This long-loved material is going nowhere. Timber cladding offers an unparalleled range of design options, colours and styles, and works in both rural and urban environments alike. Choose from ArchiPro's extensive range of timber claddings, including rusticated, bevel back, shiplap, vertical/horizontal weatherboards, and more.

Timber cladding

The classic horizontal timber weatherboard is synonymous with residential New Zealand architecture. Today, they are available in a range of timber species and profiles. In many cases, timber weatherboards can be installed horizontally or vertically, and in some cases at other angles.

The main types of timber used for weatherboards are pine, macrocarpa and western red cedar. The latter two can be left to weather naturally and will retain their integrity, while pine requires coating with a paint or stain. There is a comprehensive set of requirements for the treatment of different timber so it is best to check with a professional what is required.

In general, wooden cladding should not be painted in dark colours as they can distort with increased UV exposure.

What are the most common types of timber weatherboards?

Bevel-back weatherboards are generally thought of as one of the most robust timber cladding systems due to the way they are installed, allowing air and water to circulate and drain through the void created by the lap at the back of the boards.

Rusticated weatherboards create a different aesthetic and work differently to bevel-back weatherboards. Rusticated boards don’t have the same void as bevel-back weatherboards, and therefore do not perform as well in terms of drainage. Rusticated weatherboards can only be used in certain buildings that are assessed as low risk, or they must be installed over a nominal 20mm cavity.

Like rusticated weatherboards, vertical shiplap cladding systems don’t have the void seen in bevel-back weatherboard systems and therefore also don’t have good drainage and drying performance. Both rusticated and vertical shiplap weatherboards have a higher risk of weather-tightness issues than bevel-back weatherboards and can only be specified in some circumstances.

Cedar cladding is a sought after choice in New Zealand for its natural ability to withstand rot and insect damage, and its attractive colouring if it is left to weather over time. Vertical shiplap and rusticated cedar are often used to create a contemporary statement. Cedar used in board and batten cladding is a particularly appealing modern take on a time-honoured building methodology.

What are the best types of timber-look composite cladding?

There are many external cladding materials that have been designed to mimic the classic timber weatherboard. One of the most popular of those is fibre cement weatherboards. These boards are generally more durable and stable than timber, but they are also very absorbent and must be painted to retain their integrity.

Various types of composite timber cladding are also frequently specified in New Zealand. Composite timber is a material that is generally made up of wood fibre, plastic and some form of binder. Often, composite timber, due to its makeup, is inherently stronger than solid timber, with an appearance often indistinguishable from the real thing.

View more: Cladding, brick cladding, fibre cement sheet, stone cladding