl Associated Architects. Implementation planning: GME group. Photographs: Piet Niemann

Accoya Fassade und Terrasse Villa M Deutschland

Styles of timber cladding

It is not only the type of timber, but also the style of the timber cladding that plays a crucial role in the final look, durability and installation methods. Here are some wood cladding styles:

Clapboard Cladding – one of the most popular timber cladding styles, using thin horizontal long planks that slightly overlap, creating a classic, weather-resistant design. Also known as lap siding.

Board & Batten Cladding – a traditional vertical cladding style where wide vertical boards of wood are installed side by side with narrower strips (battens) covering the seams. This style creates a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic and offers good durability.

Bevel Cladding – similar to clapboard but with a tapered design, where the top edge is thinner than the bottom, creating a natural water-shedding effect.

Tongue & Groove Cladding – features interlocking edges for a seamless, smooth appearance. Can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for different design effects.

Channel Rustic Cladding – a variation of shiplap with a small channel between boards, adding texture while allowing for slight expansion and contraction of the wood. This style is less common, but is upcoming especially in modern architecture.

Shiplap Cladding – overlapping horizontal boards with a rabbet joint (notched edge) that creates a tight seal. Popular for both exterior and interior applications, offering a clean, modern, or farmhouse look.

Log Cladding – milled to resemble rounded logs, giving homes a traditional log cabin appearance while using less wood than full log construction.

Drop Cladding – similar to shiplap but with a curved or concave profile, allowing for a smoother transition between boards.

Shingle Cladding – more common in North America, shingle cladding requires high maintenance in damp UK conditions but is available through specialist suppliers.

Project shown: Arc Polo Farm in Surrey using charred Accoya cladding. Architects: DROO. Charred Wood Manufacturer: Exterior Solutions Ltd. Photography: Henry Woide

Now we have established the different styles and types of timber cladding, we need to consider the four key attributes: aesthetics, durability, maintenance and cost.

Aesthetics – how the timber cladding looks, including its natural grain, color options, and how it changes over time.
Durability – the timber cladding’s ability to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, pests, and UV exposure.
Maintenance – how much upkeep is required to keep the timber cladding in good condition, including sealing, staining, and painting.
Cost – the balance between initial price, longevity, and long-term maintenance expenses.

By examining these factors, you can determine the best wood siding that fits your project’s priorities, whether that’s long-term durability, minimal upkeep, or a specific aesthetic.

Best timber cladding: Aesthetics

When selecting the best timber cladding, aesthetics play a key role, as the material’s appearance will define the structure’s character for years to come. Most natural wood cladding offers an organic, timeless beauty, unlike vinyl, aluminum or fibre cement siding.

Choosing the best timber cladding purely on appearance is subjective, as color and style ultimately come down to personal preference.

For a lighter coloured timber cladding, consider Pine, Oak, Cedar, Spruce, , Douglas Fir or Accoya.

If you prefer a richer, darker tone, Western Red Cedar or Thermally Modified Wood are excellent options.

Looking for a natural grey hue with minimal maintenance? Accoya Color Grey offers a long-lasting, through-core colour solution.

You can even go all the way to the end of the colour spectrum with deep black tones by choosing wood that has been treated using the ancient Japanese technique of charring the wood called Yakisugi.

Another important factor to consider is that virtually all wood, unless regularly maintained, will weather and gradually fade to a silver-grey tone over time. The rate at which this happens depends on the wood species, with some showing signs of aging earlier than others. In general, darker timber cladding, except for charred wood, is more prone to fading due to UV exposure, while moisture and pollution can also impact colour changes.

If you want to skip the natural weathering process and achieve an instant grey aesthetic, Accoya Color Grey is a great option. It is coloured to match the look of naturally weathered wood from the start, ensuring a consistent appearance with minimal colour change over time.

Finally, the grain pattern can differ greatly from one type of wood siding to another. Douglas Fir timber cladding has longs straight graining whilst hardwoods have a tighter grain.

Project shown: Roche Diagnostics Headquarters, Barcelona. Architects: Batlleiroigs Architects. Distributor: Grupo Gámiz. Installed by Strunor.

Best timber cladding: Durability

How long does timber cladding last?

When you have gone to the expense and considerable bother to have timber cladding installed, you want it to last. Therefore, the best wood for cladding in terms of durability is the type that will give you decades of protection and ideally with minimal upkeep.

Top of the list in terms of durability is Accoya wood cladding. This fast-growing, sustainable softwood undergoes a proprietary high-temperature acetylation process that changes the structure of the wood to make it incredibly durable whilst retaining its natural beauty. In fact, Accoya comes with warranties of up to 50 years, offering long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are softwoods which are prone to rotting, warping and splitting. These include Pine and Douglas Fir. So, whilst they are amongst the most popular and affordable woods for siding, they are not the best timber cladding material for long-term durability.

Sitting in the middle are Cedar, Redwood, Cypress and Oak, which offer a balance of affordability and moderately good durability.

