Types of Timber Cladding

Softwood timber species are the most accessible cladding materials in Australian construction, though their name can be misleading.

The term “softwood” doesn’t mean they are actually soft. They come from coniferous or evergreen trees with needles and cones, while hardwoods come from deciduous broadleaf trees.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is one of the best softwood cladding choices that grows in British Columbia and western USA. It delivers exceptional natural durability without preservative treatment. Western Red Cedar weighs just 23 pounds per cubic foot and provides excellent thermal insulation with impressive decay and insect resistance. The wood’s natural oils can corrode ferrous metals, so builders must use stainless steel fixings.

Hemlock

Hemlock, especially Western Hemlock from North America, serves as another excellent softwood option. The wood’s lustrous pale timber works well for fine detailing and carving. Hemlock’s straight grain and medium-to-fine texture make it an attractive and cheaper alternative to cedar.

Alaskan Cedar

A premium softwood option with compact grain and delicate facing, Alaskan Cedar weighs less than traditional cedar while delivering exceptional durability. The timber’s natural oils provide excellent resistance to rot and pests, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. With a Class 1 Durability Rating, Alaskan Cedar lasts 40+ years above ground, surpassing cedar’s performance while offering distinctive yellow-white tones that age gracefully to an elegant silver

Thermal modification turns ordinary wood into a superior building material through specialised heat treatment. This chemical-free method boosts timber’s natural properties and creates highly durable and stable cladding without toxic preservatives.

The timber goes through dramatic cellular changes during thermal modification. The process reduces the wood’s equilibrium moisture content by up to 40% compared to untreated softwoods.

The thermal treatment breaks down hemicellulose, a sugar compound that fungi feed on, which makes the wood more resistant to decay and insects.

Thermally modified timber shows better dimensional stability than untreated timber. Tests reveal minimal expansion between 35% and 85% relative humidity conditions.

To name just one example, a 120mm-wide thermally modified spruce board expands only 1mm while standard spruce expands 3mm. This exceptional stability makes it perfect for exterior cladding where weather constantly affects the material.

Thermo-Wood Process Overview

The Thermo-Wood process happens in three distinct phases. 

1. The kiln temperature rises faster with heat and steam to about 100°C, then climbs to 130°C until moisture content nears zero. 

2. The temperature then reaches between 190°C (Thermo-S) and 212°C (Thermo-D) based on the intended use and stays there for 2-3 hours. 

3. The final phase cools and conditions the moisture, bringing wood moisture content above 4%.

Thermally modified timber provides more benefits beyond durability and stability.

It offers better thermal insulation (20-25% higher than standard kiln-dried softwoods), stronger resistance to fungal attack, and creates a beautiful golden-brown look that proper finishes can preserve.

This modification works well with many wood species – both softwoods like Pine and Spruce and hardwoods such as Oak and Ash.

The process completely changes the wood’s properties. It becomes resin-free, dimensionally stable, and much more resistant to decay, lasting up to 60 years.

Sustainability has become the main goal in selecting building materials in our eco-conscious market, beyond just looks and strength. Timber cladding brings amazing eco-friendly benefits, especially when you have responsibly sourced materials through certified channels.

Environmental Benefits of Timber Cladding

Timber ranks among the most eco-friendly cladding materials accessible to more people today.

It acts as a natural carbon store. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow.

Each tonne of CO2 absorption leads to about three-quarters of a tonne of oxygen production. The stored carbon stays locked in timber cladding throughout its life, even after harvesting.

Picking timber over other materials will give a huge environmental advantage.

Studies show that using wood instead of alternative building materials saves about 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per cubic metre.

The environmental impact stays low because timber renews itself naturally. Even the waste gets put to good use – offcuts become firewood or sawdust.

Timber grows naturally using just sunlight, water and soil nutrients, unlike manufactured materials that need lots of energy to produce.

This natural sustainability makes it the top choice for eco-conscious projects.

Certifications to Look For

Australia has two independent global forest certification schemes: 

1. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

2. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

These certifications prove that timber comes from well-managed forests that balance environmental, social and economic needs.

The FSC started in 1993 to address deforestation concerns.

It certifies forestry work based on strict environmental and social guidelines. PEFC, which began in 1999, promotes good practices across the forest supply chain and ensures timber products meet high ecological standards.

Both systems verify that forests maintain biodiversity, support ecosystems, and provide steady timber supply. Certified timber helps forest conservation while giving you great looks and functionality.

Note that you should look for either the FSC “tree tick” logo or PEFC “green trees” symbol. These marks guarantee your purchase supports responsible forest management.