What are the unique characteristics of wood ?

Wood is a natural, living, and versatile material that appeals for its aesthetic qualities, durability, and versatility, whether used for exterior cladding or interior paneling. Understanding the unique characteristics of wood, from its genetics to its reaction to the environment, is essential for choosing the species that best suits your project, optimizing its longevity, and enhancing its unique aesthetic appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we explore how these natural characteristics influence the behavior of wood, the phenomena visible over time, and the criteria you need to know to select the right cladding or paneling.

Key points to remember

Here are the key points to remember about the unique characteristics of wood:

• A living, dynamic material: each species has a unique genetic code that determines its color, grain, density, and texture.
• Varied natural composition: cellulose, lignin, resins, oils, and tannins influence both the mechanical and aesthetic properties of wood.
• Influence of the growing environment: climate, soil, and environmental conditions alter the growth rings and density, making the same wood more or less resistant.
• Characteristics visible over time: natural phenomena such as graying, resin bleed, moss, knots, color variations, and cracks are normal and do not affect the durability of the material.
• Choice of wood species suited to the application: certain species (such as red cedar, larch, or pine) have different aesthetic and technical characteristics that influence the choice for siding or paneling.

Unique characteristics of wood linked to its genetic code

Each species of wood has a unique genetic code that determines its physical and mechanical characteristics. These genetic variations can influence the colour, grain, density and other properties of the wood.

Unique features of wood linked to its composition

Wood is made up of several substances such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, as well as various natural extracts such as tannins, resins and oils. The proportion and distribution of these components can vary depending on the species of wood and its growing conditions (see below), thus influencing the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the wood.

Unique characteristics of wood linked to its growth conditions

The environmental conditions in which a tree grows play a crucial role in shaping its characteristics. For example, trees growing in colder climates tend to have narrower growth rings, which can make the wood denser and more resistant.

Singularities in wood influenced by living organisms

Interactions with living organisms, such as insects, fungi and bacteria, can create singularities in wood. For example, insect attack or fungal infection can lead to areas of discolouration, adding character and distinction to the wood.

Distinctive features of the wood linked to the drying and treatment process

After harvesting, the wood undergoes drying and treatment processes that can also affect its properties. Air or kiln drying can cause variations in the texture and colour of the wood.

Reactions to Environmental Conditions

Wood continues to react to its environment even after it has been cut and processed. It can absorb or lose moisture depending on ambient conditions, resulting in dimensional variations and changes in its mechanical properties. This reactivity adds a dynamic, living dimension to wood, distinguishing it from inert materials.

Wood is a natural material with imperfections. However, these imperfections in no way affect the durability of the wood.

A strip of wood cladding is therefore alive and will go through many phases throughout its life cycle. Climate change, pollution, the nature of the soil, etc. are all factors that can have an influence on the characteristics developed.

Here are the main features or natural phenomena that you can observe on your wood cladding boards:

As a preventive measure, choosing less resinous woods or species such as pine that have been heat-stabilised can reduce the frequency and extent of resin build-up.

Surface foams

Surface mosses on wood cladding are generally the result of environmental conditions that favour their growth. Shaded, damp areas on wood cladding create a favourable environment for moss growth. Moisture accumulated on the surface of the wood, combined with reduced exposure to sunlight, encourages the development of spores.

By adopting appropriate management practices (brushing and cleaning the wood), you can minimise the impact of moss and maintain the aesthetically pleasing appearance of your building's façade.

The choice of exterior wood cladding depends above all on the aesthetic appeal you want to bring to your façade. The characteristics of the different types of wood play an important role in this decision. Here's a guide to help you choose the right wood cladding for your needs, taking into account the specific characteristics of each species.

The unique features of Cedar wood cladding

• Distinctive features: very slow-growing species, fine grain, 95% knot-free, pinkish-red colour, naturally resistant to insects and mould.
• Advantages: Excellent durability, attractive appearance, low maintenance.

See our guide to western red  wood cladding

The unique features of Larch wood cladding

• Distinctive features: slow-growing species, fine, even grain, medium-sized knots, orange-yellow to reddish-brown colour, knots present, good natural resistance.
• Benefits: Durable and resistant to demanding climates

Consult our Larch wood cladding guide

The unique features of Scots pine wood cladding

• Characteristics: slow-growing species, fine veining, frequent knots, light colour.
• Advantages: no resin build-up if the wood is heat-stabilised

See our guide to Scots pine wood cladding 

The unique features of Douglas fir wood cladding

• Distinctive features: fast-growing species, marked distinctive features with medium to large knots, reddish colour.
• Advantages: good value for money

Consult our guide to douglas fir wood cladding

The unique features of Spruce wood cladding

• Distinctive features: slow-growing species, small to medium-sized knots, light-coloured wood.
• Advantages: good value for money

See our guide to spruce cladding

In conclusion, wood is a living, dynamic material whose uniqueness is shaped by a multitude of factors. From its unique genetic code to its chemical composition, via its growth conditions and interactions with the environment and living organisms, each species of wood tells a distinct story. Variations such as resin bleeding, greying, surface moss, splits and cracks, differences in colour and the presence of knots, although often perceived as imperfections, actually contribute to the beauty and uniqueness of wood. Understanding and accepting these natural phenomena not only enhances our appreciation of wood as a building material, but also enables us to use it in a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing way. By adopting appropriate management practices and preventive treatments, it is possible to preserve and enhance the exceptional properties of this noble and environmentally-friendly material.