The Ultimate Guide to Timber Cladding and Lining Boards: Choose the Right Timber

Timber cladding and lining boards are now a big hit in Australia's homes. They add a natural beauty that makes any space look better. Whether you're starting a new home, fixing up an old one, or updating your garage doors, picking the right timber is key. It ensures your project looks great and lasts a long time.

This guide will teach you all about picking the best for your needs. We'll cover the differences between cladding and lining, and how to choose timber for garage doors. You'll learn how to make a choice that looks stunning and lasts.

Key Takeaways

• Timber is a sustainable and carbon-capturing material, making it an eco-friendly choice for cladding.
• High BAL-rated timbers like Blackbutt, Ironbark, and Spotted Gum are suitable for construction in bushfire-prone areas.
• Hardwood species such as Teak, Jarrah, and Red Ironbark are naturally resistant to termites, providing added protection.
• Cost-effective options like Vacoa and Spotted Gum offer a balance of price and aesthetics for both interior and exterior applications.
• Proper maintenance, including cleaning, staining, or painting, is essential to preserve the appearance and structural integrity of timber cladding.

Understanding Timber Cladding vs Lining

Timber cladding serves different purposes. Cladding, with a 19mm profile, is great for both inside and outside. It's strong and protects against weather. On the other hand, lining boards, with a 9mm+ profile, are best for inside or sheltered outside spots. They're not for full outdoor use.

Cladding (19mm profile)

Its 19mm thickness can handle outdoor challenges like weather and sun. It adds beauty to buildings and protects them too. It's a top pick for many projects, from homes to offices.

Lining (9mm+ profile)

These are thinner, at 9mm+, and meant for inside or sheltered outside spots, making them a great product for various designs. They're not as durable as cladding for full outdoor use. They're used to add warmth and charm to spaces like walls and ceilings, especially under eaves or pergolas.

Timber Cladding Lining Guide: Considerations for Garage Doors

This project requires careful thought. For a 19mm profile, the weight is key. It must match the door's mechanism to avoid issues.

If your garage door faces harsh weather exposure, choose 19mm shiplap cladding boards. They are thicker and more durable, perfect for the Australian climate.

On the other hand, boards with a 9mm+ profile are ideal for covered garage doors. They are lighter, making them better for undercover areas. However, they're not for fully exposed conditions. For those needing more strength, a 19mm option is available, which is highly recommended for lasting performance and stability.

• Cladding boards (19mm profile) are recommended for garage doors in weather-exposed areas due to their increased durability and stability.
• Lining boards (9mm+ profile) are better suited for protected garage doors where weight is a critical consideration.
• Shiplap cladding (19mm) is the preferred choice for fully exposed garage doors to ensure long-term performance under harsh Australian climate conditions.

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Embrace the Natural Beauty of Timber

The beauty comes from its variability and unique character. Each piece of wood has its own colour, grain patterns, and textures. This makes your cladding project special and unique.

As time goes by, timber may darken and mature. This can make it even more beautiful. If you want something more uniform, you might look into engineered wood products.

Tasmanian oak is known for its light, creamy, and pinkish tones. It's a great choice if you like something different. American oak is mostly blonde with light straw tones and streaks of brown. Spotted gum has rich red and bold browns, making a strong statement.

Burnt Ash has dark, chocolatey tones. It's a durable and workable option for your interior. Malvec, a thermally-modified ayous, is a cost-effective choice. 

Board Lengths and Set Lengths Explained

When choosing timber cladding and batten boards, you have two main options: random lengths and set lengths. Knowing the difference can help you use materials better and make installation easier.

Cladding Board Lengths

These boards come in random lengths, from 0.9 to 5.4 metres. This flexibility means you can use more of each board and cut down on waste. But, remember to add 10% extra for waste and joins.

Batten Lengths

They also come in various lengths, from 0.9 to 3.6 meters. The same rules about waste and joins apply here. Planning well is key to using materials efficiently and saving on costs.

Set lengths of cladding and batten boards are also available, in 300mm increments (e.g., 0.6m, 0.9m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m, etc.). These boards might need a final cut onsite. The extra cost comes from the waste and time needed for extraction.

Choosing between lengths and set lengths depends on several things. These include material cost, how easy it is to install, and how precise you need the fit. 

Timber Movement and Expansion Gaps

Timber is a natural and versatile material. It changes with moisture levels and the environment, leading to movement and expansion. This is a key feature of timber, especially in outdoor use.

