Choosing the Right Wood Cladding | Types of Wood and Their Properties

Wood cladding is becoming increasingly popular in modern architecture due to its aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. However, selecting the right type of wood can extend the lifespan of your project and reduce maintenance requirements. In this article, we will examine the factors to consider when choosing the right wood cladding and the characteristics of various types of wood.

What is Wood Cladding and Why Should It Be Preferred?

Wood cladding is a natural material applied to the exterior surfaces of buildings. It offers many advantages, such as providing a warm and inviting feel, being environmentally friendly, and offering natural insulation. Wood cladding also holds an important place in sustainability, as wood is a renewable resource that, when managed correctly, has minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, wood cladding adds aesthetic value to buildings and can be adapted to different architectural styles.

The Importance of Wood Types in Cladding

The choice of wood type directly affects the durability and aesthetics of the cladding. Different wood types adapt to different climatic conditions and aesthetic preferences. Choosing the right type of wood ensures that the cladding will be long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.

Why ThermoWood Stands Out

ThermoWood is a type of wood that undergoes a thermal treatment process involving heat and steam. This process enhances the wood's durability, making it highly resistant to decay and reducing maintenance needs. ThermoWood is produced without chemical additives, making it an eco-friendly choice. The heat treatment also alters the wood’s color, offering a range of aesthetic options for architectural projects.

Types of ThermoWood and Their Properties

The most well-known and commonly used types of wood in the market are as follows:

Thermowood Ash

Sourced sustainably from North American forests, Nova-Ash is highly regarded for its density, strength, and straight grain pattern. Classified in Durability Class 1, it showcases outstanding dimensional stability and resilience, which is complemented by its deep and vibrant colouration. Ideal for heavy traffic applications, Nova-Ash’s remarkable density contributes to superior stiffness, hardness, and resistance to impact, a quality further augmented through heat treatment. With its subtle wavy texture and distinctive grain patterns, Nova-Ash adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest to architectural designs. Novawood takes pride in its exclusive certification for thermo-treated Ash exterior plus, which achieves Durability Class 1. This certification underscores Novawood’s commitment to providing high-quality products that meet rigorous standards of quality and longevity

Thermowood Pine

Pine is widely sought after for thermal modification owing to its natural resistance to decay and warping. Nova-Pine, sourced from Scandinavian forests, boasts a light brown hue and knotty texture, striking a balance between authenticity and practicality. Classified as Durability Class 2, Nova-Pine offers robust and dimensionally stable solutions for decorative surfaces. Nova-Pine is a cost-effective option that harmonises with both indoor and outdoor settings, delivering exceptional weather resistance while enhancing architectural aesthetics. Overall, Nova-Pine emerges as a top choice, providing reliability, longevity, and affordability

Thermowood Iroko

Iroko is a tropical wood species that is extremely durable. Therefore, it is commonly used in exterior cladding. Iroko is dense and resistant to water and weather conditions, making it a long-lasting option. Aesthetically, it offers warm golden-brown tones and darkens as it ages.

Thermowood Ayous

Nova Ayous, sourced sustainably from Africa, undergoes a transformational process through Novawood Technology, resulting in a visually appealing hot golden yellowish-brown hue, elegant texture and high durability. Ayous achieves Durability Class 2 due to its density of 430, making it exceptionally lightweight. Its knotless and simple texture appeals to nature enthusiasts, offering versatility for both exterior and interior projects and serving as a cost-effective alternative to Western Red Cedar. Ayous’s natural water resistance makes it ideal for regions with high humidity or rainfall. Its lightweight nature also makes it easy to work with, further enhancing its suitability for a wide range of applications.

Thermowood Tulipwood

Nova Tulipwood, which is sourced sustainably from responsible North American forestry practices, is characterised by its plain grain, dark caramel hue, and lightweight nature. Known for its extended lengths and simple grain pattern, this wood provides both aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. Through the application of controlled heat treatment techniques developed by Novawood, Tulipwood attains heightened durability, thereby enhancing its resilience against diverse weather conditions. Nova Tulipwood is certified and classified as Durability Class 1, which means it will last at least 25 years in-ground and over 40 years above ground.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood Cladding

The factors to consider when choosing wood cladding are as follows:

Climate and Weather Conditions

It is critical to choose a wood type that is suitable for the climate conditions. For example, in humid climates, wood types with high resistance to decay and insects should be preferred. Similarly, in hot climates, thermally treated woods are more resistant to the effects of the sun.

Budget and Maintenance Requirements

Each type of wood has different maintenance requirements and costs. When determining your budget, you should consider the initial cost of the wood and the maintenance expenses that will be needed in the long run. Some types of wood may be more expensive initially, but require less maintenance, resulting in savings over time.

Aesthetic and Architectural Compatibility

Wood cladding should be compatible with your architectural style. The color, texture, and appearance of the wood as it ages will affect the overall aesthetics of your project. For example, smooth and minimal textured woods are preferred for modern structures, while more characteristic patterns are chosen for a rustic look.

How to Maintain and Ensure Long-Term Use of ThermoWood Cladding

Regular maintenance is essential for the long-term durability of wood cladding. Wood cladding can wear over time due to weather conditions, so regular cleaning and protective applications are important. Wood preservatives protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and harmful insects. Applying these preservatives at regular intervals extends the life of the wood and maintains its aesthetic appearance.

How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Project

Choosing the right wood cladding is crucial for the aesthetic and functional success of your project. Following expert recommendations, selecting the thermowood type that best meets your project's needs can provide significant advantages in the long run. Novawood's extensive product range offers high-quality wood cladding that caters to different needs and aesthetic preferences. To receive professional support in selecting the most suitable wood for your project, you can contact the Novawood team.

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