Project shown: SILT Building, Belgium. Architects: ZJA, OZ, DELVA and Bureau Bouwtechniek Construction companies: Furnibo and Democo. Specialists in wooden constructions: HESS TIMBER. Manufacture of the parts: Manufactured by HASSLACHER Holzbauteile. Installation: Arwo Bouw was involved in the installation.

Best timber cladding: Maintenance

While timber cladding longevity varies, proper maintenance can prolong its lifespan. Sealing or staining helps protect the timber cladding, however it can be a time-consuming, expensive and regular chore. That is why some of the best wood cladding are the types that require as little maintenance as possible.

There are three obvious ways of protecting your timber cladding and keeping it looking at its best. To different degrees, each method will provide protection from moisture, UV rays and the longevity of the wood if applied every few years.

Sealing– a clear protective layer of sealant needs to be applied to the timber cladding every few years to prevent moisture from penetrating. However, it does not protect against UV exposure, so wood may still fade over time.
Staining– a good quality semi-transparent or solid stain penetrates the fibres of the timber cladding and prevents moisture ingress and gives some UV protection. Stains allow the natural grain to show through while extending the wood’s life span.
Painting– a thick, opaque coating that provides the strongest UV and moisture barrier. However, if not properly applied and maintained, paint can trap moisture beneath the surface, leading to peeling, cracking, or rot.

Different types of timber cladding require maintenance of different types at different intervals.

Softwoods like Pine and Douglas Fir are the least durable of woods for cladding and need more frequent sealing or painting.

Semi-durable Timber Cladding like Cedar and Oak will always benefit from sealing to not only make them more resistant to rot and moisture but to also enhance their looks.

Hardwoods like Ipe are much stronger and more durable than most timbers for cladding but they still require sealing but with specialised sealants.

Engineered Wood Cladding is highly durable, stable and much less prone to rot and mould than most other woods. They can however benefit from sealing.

Acetylated Wood Cladding (Accoya) – exceptionally durable and naturally low-maintenance, Accoya can be left untreated without the risk of rot or decay. However, if painted or stained, it requires far less frequent maintenance than other timbers, as coatings adhere better and last significantly longer.

Project shown: Walden Farmhouse, near Salisbury. Supplier: Jewson in Salisbury via International Timber.

Best wood siding: Cost

How much is wood cladding?

When trying to work out the cost of the best timber cladding, it tends to work on a sliding scale that is in direct correlation with how durable the timber cladding is. Basically, the more durable the wood cladding, the more expensive it tends to be.

You have to weigh up not only how long the timber cladding will last, but also the maintenance costs and the value it will add to your home. Therefore, the higher quality and more durable the timber cladding you can afford, the better an investment it will be.

Ranking from the best timber cladding to the worst in terms of value for money, ease of maintenance and longevity, here is our round up for what is the best wood for cladding:

Best value timber cladding long-term – bang for buck, the best timber cladding are the woods with the longest lifespan like Accoya.

Best value timber cladding short-term – if you are prepared to spend time and money every one or two years maintaining all the cladding on your home, then a softwood cladding has the lowest initial purchase price.

Project shown: Private home in Delft. Architect: September architecture. Constructor: Bartels Ingenieursbureau B.V. Elst.

Traditional Timber Cladding vs Modified Wood Cladding

In the search for the best timber cladding, the ultimate showdown is between traditional timber cladding and modified wood cladding. One offers a lower price but potentially shorter lifespan, the other a higher pricetag but with up to five decades of guaranteed performance.

Traditional timber cladding, such as Pine, Cedar, and Oak, tends to be more affordable initially but requires regular sealing, staining, or painting to protect against rot, warping, and decay. Over time, maintenance costs add up, and traditional timber cladding will likely need replacement sooner than modified alternatives.

Modified Wood Cladding: Thermally vs. Acetylated Wood

Modified wood siding offers enhanced durability and stability, with two main types:

Thermally Modified Wood – this process uses heat treatment to change the wood’s structure, making it more resistant to moisture, decay, and pests. Thermally modified wood is often darker in colour due to the heat process and offers improved longevity over traditional timber, though it may still require some maintenance and surface treatments over time.

Acetylated Wood (Accoya) – unlike thermal modification, Accoya undergoes a patented acetylation process that permanently alters the wood at a molecular level. This significantly enhances its durability, stability, and resistance to swelling, shrinking, and decay — without compromising its natural beauty. Accoya is warrantied for 50 years above ground, does not require regular maintenance if left untreated, and holds a Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certification, with a Platinum rating for Material Health, making it one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly wood siding options available today. Additionally, paints and stains last much longer on Accoya than on other wood siding materials.

While both thermally modified wood and acetylated wood improve upon traditional timber’s weaknesses, Accoya stands out for its superior longevity, low maintenance, and unmatched sustainability credentials.

Project shown: Homes in the Forest, Lithuania. Architect: Architektūros linija. Accoya distributor: Argilla. Photography: Norbert Tukaj

Still undecided?

If you have any more questions regarding which is the best wood siding for your project, or need more information about Accoya high-performance wood siding, please contact us.