If you’re drawn to the warm, natural character of timber, cedar cladding, most commonly Western Red Cedar (often abbreviated as WRC), is one of the best options available. Known for its rich tones and fine grain, it offers a timeless look that suits both modern architecture and traditional homes. Beyond its visual appeal, cedar is valued for being lightweight, dimensionally stable and naturally durable, making it an excellent choice for UK projects where low maintenance and long-lasting performance are important. Whether you are planning a new build, a garden room or a stylish extension, cedar cladding provides a contemporary timber façade that weathers beautifully with minimal effort.
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What is Cedar Cladding?
Cedar timber cladding is exterior wood cladding milled from Western Red Cedar (WRC). Thanks to its natural oils and low density, cedar is easy to handle, resists decay and movement, and weathers beautifully. Fresh boards show warm red-brown tones; left untreated, they mellow to a soft silver that suits modern British architecture and coastal styling.
Ready to source? Explore sustainable cedar cladding options, including UK-friendly profiles and sizes.
Why Choose WRC Timber Cladding for UK Projects?
When it comes to exterior timber cladding for UK projects, WRC (Western Red Cedar) stands out for a combination of natural performance, ease of use, and aesthetic versatility. From its durability in wet and dry conditions to its lightweight stability, low-maintenance finish options, and strong sustainability credentials, WRC offers a compelling choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. Here’s why it’s a top pick for a wide range of cladding applications.
- Naturally durable: Cedar’s inherent resistance to rot and insects makes it ideal for the UK’s wet-dry cycles.
- Lightweight & stable: Easier to cut and fix than many hardwoods, with less seasonal movement.
- Low maintenance: Leave to weather for a silver finish or keep the warm tones with a UV-oil—your choice.
- Sustainability credentials: Look for responsibly sourced timber (FSC/PEFC) to lower embodied carbon versus masonry.
- Versatile looks: Works for vertical and horizontal cladding, rainscreen, shiplap and tongue-and-groove (T&G).
Profiles & Styles (Pick by Look and Buildability)
- Rainscreen (open-joint): Contemporary slatted effect with a black breather membrane behind; excellent ventilation.
- Tongue-and-groove (T&G): Fast to install, crisp lines; suitable vertically or horizontally.
- Shiplap: Traditional overlap that sheds water well; great for classic homes and outbuildings.
- Parallelogram slats: Modern “cedar slat cladding” for garden rooms, fences and accent panels.
Open Joint Rainscreen
Tongue and Groove Cladding profile
Shiplap Cladding Profile
Parallelogram Slats
Design tip: Vertical cedar cladding can visually raise a single-storey elevation; horizontal boards can widen a narrow façade.
Planning & Installation Tips for timber Cladding (UK)
Proper planning and installation are key to getting the best performance from timber cladding in UK conditions. Paying attention to ventilation, fixings, sealing, and detailing ensures your cladding looks great and lasts for decades. Here are some essential tips to guide a successful installation.
- Ventilated cavity: Always include a drained and ventilated air-gap behind the boards; this prolongs service life.
- Correct fixings: Use stainless steel screws or nails to avoid black staining and ensure longevity.
- Seal cut ends: End-grain sealer reduces moisture uptake and board movement.
- Mind the details: Flashings, drip edges, and 150–200 mm ground clearance are small details that deliver big durability.
- Substructure matters: Use treated battens and keep fixings off membrane lines to maintain your weather barrier.
Finishes & Maintenance: Keep the Colour or go Silver
- Natural weathering: Expect a uniform silver-grey within 6–18 months depending on exposure (south-facing weathers faster).
- Clear/UV oils: Preserve the freshly milled tone; plan for clean-and-recoat every 2–4 years, exposure-dependent.
- Tinted finishes: Subtle tints can harmonise colour variation across different elevations and batches.
Maintenance routine: Annual gentle rinse, check ventilation isn’t blocked, trim vegetation, and re-oil only if you’re maintaining colour.
Cost & Value
While Western Red Cedar cladding isn’t the cheapest timber, its speed of installation, dimensional stability and low maintenance can make it excellent value over the life of a façade. You’re also investing in curb appeal and a lower-carbon exterior compared with many alternatives.
Sourcing consistent WRC boards? See Western Red Cedar cladding for UK-ready profiles and guidance.