As it expands with the seasons, you might see changes. For example, screw heads may become visible near the shadowline. This doesn't mean the work was done wrong. It's just the timber adjusting to its new setting.

To handle this natural timber movement, it's important to have the right expansion gaps. These gaps are shown by the shadowline. 

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Choosing the Right Board Width

Choosing the right board width is important. You need to think about how much sun the area gets and the weather conditions. Boards that are 38-90mm wide are best for places with lots of sun. They don't warp or cup as much.

For wider boards (100mm and over), you might need to fix them extra to stop cupping. Any small gaps or blemishes can be covered up with timber putty or wood filler.

• Narrower boards (38-90mm) are less prone to warping and cupping in areas with high sun exposure.
• Wider boards (100mm+) may require additional face fixing to prevent cupping and maintain structural integrity.
• Timber putty or wood filler can be used to conceal minor gaps or imperfections in the boards.

Timber Durability Classes and Fire Resistance

Choosing the right material is key for your project. Timber durability ratings range from Class 1 (highest) to Class 4 (lowest). These ratings show how well the wood can handle stress and how long it will last.

Class 1 timbers like Blackbutt, and Ironbark are the most durable. They can last over 40 years above ground and 25 years in the ground. Class 2 timbers, such as Silvertop Ash and Western Red Cedar, last 15-25 years above ground, making them a good price option for long-term projects. They are great for many projects because of their durability.

Class 3 timber is average in durability. It lasts 7-15 years above ground and 5-15 years underground. This makes it good for indoor and decorative uses, especially when the timber was straight and well-finished. Class 4 timber is the least durable. It lasts 0-7 years above ground and about 5 years underground. It's mainly used for building and structural purposes. Thermal modification of timber can make it last longer and better withstand weather, providing great service over time. 

Conclusion

This guide has given you the key to picking the best material for your project. You now know the difference between cladding and lining. You also understand how to choose timber that looks great and lasts long.

We've covered important topics like board lengths, movement, and durability. These points help ensure your project looks good and meets building codes.

If you need superior quality, good advice, and excellent service send a message or call us. We will supply and install timber in stock and provide you with the best deal.

FAQ

What is timber cladding and why is it used?

It refers to the use of timber boards that are attached to the exterior of a building as a protective and aesthetic layer. This timber feature provides insulation, weather resistance, and enhances the overall visual appeal of a property. It is often chosen for its natural look and durability, making it a popular choice for both commercial and residential buildings.

What are lining boards and how do they differ from cladding?

They are interior timber products used to finish walls and ceilings, while timber cladding is primarily used for exterior applications. They provide a smooth and finished appearance inside a building, often enhancing its warmth and character, especially when sanded properly. 

How do I choose the right timber species for my project?

Choosing depends on various factors such as aesthetics, durability, and environmental conditions. For instance, Australian hardwood e.g. blackbutt is excellent as an exterior due to its natural resistance to decay and pests. It’s essential to consider the specific timber needs of your project and consult with a knowledgeable timber supplier for expert advice.

What should I look for in timber quality?

When assessing timber quality, consider factors such as grain consistency, absence of defects, and moisture content. High-quality timber should be straight, free from large knots, and have a uniform appearance. Additionally, reputable suppliers will often provide information about the timber species and its suitability.

How is timber cladding installed?

Installing stirrups and timber correctly is vital for structural integrity. It typically involves several steps, including preparing the wall surface, selecting appropriate fasteners, and ensuring proper moisture barriers. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation, including maintaining adequate spacing and alignment for expansion and contraction. Hiring experienced contractors or a timber supplier with product knowledge can ensure a successful installation.

What are the benefits of using timber over other materials for cladding?

Using this offers several advantages over other materials. It provides a natural, aesthetic appeal that can enhance the overall design of a building, making it a popular choice for projects like decking and focal points. Timber is also lightweight, easy to work with, and offers competitive prices compared to materials like stone or metal. Vic ash and ironash, for example, are good quality timbers that are durable and can be treated for added protection. Timber can be locally sourced, meaning delivery is just right. In addition, timber offers versatility, can be installed easily with a handful of fixings, and has a wide selection of options that can accommodate various designs. 

How do timber durability classes and fire resistance affect the selection of timber for a project?

Durable timbers like ironash and radiata pine fall into specific durability classes, indicating how well they withstand decay, termites, and weathering, especially in exterior environments like decking or shadow line designs. Timber durability influences longevity, while this ensures compliance with regulations. Many contractors offer help and advice and can guide you in choosing the best timber.

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