How Much Does Timber Cladding Cost? This is What to Budget for Exterior Wood Cladding in 2026

What will influence the cost of timber cladding?

Modified pine and UK-grown wood species tend to sit towards the more accessible end of the market, with prices starting from around £40 per m². Species that offer a clearer grade, with fewer knots, or hardwoods such as Ash, are popular mid-range choices, typically starting from around £65 per m², offering distinctive aesthetics and good performance.

Premium species, or those with vertical grain such as Abodo Vulcan, tend to sit at a higher price point due to the material itself and the additional processing involved. “When comparing options, it is important to consider durability, expected service life, maintenance requirements and the intended application rather than just the initial material price,” says Steven. A higher initial investment can sometimes offer better value over the lifetime of a building. The best choice is ultimately about finding the right balance between appearance, performance and budget for the project.

This home features ThermoWood Ash cladding from Millworks. Available at £85 per m²

While the timber species is a leading factor, there are several other elements that can impact the final cost, including grade, board dimensions, profile design, coating and fire treatment. Profile, for example, is particularly important. “An overlapping or tongue-and-groove board will require more timber to cover the same square metre than an open rainscreen profile,” says Steven. “Project complexity, bespoke profiling, finishing requirements and the fixing system can also affect the overall cost.” It is therefore worth comparing the cost of the complete cladding system, rather than simply the timber price per m².

How will the preliminary works impact costs?

Timber cladding needs to be installed as part of a properly designed wall build-up. If you are undertaking a renovation project, your existing walls may need to be prepared to accommodate the new cladding system. The extent of this work – and therefore the preliminary cost – will depend on the condition and construction of the existing wall. Straightforward walls may require relatively little preparation, while older, uneven or damaged walls can require additional work to create a level fixing plane before installation can begin.

A well-ventilated cavity behind the cladding is essential, allowing air to circulate and moisture to drain away from the building envelope. “The base of the cladding should typically be kept at least 200mm above finished ground level, with the cavity detailed to manage water effectively,” says Steven. “Attention should be given to openings, corners, roof junctions and other areas where water could collect.”

This timber frame home, designed by Kirsty Maguire Architects, has been finished with Russwood’s high-performance Scotlarch cladding, specified in two different widths to create visual interest. Photo: David Barbour

These requirements need to be considered when estimating preliminary costs, as creating the appropriate cavity, fixing plane and detailing around openings can involve additional materials and labour. Existing walls need to be assessed for their condition and ability to support the proposed cladding system. Particular care may be needed around damp, existing damage, poor insulation, windows and doors, as well as where the existing wall does not provide sufficient space for the required cavity and ventilation. “Assessing the existing wall build-up before selecting the cladding can help avoid unnecessary cost and ensure the finished detailing works as intended,” says Steven.

What are the different timber cladding fixing systems?

A common approach when it comes to installation is to fix cladding boards to treated timber battens, using either visible or concealed screws. As the battens form a crucial role in the overall system, their expected service life should correspond to the durability of the timber cladding you have chosen. “There is little benefit in specifying a highly durable timber cladding system if the supporting components behind it are likely to require replacement sooner,” says Steven.

Designed by Prewett Bizley, this home is clad in green oak that will patinate and weather over time. Internally, the rooms are lined in planed oak from Reeve Wood or painted plywood, a more refined version of the characterful external cladding. Photo: Graham Bizley

The fixing method cannot be considered independently from the cladding itself. Timber species, movement and profile design will all influence the appropriate fixing method. The building’s construction, cavity arrangement and substrate will also influence the appropriate detail. This is one of the areas where getting technical advice early can be particularly valuable. The most popular timber cladding fixing systems:

Screw fixing

This method involves securing wooden cladding boards to a subframe using mechanical screws instead of nails. While this system will generally have a lower upfront material cost, the installation process tends to be more time-consuming where visible fixings need to be carefully aligned and detailed across the facade.

Concealed fixing

This system, on the other hand, involves attaching the timber cladding to the support framework using hidden fasteners so that no nails or screws are visible on the finished outer surface. Specially shaped timber profiles – such as tongue-and-groove or rainscreen boards – must be used rather than standard flat panels. “Concealed fixing systems typically carry a higher upfront material cost but can be up to 50% faster to install, potentially reducing labour costs and narrowing the difference in overall system price,” says Steven.

A concealed fixing system is particularly worthwhile where the appearance of the facade is important, and you want the timber to read as a clean, uninterrupted surface without visible screw heads. It’s also beneficial when the cladding is coated. Keeping the face of the board free from fixing holes helps maintain the integrity of the coating which can extend coating life by up to three times and substantially reduce maintenance requirements.

For modern homes, extensions and larger elevations, a concealed fixing system can therefore combine a cleaner aesthetic with faster installation and longer-lasting finishes.

