Installing vertical wood cladding: installation guide

Vertical wood cladding is now one of the most popular types of siding for adding elegance and authenticity to facades. Combining technical performance and natural aesthetics, it provides long-lasting protection for walls while enhancing the charm of wood. In this comprehensive guide, discover how to install vertical wood cladding in accordance with best practices: choosing the right species, preparing the substrate, step-by-step installation, and professional tips to ensure a durable, ventilated, and harmonious installation.
Whether you are a craftsman, an experienced DIY enthusiast, or an architect, these practical tips from Sivalbp's experts will help you succeed in your project, from the first batten to the last finishing strip.

Key points to remember:

• Vertical wood cladding is a facade covering consisting of vertically installed wood boards, used to protect walls while adding an aesthetic and contemporary touch.
• It offers a modern look, excellent protection against the elements, and highlights the natural texture of the wood.
• Careful, ventilated installation is essential to prevent moisture and ensure the longevity of the cladding.
• The choice of wood and treatment (autoclave, oiled, or saturated) determines the durability and maintenance of the cladding.
• Following the key steps in the guide (framing, ventilation, alignment, finishing) ensures an installation that is attractive, resistant, and durable.

Vertical cladding is the ideal way to give your façade a contemporary look. Originally, this specific and unique type of installation was used by the Scandinavians. Vertical cladding involves laying the boards straight across all or part of the façade.

Wood cladding, or Scandinavian cladding with vertical boards, gives a natural look, a feeling of grandeur and space without adding extra volume. As you can see, vertical wood cladding is a vertical installation technique . Finally, wood cladding is an acoustic and thermal insulator, a natural, aesthetic and recyclable material. So it has everything it takes to create a lasting façade.

Vertical timber cladding: a sustainable solution

Installing your wood cladding vertically means that rainwater runs off the boards better: water runs down the boards from top to bottom. Less exposed to the elements, your wood cladding will last longer thanks to vertical installation.

Vertical timber cladding: an aesthetic choice

Vertical cladding gives an impression of height and accentuates the high lines of buildings. Vertical cladding gives an impression of height, lightening structures and refining the lines of buildings and facades.

This vertical cladding technique is well suited to single-storey houses and multi-storey buildings. Vertical cladding allows you to play with lines and heights, and creates an effect of continuity between two buildings. Vertical timber cladding enhances the architecture of the building, giving it a contemporary or traditional look.

In short, if you're looking for a sleek-looking façade, vertical cladding is the way to go. To find out how to install your vertical wood siding step by step and make your project a success, check out our wood siding installation guide.

The success of vertical wood cladding depends above all on rigorous preparation of the substrate, in accordance with the requirements of DTU 41.2. This phase determines the durability, ventilation of the facade, and the long-term stability of the boards.

Prepare the cladding boards (condition the wood)

Before installation, it is essential to condition the wood to the correct humidity level:

• Remove the boards from their packaging 24 to 48 hours before installation
• Store the cladding in a sheltered place, in a well-ventilated stack
• Keep it off the ground and protected from splashes and moisture

This step limits deformation (warping, shrinkage, swelling) after installation.

Preparing the substrate: secondary framing, rain screen, and ventilation

Checking the substrate

Before any work is carried out, the substrate wall must be:

• Sound, level, and stable
• Free of moisture and structural defects

Installing the secondary framing (joists/battens)

The secondary framing is a key element between the load-bearing wall and the cladding.
It ensures flatness, rear ventilation, and durable fastening of the boards.

The battens (or joists), made of wood treated to at least class 2, must comply with:

• Width ≥ 30 mm
• Thickness ≥ 27 mm
• Recommended center-to-center spacing: 40 to 65 cm depending on the width of the boards

Direction of the battens depending on the type of installation

• Horizontal installation: single vertical battens
• Vertical installation: double cross battens to ensure a continuous air gap and optimal ventilation

Installation of the rain screen

Cladding is not waterproof: it is the rain screen that provides protection against water and wind.

• Breathable, UV-resistant film
• Mandatory on most facades (except walls that are already waterproof: concrete, solid walls, etc.)
• Installed before the battens or at the same time as they are fixed
• Ensures watertightness while allowing vapor to pass through

The installation of vertical wood cladding is an essential step in ensuring the longevity, aesthetics, and performance of your facade. Proper installation not only protects the building from the elements, but also optimizes ventilation and architectural appearance. Here are the key points you need to know to ensure a successful installation.

Choosing the right fastening method

There are several fastening methods for vertical wood cladding, to be selected according to the type of board and the desired finish:

• Stainless steel screws: highly resistant to corrosion, they guarantee a durable fastening, especially in damp or exposed areas.
• Ring or barbed nails: quick to install, they provide good support while remaining discreet.
• Stainless steel staples: ideal for invisible fastening on certain technical profiles, they offer a more aesthetic finish.

The choice of fastening system directly influences the durability of the cladding over time.

Installation of wood cladding boards

Vertical wood cladding boards are fixed to the secondary frame using stainless steel screws or nails to ensure excellent resistance to moisture and climatic variations.

• Shingles ≤ 125 mm (useful width): 1 central fastener (hidden fastener)
• Shingles > 125 mm (useful width): 2 fasteners (visible fasteners)

This installation method allows for the natural expansion of the wood and prevents cracks over time.

It is also advisable to protect the fastening points (screw or nail heads) and to systematically treat the cuts in order to prevent water infiltration and increase the durability of the cladding.

Installing vertical cladding can transform the appearance and durability of your facade, but certain common mistakes can compromise the result. To ensure a successful installation, here are the main mistakes to avoid:

• Poor ventilation of the cladding: Without sufficient air circulation behind the boards, moisture accumulates, promoting mold, rot, and premature deterioration of wood or composite materials.
• Inappropriate fastenings: Using screws or nails that are too short, too weak, or poorly positioned can cause the boards to come loose and reduce the longevity of the cladding.
• No rain screen or under-cladding screen: This element is essential to protect the structure from water infiltration and ensure optimal insulation. Neglecting this step can cause irreversible damage in the long term.
• Misaligned or unevenly spaced boards: Incorrect spacing between boards prevents the wood from expanding properly and can cause cracks or warping.
• Choice of unsuitable materials: Certain woods or composites are not suitable for certain climatic conditions. It is essential to check the resistance to moisture and UV rays.

Following these best practices when installing vertical clading guarantees an attractive, durable, and fully functional result, while preserving the structure of your facade.

At Sivalbp, almost all of our wood cladding can be installed vertically, providing a modern and elegant finish for your facades. Joint-covering wood cladding is ideal for a classic or contemporary style: it effectively protects your walls while creating a unique aesthetic relief that is easy to install vertically. For a more airy and graphic facade, openwork cladding allows you to play with light and natural ventilation, while remaining perfectly suited to vertical installation. These wood solutions combine durability, aesthetics, and design flexibility, and are perfect for enhancing the height of your walls. Whether for renovation or new construction, our Sivalbp wood cladding transforms your facades with style and durability.

Discover our entire range of wood cladding and product sheets to choose the right solution for your project, and be inspired by our vertical installations to see our cladding in real-life situations.

By following these installation tips, your vertical wood cladding will combine aesthetics, durability, and performance to enhance your facade. To take your project further and ensure its success, contact our Sivalbp experts today—they will guide you step by step.