Timber cladding is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a natural and unique look to their home's exterior. However, the cost of timber cladding can be a concern for those who are on a tight budget. In this blog post, we'll explore the cost of timber cladding and whether it's worth the investment.
The Benefits of Timber Cladding
Before we dive into the cost of timber cladding, it's important to understand the benefits it can provide. Timber cladding offers a natural and timeless look that can increase your home's curb appeal and resale value. It's also a sustainable and environmentally friendly material, provided that it is sourced from responsibly managed forests. Timber cladding is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a smart choice for homes located in areas with extreme weather.
The Cost of Timber Cladding
The cost of timber cladding varies depending on several factors, including the type of timber used, the size of the project, and the complexity of the design. Here are some rough estimates of the cost of timber cladding for a typical home.
The profile you choose does not add to the price as its generally included as part of the machining operation.
What does change the price will be the species of timber chosen and the width of the material and design. Also, the type of surface finish that you might require, whether it be Pre-Oiled, UV-Coated, Painted or Charred.
Shiplap Cladding: £45 to £117 per square metre
Tongue and Groove Cladding: £45 to £117per square metre
Board and Batten Cladding: £60 to £125 per square metre
Sawn Feather Edge Cladding: £30 to £68 per square metre
V-Joint Cladding: £45 to£117 per square metre
These are rough estimates and can vary depending on other factors, such as the location or availability of your specific timber requirements. It's important to get a quote from a professional to accurately estimate the cost of timber cladding for your home.
If you specify fixed lengths instead of random lengths between a range typically between 1.5m up to 4.8m, this will carry an additional cost. The main reason for this is that higher quality material in softwood and hardwood like the thermally modified species or tropical timbers are purchased from Mills by the cubic metre. I.e. Volume and not pack lengths. If the lengths that are sent have split ends or defects then these are removed and so the board length will change. Also, if available lengths are not sufficient to satisfy an order then there is a delay waiting for additional stock. This is historical in the timber industry due to reducing wastage at sawmills when harvesting logs.
Fixed lengths are generally more available from the Scandinavian countries that supply 80% of all of the UK’s pressure treated softwood that is used in construction or lower value products like fencing etc.
Is Timber Cladding Worth the Investment?
The cost of timber cladding may seem high at first, but it's important to consider the long-term benefits that timber cladding can provide. Timber cladding is durable and can last for many years with the proper maintenance. It's also a great investment in terms of increasing your home's value and curb appeal. A home with timber cladding will stand out in the neighbourhood and may even attract potential buyers who are looking for a unique and natural exterior.
Furthermore, timber cladding is an environmentally friendly material that can be sustainably sourced. This offers an additional benefit to homeowners who are concerned about the environment and want to reduce their carbon footprint and not send product to landfill sites at end of life.
Maintaining Your Timber Cladding
Of course, there are some downsides to timber cladding. It requires occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best, and failure to maintain it can lead to problems such as rotting or warping. However, with proper maintenance, timber cladding can last for 30+ years, making it a worthwhile investment.
In conclusion, the cost of timber cladding may be a concern for some homeowners, but it's important to consider the long-term benefits that it provides. Timber cladding is durable, environmentally friendly, and can increase your home's value and curb appeal. Although it requires regular maintenance, the benefits of timber cladding make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Important Note:
Its important to remember when adding value to a property. The buyer and estate agent only see what's in front of them and what's in the ground or behind walls is taken as a given and will not add obvious value unless it can be demonstrated.
What is on show is what will add real value.
So, remember the saying: BUY CHEAP, BUY TWICE.
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