TDUK SupplyingTimber Issue 8 DIGITAL - Magazine - Page 72
———— GREEN OAK CLADDING ————
Low-carbon footprint
TIMBER KNOWLEDGE
WL West's green oak cladding
is sourced from France, making
transport miles signi昀椀cantly
lower compared to materials
like Canadian Western Red
Cedar. By choosing British
or European timber, the
carbon footprint associated
with transportation is
reduced, making it a more
environmentally responsible
choice for your project.
Furthermore, green oak
cladding is used in its
unseasoned state, which
eliminates the need for energyintensive kiln drying and further
reduces energy consumption.
Compared to heavily
processed cladding materials
like uPVC, metal and tile, green
oak timber cladding has a much
lower embodied carbon, making
it one of the most sustainable
options available.
Excellent longevity
European oak is a dense
and heavy timber, known for
its strength and durability,
making it an excellent choice
for external cladding. It has a
natural resistance to decay and
insect attack and can withstand
harsh weather conditions.
The expected life for WL
West's green oak cladding, for
example, is 30 to 60 years.
Low maintenance cladding
Green oak cladding is incredibly
low-maintenance, requiring
no chemical treatment either
before or after installation.
Unlike many other materials, it
does not need to be painted,
stained, or sealed, as its natural
properties provide excellent
resistance to decay and
weathering.
Over time, the green oak
weathers beautifully to a
silvery-grey 昀椀nish without any
intervention, allowing it to
develop a natural patina that
adds to its charm.
Maintenance is limited to
occasional cleaning to remove
surface dirt or debris, ensuring
it continues to look its best with
minimal e昀昀ort.
This low-maintenance quality
makes green oak cladding an
ideal choice for homeowners
and project managers seeking a
durable, hassle-free solution for
exterior cladding.
Insulating and
acoustic properties
Fresh sawn oak cladding is
not only visually striking but
also highly practical, o昀昀ering
excellent thermal insulation
and acoustic properties. The
installation of green oak
cladding can help to regulate
indoor temperatures, due to its
natural density, keeping spaces
cooler in summer and warmer in
winter, which can reduce energy
usage.
It also e昀昀ectively absorbs
external noise, mitigating
the impact of noise pollution
and creating a comfortable
environment. This combination
of beauty and functionality
makes fresh sawn oak cladding
a smart choice for any building
project.
A cost-e昀昀ective material
Although fresh sawn oak is
generally more expensive than
softwoods such as western
red cedar or douglas 昀椀r, its
durability makes it a worthwhile
investment.
Compared to air or kiln-dried
oak, green oak is usually a more
a昀昀ordable option, perfect for
those seeking the beauty and
SUPPLYING TIMBER
72
strength of oak for their exterior
timber cladding, without the
premium price.
Breathable timber
As oak is a breathable and
permeable material, it allows
moisture to escape from the
building. This helps to prevent
issues like mould that can arise
from trapped moisture in nonbreathable materials, such as
uPVC cladding.
For green oak cladding, this
breathability is especially
bene昀椀cial, as it ensures the
timber remains stable while
maintaining the health and
integrity of the building’s
structure over time. If you
are looking for an attractive,
sustainable, long-lasting and
low-maintenance exterior
cladding material, put green
oak at the top of your list.
www.wlwest.co.uk
SPRING 2025
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Image: Green oak
is low-maintenance,
visually strking and
highly practical.
