Timber cladding is an attractive external finish that works across a wide range of schemes and architectural styles. The cost of timber cladding, however, can vary depending on the type of timber you choose, the size and complexity of the project, and how much preparation and maintenance the cladding will require. The broad selection of
The post How Much Does Timber Cladding Cost? This is What to Budget for Exterior Wood Cladding in 2026 appeared first on Build It.
Timber cladding is an attractive external finish that works across a wide range of schemes and architectural styles. The cost of timber cladding, however, can vary depending on the type of timber you choose, the size and complexity of the project, and how much preparation and maintenance the cladding will require.
The broad selection of wood species means there are price tags at both ends of the scale. While a cheaper timber may help keep the initial cost down, it won’t have the same durability, performance and maintenance benefits of a more expensive solution. As with any external finish, it’s a good idea to consider both the upfront cost and the additional price of looking after the cladding over its lifespan.
Whether you’re self building a new house, renovating and looking to upgrade the existing house’s exterior, or on the hunt for cladding options for an extension, understanding the different costs involved can help you set a realistic budget. From the price of the timber itself to preparation, installation and ongoing maintenance, here’s what you need to know about the cost of timber cladding.
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What are the different types of timber cladding?
As well as offering natural thermal and acoustic insulation, timber cladding is widely used by architects and homeowners to update property exteriors, create modern facades and add character and texture to residential buildings. Within this, different wood species and treatments – such as softwoods, hardwoods and thermally modified timber – are able to provide advantages in cost, characteristics, lifespan and maintenance. Here are your key options:
Harwood timber cladding In the UK, oak remains a classic and popular choice for its inherent strength and charm. Over time, it can be left untreated and develop a silvery patina or the wood’s original honey tones can be retained by applying a protective coat every couple of years. Budget from £65 per m² for hardwood cladding.
Softwood timber cladding Larch and cedar are typically the most popular softwood cladding options in the UK. “Naturally durable species such as western red cedar and larch have inherent properties that make them suitable for external use,” says Steven Newman, managing director at Millworks. High-quality products tend to feature few knots, which makes them well-suited to crisp, machine-cut finishes on contemporary new homes and extensions. Budget from £45 per m² for most softwood cladding.
Modified timber cladding On the other hand, modified timbers, such as ash, pine and radiata pine, have been treated and engineered to enhance their performance for external applications and render them more stable. As a result, they bear similar characteristics to hardwood products in terms of their durability. Budget from £80 per m² for modified timber cladding.
This Brimstone Ash cladding from Vastern is thermally modified using high quality ash grown in local woodlands. The process makes the ash incredibly stable and confers a high level of durability. Available from £84 + VAT per m²
The post How Much Does Timber Cladding Cost? This is What to Budget for Exterior Wood Cladding in 2026 appeared first on Build It.