Installing exterior timber cladding is an effective, budget-friendly way to add personality and character to your outdoor space. It’s a very low-maintenance cladding material, only requiring a wash and a brush every now and then to look as stunning as the day you installed it.
But, before you can enjoy your refreshed outdoor space, you’ll need to know how to clad an exterior wall with wood and fix it properly.
To help make the process as stess-free as possible, our experts at Funky Timber have put together a simple external cladding installation guide below with step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the best possible results.
Step 1: Choose your timber cladding
It’s important to choose a style of timber cladding that fits your property’s aesthetic. At Funky Timber, we offer sustainably sourced timber cladding and reclaimed timber cladding. We even have combination packs if you’d prefer a mixture of complementary colours.
Make sure you order the correct board size for your exterior area and take advantage of available customisation options. We offer paint, varnish, treatment, and glitter finishes for extra durability, as well as square-edge or tongue-and-groove cladding profile variations for a seamless finish.
To make the installation process even easier, you can add our DIY installation pack to your order. Just tell us the length of your exterior wall, and we’ll provide you with everything you need.
Step 2: Let your timber cladding boards acclimate
Timber is a very reactive material that ‘breathes’. With this in mind, the wood needs to absorb and release moisture before installation. This will prevent any expansion or contraction once it’s installed.
Once your timber cladding has arrived, leave it in a dry area out of direct sunlight and with a consistent temperature for around 48 to 72 hours before you start the installation process.
Step 3: Gather your installation tools
To install your exterior timber cladding, you will need the following tools:
• Your timber cladding boards
• Battens
• A breathable membrane (optional — our timber cladding boards are pressure treated for rot and weather protection, but a membrane can be used as an extra layer of protection)
• Timber cladding fixings — stainless steel screws or nails that are at least 2.5x the thickness of your boards
• Measuring tape, level, saw, drill, staple gun, hammer, or a 2nd fix nail gun
Step 4: Prepare the surface
Make sure that the exterior surface you’re installing your cladding onto is clean.
If you’re adding a breathable membrane, simply roll and stretch it over the surface, overlapping each layer by roughly 100mm. Secure it in place with a staple gun as you go and trim any overhanging excess.
Step 5: Install the battens
Your cladding battens will provide an air gap between your timber cladding boards and the surface, providing ample ventilation to protect against moisture damage. They also act as a supportive framework base, providing a stable surface for your timber cladding to attach to.
Decide whether you’ll be installing your timber cladding and battens vertically or horizontally, and trim them to size using a saw if need be. Then, nail or screw each batten to the surface, leaving 400mm gaps between each.
Step 6: Fix your cladding
Once your batten framework is in place, you can fix your exterior cladding panels.
If you’re working horizontally, it’s best to start from the bottom and work your way up. The first board is the most important, as it sets the alignment for the rest of your installation, so we recommend using a spirit level to confirm it is even, and repeat this process after every board.
Attach each board to the timber battens using two screws or nails, placing them approximately 20mm from the edge of the surface to avoid splitting. If you’re using nails, try driving them in at an angle for better grip.
Typically, we recommend you install cladding with stainless steel nails and a 2nd fix nail gun. This way is super quick and easy – perfect for beginner DIY-ers
Seamless external timber cladding installation with Funky Timber
When you buy timber cladding products from Funky Timber, you can choose the exact size you need, as well as any varnish, treatment, and fire–resistant coating options at checkout.
We will deliver your cladding boards to your property ready to install (after acclimatisation) so you can get your outdoor space looking stylish in no time.
With the addition of our optional DIY installation pack, you’ll have almost everything you need to fit exterior cladding in your space. If you need further installation instructions, though, our team is here and would be more than happy to offer advice.
Don’t fancy tackling a DIY timber cladding installation? Take advantage of our expert team’s installation service, and we’ll fit it for you! Simply use our installation quote form, or call us on 01744 747 787, and we will provide a quote. Browse our exterior cladding boards today, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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