How to install wood cladding: a practical guide for a durable facade

Wood cladding is an attractive and eco-friendly choice for covering your exterior walls. When installed correctly, it protects your home from moisture, improves insulation, and adds character to your exterior. However, incorrect installation can reduce its durability. This comprehensive guide explains all the steps you need to take to ensure the success of your wood cladding project, with practical advice and professional tips.

Key takeaways: 

• Choose the right style of wood cladding: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or openwork, depending on your facade.
• Prepare the substrate: sound walls and solid secondary framing.
• Install a rain screen in accordance with DTU 41.2: protects the wood and wall from moisture.
• Maintain a ventilated air gap: extends the life of the cladding and prevents mold.
• Use the appropriate accessories: corner pieces, angles, and window frames for a neat finish.

Wood cladding can be installed in a variety of ways. Depending on your choice and the style of installation required, you can :

• Horizontal installation ;
• Vertical installation ;
• Diagonal laying ;
• An open-joint installation.

Horizontal timber cladding installation

A traditional form of cladding, widely used in the United States, horizontal cladding is a simple form of cladding. The wood strips are laid horizontally. This style of installation creates a more solid look and feel. The facade and living area are made heavier, giving the exterior cladding a robust appearance.

Installation of vertical timber cladding

Vertical cladding is a style of installation widely used in Scandinavia. This traditional form of cladding is designed for smaller homes. In fact, this installation technique allows houses that are not very high to give an effect of elongation and therefore grandeur. The wooden planks are laid vertically in the direction of the height. See our article on vertical wood cladding.

Diagonal timber installation

Original and stylish, diagonal or oblique wood cladding requires a precise installation technique. It is generally used for exterior cladding. It can also be used indoors. The main difficulty with this type of installation lies in the multiple cut-outs and the number of angles. It should therefore be installed by wood professionals. Diagonal wood cladding is installed in the same way as horizontal cladding. It is installed on a timber frame.

For more information on installation styles, please contact our Sivalbp experts.

Installation of open-joint wood cladding

This style of installation is known as openwork wood cladding. The wooden strips are laid at intervals of a few millimetres to several centimetres. Vertical or horizontal, this type of installation creates a unique façade and cladding. Finally, open-joint cladding gives your home a contemporary, designer look.

There are a number of steps to consider when installing wood cladding. Firstly, if you're not sure about the type of installation, ask our Sivalbp experts for advice. Whether you're building a new house or carrying out renovation work, wood cladding has the advantage of being adaptable to all your wishes and projects. Just like the diversity of installation methods and wood species. Here are the main stages in installing wood cladding:

• Estimate the surface area to be covered ;
• Preparing the wood cladding ;
• Installing a rain screen ;
• Creating the air gap ;
• Preparing the substrate: the secondary framework ;
• Fix the wooden strips.

When installing open-joint cladding, double battens are mandatory, as is a specific rain screen, in accordance with DTU 41.2. To sum up, the direction in which the wood boards are laid depends on the type of installation chosen. The battens are always fixed perpendicular to the boards.

Mandatory steps before installing wood cladding

If you have chosen your installation style, the company installing and carrying out your work must, before installing your cladding :

• Check the condition of the walls and facades before installation;
• Repair cracks or holes if necessary;
• You propose a timber frame adapted to the cladding chosen and to your structure;
• Install a rainscreen in accordance with DTU 41.2, ensuring that it is taut and watertight;
• Use a secondary framework (perpendicular to the first), also known as double battens. This is used for open-joint cladding.

These steps are essential to protect your work from rain, damp and frost.

What accessories are needed to install wood cladding?

There are many accessories that are essential for installing your wood cladding. Here are the main ones. Others can be added depending on the type of installation you choose:

• Corner angles: these hide the protruding edges of the wood and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.
• Mixed angles: wood species to finish your wood cladding;
• Window boards: for covering windows and other openings in your facade;
• The traditional rain screen: used to guarantee thermal and moisture protection;
• Open-joint rainscreen: rainscreen specially designed for open-joint cladding to guarantee a perfect seal;
• Fasteners, screws or nails ;
• Battens: used to build the structure on which your wooden boards rest. They are also known as clapboard;
• Anti-rodent grids.

Wood cladding is an effective solution for preserving your home. Natural and environmentally friendly, it protects your home's exterior walls, dresses your interior and improves the overall appearance of your home. What's more, it helps to improve your thermal and acoustic insulation. As mentioned in this article, there are several techniques for installing wood cladding, as well as different materials and types of wood. Larch, Douglas fir, red cedar, Scots pine, spruce. Depending on your choice of wood and where you live, you'll need to treat your cladding more or less frequently. There are many solutions for protecting your wood cladding. The most important criteria to take into account are as follows:

• The side and final appearance after treatment;
• Ease of maintenance and application;
• Duration of protection of the product used ;
• Respect for the environment.

Don't hesitate to ask our Sivalbp advisers for more information.

Classic wood cladding is full of advantages. A natural, durable and attractive material, it is being used more and more in the construction of contemporary homes and as part of renovations. As a star material, wood gives your home a warm, contemporary feel. What's more, it's increasingly used for its sustainable and ecological credentials. For your wood cladding project, don't hesitate to contact us. Our teams are available to advise you on your choices and procedures. Whether you're looking for vertical, horizontal, oblique or open-joint wood cladding, our Sivalbp experts will work with you every step of the way.

Successful installation of wood cladding depends on careful preparation, compliance with standards, and the use of the right accessories. By following these steps, you can ensure an attractive, protected, and durable facade. For personalized advice and suitable materials, consult with specialized experts.