The Grad x Millworks clip system uses factory-installed, pre-spaced clips to deliver a clean finish and faster installation, thus reducing the cost of skilled labour

What drives timber cladding installation costs?

Installation costs can vary depending on the timber and cladding profile. Tongue-and-groove systems can be more labour-intensive, while thermally modified timber and some naturally durable hardwoods may require additional care or pre-drilling. Certain profiles, such as half-lap boards, can be fixed efficiently using a second-fix nail gun, making installation faster and more cost-effective. Generally speaking, simple elevations with standard profiles and straightforward detailing are generally quicker and easier to clad.

However, there is a series of factors that may drive installation costs. Features that add complexity and require additional cutting and detailing will lead to increased installation time and involve more precision. “We would suggest allowing at least 10% extra budget for cutting and wastage,” says Stefan Tyrie, sales manager at Vastern Timber. “More may be required for particularly complex elevations or unusual board layouts.”

Some key cost drivers to keep an eye out include:

• Contemporary designs with concealed fixings or intricate detailing.
• Corners, openings, junctions & changes in direction.
• Unusual shapes, curves & complex elevations.
• Details around windows, doors and other openings should ideally be considered by the architect during the design stage. These areas require careful attention to weatherproofing, ventilation and water management, but they can sometimes be overlooked.
• The height of the building. Scaffolding, access equipment, health and safety requirements, and the practicalities of working with tools at height can all add to the cost.
• The installer’s day rate.

A builder with plenty of experience installing timber cladding is usually the best choice. A confident self builder may also be able to undertake the work, provided they carry out thorough research and plan the installation carefully.

Case study Farmhouse with a sleek timber-clad extension

On the outskirts of Aberdeen, this farmhouse has been transformed into a contemporary family home through a complete reconfiguration and extension by Rachael Walker Architects. The project combines the character of the existing building with a bold new extension, using its folded geometry to create a distinctive modern twist.

A key part of the design is the use of strategically positioned black timber cladding, which creates a striking contrast between the crisp, contemporary appearance of the extension and the period charm of the existing farmhouse.

Photo: Grant Anderson Photography

Russwood’s Thermopine cladding was selected for the exterior, factory-coated black in the RW119 tongue-and-groove profile. Made from thermally modified Scandinavian Scots pine, the treatment improves the timber’s dimensional stability and durability, reducing its tendency to shrink and swell and making it particularly suitable for factory-applied coatings. This improved stability can also help the coating last longer, reducing maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the cladding.

Photo: Grant Anderson Photography

The result is a stunning rural extension where the dark timber exterior helps define the new architecture while providing a cohesive finish across its angular form.

How will timber finishes & maintenance details impact costs?

Timber cladding can be left untreated to weather naturally, or it can be coated to help retain more of its original colour. UV-protection oils are commonly applied by hand and will typically require recoating approximately every two years. “For a hand-applied finish, the coating itself may cost approximately £4 per m², plus the cost of labour,” says Stefan.

Factory-applied coatings are available from a smaller number of suppliers and may last around may last around five years before its first maintenance coat is required, after which maintenance intervals will depend on the product, location and level of exposure. This option can also provide a more consistent finish. However, they are generally more expensive. The selected finish will affect both the frequency and cost of future maintenance, so it is important to consider this at the design stage and understand the long-term commitment involved.

Randell Design Group reimagined a traditional Dutch barn as a modern one-and-a-half-storey extension. To create contrast with the adjacent flint and brick surfaces, Russwood supplied a SILA Select Siberian Larch cladding with a Microtex finish and coated in SiOO:X Mid Grey. Photo: Julia Toms Photography

Maintenance requirements are influenced by the building’s orientation, the amount of shade, exposure to weather and whether the property is in a coastal location. Shaded or highly exposed elevations will generally require more attention. Cladding closer to ground level may require more maintenance because of rainwater splashback. Cladding in shaded areas can also need additional attention because it dries more slowly and may retain moisture. Ongoing costs can be minimal if the wood is allowed to weather naturally. However, the cost of cleaning and recoating should be taken into consideration if you are opting for finishes or coatings.

What if you need to replace timber boards?

Whether replacing damaged boards will be an easy fix will depend on the timber, profile, fixing system accessibility and work required. Replacing a single board may still involve a minimum call-out or labour charge. Secret- or concealed-fixing systems can make individual boards more difficult to access and replace, potentially increasing the time and cost involved.

While a new board is unlikely to match weathered cladding immediately, its appearance should become closer over time. The profile also affects how easily a board can be replaced. Square-edge boards can usually be replaced like for like, whereas tongue-and-groove boards may need to be cut or adapted to fit into an existing elevation.

“We always recommend that homeowners keep some spare boards from the original installation, where possible,” says Stefan. “This helps ensure that the same timber species, grade and profile are available if repairs are needed later.”