TDUK SupplyingTimber Issue 8 DIGITAL - Magazine - Page 70
———— GREEN OAK CLADDING ————
10 REASONS TO LOVE
GREEN OAK CLADDING
Green oak cladding has always been the traditional choice for
rural properties and outbuildings but has now become increasingly
popular for modern and contemporary buildings. Here, TDUK member
WL West explores the bene昀椀ts of oak timber and highlights its top 10
reasons for choosing fresh sawn oak cladding.
TIMBER KNOWLEDGE
durable and long-lasting choice
for external cladding. It has
a natural resistance to decay
and insect attack and can
also withstand harsh weather
conditions. Maintenance is
relatively low, requiring minimal
cleaning and oiling.
As oak has a high tannin
content, tannin may exude from
the cladding boards during
the 昀椀rst few months after
installation, resulting in streaks
and stains. Tannin will also react
with and corrode any ferrous
metal, so stainless steel 昀椀xings
must be used.
Although oak is generally
more expensive compared to
softwoods like Western Red
Cedar and Douglas Fir, its
durability makes it a worthwhile
investment. Fresh sawn oak
cladding is usually a more
cost-e昀昀ective choice than air
dried oak but, being wet, this
↑
A
n iconic hardwood,
Oak has been
prized for
thousands of years
for its timeless beauty, strength
and resistance to decay. Its
honey brown colouring will
weather to a soft silvery-grey
when used externally and its
attractive grain makes it a
perennially popular choice.
European Oak is a dense,
heavy timber, making it a
Image: Green oak
is a timeless and
versatile choice for
cladding.
SUPPLYING TIMBER
70
SPRING 2025
