How Much Timber Cladding Do I Need?
Quick Answer
Calculate wall area, then add 10–15% for wastage and overlap
Based on: external timber cladding with overlap or tongue and groove profile. A 3m × 2.4m wall needs ~8–8.5m² of cladding.
How We Calculated This
Timber cladding coverage depends on the profile type and the overlap/loss per board:
- Wall area: 3m × 2.4m = 7.2m²
- Deduct window (if any): ~1m²
- Net area: ~6.2m²
- Add 10–15% wastage and overlap: 6.2 × 1.15 = ~7.1m²
- Plus battening: ~8 linear metres of 25 × 50mm battens per m²
Common Cladding Profiles
- Feather edge (weatherboard): Overlapping boards, traditional look. Board width 125–150mm, cover width ~100–125mm (25mm overlap).
- Shiplap: Interlocking rebated profile. Board width ~125mm, cover ~110mm.
- Tongue and groove: Tight-fitting, no visible overlap. Board width ~100–125mm.
- Larch / cedar boards: Vertical or horizontal, often with shadow gap. Board width varies.
- Waney edge: Natural bark edge, rustic look.
Timber Species for External Cladding
- Western Red Cedar: Naturally durable, Class 2. Premium choice, ~£30–50/m².
- Siberian Larch: Naturally durable, Class 3. Good value, ~£15–25/m².
- Treated softwood (Scandinavian Redwood): Pressure-treated, economical, ~£10–20/m².
- Thermowood: Heat-treated, stable, Class 2. ~£20–35/m².
- Accoya: Modified wood, Class 1. Premium, 50-year guarantee. ~£40–60/m².
Tips
Always install cladding on battens (minimum 25mm) to create a ventilated cavity behind. Use a breather membrane between the wall and battens. Fix with stainless steel ring shank nails or A4 screws. Allow timber to acclimatise on site for 1–2 weeks before installation. Leave a 10mm expansion gap at the bottom and between boards where appropriate.