Oak Cladding Exterior
Durable and tough, oak wood cladding has long been a popular choice for timber cladding projects. Our oak cladding boards are carefully selected for limited knot content and are supplied in either random lengths or finger-jointed formats, depending on the requirements of your project. This makes oak suitable for use as wall cladding in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Style
Traditional
Profiles
Halflap, shiplap and splayed
Source
UK and France
Beware
Instability and tannin
Oak Cladding Exterior
Oak Cladding Exterior
Oak Cladding Exterior
Oak cladding features
The majority of our oak timber cladding is sourced from well-managed local woodlands in the south of England. Where supplies are limited, we also select oak logs from French forests. All logs and woodlands are inspected to ensure consistent quality.
We select oak cladding boards with relatively straight grain and limited knots to minimise the risk of distortion once installed. Boards are dried to 16-20% moisture content to reduce shrinkage.
Our oak wood cladding is offered in two length formats: solid random lengths (1.8-3.6 m+) or 4.0 m finger-jointed lengths. Finger-jointed boards are created by bonding shorter sections, helping us reduce waste in our sawmills while still providing long and consistent runs.
It’s important to note that oak contains a high tannin content. In the first few months after installation, tannins may leach from the surface, leaving streaks or stains. Oak tannin will also react with ferrous metal, so stainless steel fixings must always be used.
Call us to discuss your timber cladding project
Specifications
Oak cladding from Vastern Timber
- Species: British / European oak (Quercus robur)
- Source: Legal and well-managed forests in England, Wales, and France
- Grade: Grade B BS1186-3 1990 Class 2 / EN942:2007 J30
- Lengths: Random lengths 1.8-3.6 m+ (some down to 1.5 m) or jointed at 4.0 m with small cutbacks
- Profiles: Available in a range of profiles
- Drying: Supplied dried to 16-20% moisture content
- Durability: EN350-2 Moderately durable (Class 3)
- Finish: Supplied uncoated, no treatment required
Characteristics
Appearance
The colour of oak varies from pale yellow to light brown. Finger-jointed boards show more variation in colour and visible zigzag joints at regular intervals. Boards will contain small pin knots and tight knots up to 30 mm.
Weathering
As external oak cladding boards weather, they turn a silver-grey. In shaded areas or polluted environments, oak may darken to black. Tannins may also leach, leaving stains on semi-shaded surfaces.
Desired service life
Up to 60 years in occasional wet weather conditions. Around 30 years in frequently wet conditions.
Movement class
Medium.
Resistance to impact
High.
Working properties
Dry oak is hard and requires pre-drilling before fixing.
Density
670-760 kg/m³.
Extractives
Oak contains tannic acid, which corrodes ferrous metals and may stain cladding surfaces or surrounding materials, so stainless steel fixings are essential. The presence of tannin also makes oak unsuitable for polluted or heavily shaded environments.
Installation
How to fix
Pre-drill and hand nail through the face with stainless steel nails. Do not attempt to use secret fixings through the tongue. Nail guns are not recommended. Leave an expansion gap between boards.
Batten type
Treated softwood, 35 mm × 50 mm for sawn profiles.
Batten spacing
400-600 mm
Nail type
Stainless steel only. 50 mm ring shank nails for hand nailing or trim head screws.
When to fix
Ideally, during the autumn and winter months.
Resistance to fixing
High. Pre-drilling is essential.
Profiles
We machine timber cladding to the profile of your choice. View our full range of cladding profiles here. We recommend the following profiles for oak cladding:
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
Oak cladding FAQs
What is oak cladding?
Can oak wood cladding be used externally?
What lengths are oak cladding boards supplied in?
Does oak cladding need treatment?
What fixings should be used?
How long does oak wall cladding last?
Does oak cladding shrink or move?
What colour is oak timber cladding?
Will oak timber cladding stain surrounding components?
Is oak wood cladding sustainable?
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
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