Top 10 external timber cladding ideas

Timber cladding is a distinguished design choice, allowing architects and builders to introduce natural warmth and sophistication to any structure. It complements both modern aesthetics and traditional styles with ease.

So, if you’re asking yourself which type of timber cladding to use, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will be exploring our top external timber cladding ideas that offer both beauty and functionality to any project they are used in.

1. Shou Sugi Ban – charred timber cladding

Shou Sugi Ban is a traditional Japanese technique of charring wood, now highly regarded in contemporary architecture. By charring the wood’s surface, it achieves a deep, striking aesthetic while enhancing durability. The charred layer offers natural protection against rot, insects, and even fire, making it ideal for exterior timber cladding.

Timber species like Burnt Ash and Jarrah, from Mortlock Timber are particularly well-suited for this process. Shou Sugi Ban not only creates a unique texture and modern edge to buildings but also provides lasting benefits in resilience and weather resistance.

2. Vertical timber battens for a minimalist look

Timber battens installed vertically provide a sleek and minimalist look to any building façade. This type of cladding is perfect for creating clean lines and adding verticality to structures, which can visually elongate them. Vertical timber cladding is also highly versatile and can be tailored to a wide range of designs, from modern to rustic.

Our Proplank system, featuring a convenient click-in installation, provides a seamless solution that ensures a refined, uniform finish. Timber species such as Blackbutt and Pacific Teak are favoured for batten cladding, due to their natural beauty and durability in demanding outdoor conditions.

3. Horizontal timber cladding for a traditional appeal

For those who prefer a more classic aesthetic, horizontal timber cladding remains a timeless option. This style works well in both modern and traditional designs, often used in residential homes, cabins, and coastal properties. Horizontal cladding tends to give buildings a more grounded appearance, drawing attention to the building’s width.

Our Trendplank system, available in various timber species, allows architects to achieve a seamless horizontal cladding look with hidden fixings. The range offers finishes like Fine Sawn, which adds texture and accentuates the natural grain of the wood, creating a more tactile, rustic finish.

4. Sustainably sourced timber for green buildings

Sustainability has become a key priority in modern construction. Timber cladding from responsibly sourced materials not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also lowers the project’s carbon footprint. As a renewable resource, timber—when sustainably harvested—actively contributes to carbon offsetting by sequestering carbon throughout the tree’s growth cycle.

At Mortlock Timber, many timber products are PEFC-certified, meaning they come from sustainably managed forests. Incorporating timber like Ironbark or Jarrah into your design not only provides a durable cladding option but also promotes environmental responsibility.

5. Mixed materials – timber and metal combinations

For a bold contrast that highlights diverse textures and colours, consider pairing timber cladding with materials like metal. The natural warmth of timber combined with the industrial edge of metal creates a striking, modern aesthetic with dynamic visual appeal.

This cladding idea works particularly well on contemporary builds, where the juxtaposition of materials highlights different aspects of the architecture. Trendplank in darker timber species like Burnt Ash, combined with metal detailing, can provide an exciting interplay between natural and industrial elements.

6. Weathered timber for a rustic charm

Letting timber weather naturally can provide a stunning aged patina that brings out the rustic charm of your building. Weathering happens when the timber is exposed to the elements, which gradually turns it into a silver-grey hue. This look is particularly popular in coastal or rural areas where the building is integrated into a natural landscape.

By selecting species like Blackbutt or Pacific Teak, which weather beautifully without compromising structural integrity, architects can create buildings that naturally evolve with their surroundings. Adding finishes like our SiOO:X weather protection system means that the cladding retains its visual appeal while remaining durable.

7. Curved timber cladding for fluid designs

Curved timber cladding introduces a sense of movement and flow to architectural designs, creating soft transitions and organic shapes. This option is ideal for those seeking a design that stands out with subtle elegance. Curved timber cladding can be used for façades, entrances, or even on cylindrical buildings to create a wavy, rippling effect.

Our Satinplank system is designed for flexibility, allowing architects to achieve curved designs while maintaining a clean finish. Species like Vic Ash or American Oak can be used in these applications to create a smooth and cohesive look.

8. Wide board cladding for bold statements

To achieve a bold, dramatic look, choose wide board timber cladding. Wide boards emphasise the wood’s natural grain and texture, adding a contemporary, luxurious character to the structure.

Our Trendplank system accommodates wide boards, available in species like Jarrah and Ironbark, both of which offer rich colours and deep grains, making a strong architectural statement.

9. Timber cladding with integrated lighting

One innovative way to breathe life into your external timber cladding design is by incorporating lighting. Integrated lighting not only highlights the beauty of the timber but also provides practical illumination, especially for exterior walls and entrances. Recessed lighting can be installed within gaps between battens or under eaves to create a soft, ambient glow that adds another element to the timber and the building itself.

Our Proplank system allows for precise spacing between battens, which can be ideal for hidden lighting elements.

10. Mixed vertical and horizontal cladding for visual interest

Mixing both vertical and horizontal cladding on a single building can add complexity and interest to the design. This approach can be used to accentuate different parts of the building, such as drawing attention to specific elevations or framing key architectural features.

This idea is particularly effective when contrasting two different timber species or finishes. For example, combining the deep, rich tones of Jarrah with the lighter hues of Blackbutt can create a stunning visual contrast.

Timber cladding – the natural choice for architectural brilliance

Choosing the right external timber cladding can transform your project, providing visual appeal and quality performance. From traditional horizontal cladding to modern, minimalist batten designs, there’s a wide range of timber cladding options to suit your architectural vision.

If you’re looking for expert guidance on selecting the perfect timber cladding for your next project, contact us today via our website or call us on 1800 870 452.