What type of cladding should I have on my garden studio

 

Here we compare the two wood types and why you may choose one for your studio 

 

The key thing to remember with Thermowood is that it has been heat treated at high temperatures and often steam to create a far more stable wood. The result is a product that is stable down to its cellular level meaning less moisture absorbed and therefore less movement 

 

Visually the finish of thermowood is far more uniform and consistent than that of cedar. It will have a darker sometimes caramel like colour with a balanced flow of solid knots throughout

 

It is a low resin timber meaning it has great stability and adaptability to changing climate and weather patterns 

 

Cost wise it is easier to predict than the far more unstable markets that surround cedar.

 

Thermowood is contemporary yet because of its rich even tones has the ability to blend well into the uk environment. It suits various cladding profiles including vertical and horizontal.

 

Cedar is naturally durable largely due to its oils that resist decay and even insects. As a result it has been used for external cladding in many different climates. It is lightweight and far softer than Thermowood.

 

Visually cedar is a striking modern impact style of cladding. Often used for a statement finish. It has highly grained patterns and colour differences ranging from deep dark browns to yellows and salmon pinks.

 

Cedar is considerably more expensive that Thermowood largely due to its proximity from the UK. True red cedar comes from North America and Canada. It has a warm textured finish giving a luxury wow factor to some projects.

 

Thermowood performs well in areas where fluctuating moisture conditions are likely. This means less movement like shrinkage and swelling.

 

Cedar is also stable but as a much softer timber does have the potential to expand and contract a small amount.

 

Both are perfect  for external cladding and should last for over 30 years if installed correctly 

 

All natural timber will eventually weather to a silver and grey if left untreated. This does not weaken the timber but changes the look dramatically. Products like osmo oil can be applied to slow or even stop this happening.

 

Once silver ,Thermowood retains its even tones whereas cedar will shade in different depths.

 

Impact wise Thermowood has a better footprint. Usually it is fast grown and then heat treated. Cedar by comparison travels from North America. Impacting its eco credentials and carbon footprint somewhat.

 

 

Larch is in many ways the median between Thermowood and cedar. It is however an incredibly strong species and has an amazing ability to move if not fitted correctly. Secret nail installs are not recommended for this reason.

 

Larch is used across Europe for many cladding situations because of its natural durability.

 

Larch contains natural resins that protect it from rot and insect decay in a similar way to the cedar oil does. Like cedar it is therefore naturally suitable for external cladding

 

Fundamentally strong and dense but not dimensionally stable, larch is suitable only when face fitted with strong nails or screws 

 

 

Composite cladding is manufactured usually using combinations of wood and plastic or even cement boards.

 

Design wise it usually replicates the look of natural timber either in a selection of colours or a copy of the real thing.

 

It offers great durability and is considered as maintenance free with a consistent appearance 

 

Composite cladding is dense and stable and will not rot or warp in. It won’t need to be treated and can even be lightly pressure washed to bring back its clean finish.

 

The negative is that composite cladding does tend to look synthetic and will not replicate the natural beauty found within timber. Although often they are made from recycled materials the use of plastics still has some negative attributes when it comes to sustainability

 

 

A popular option is to paint the timber with a modern specialist paint. Products like Bedec barn paint come in a  range of colours. These modern paints impregnate into the wood and therefore for a true long lasting colour.

 

Some brand like Zinsser offer coupe mixing to match an exact colour. The benefits of this finish are a box fresh studio for years to come with no fade or obvious signs of aging