Timber cladding profiles explained: finding the right fit for your project
When it comes to timber cladding, selecting the right profile can significantly impact both the aesthetic and performance of your project. We spoke with Morgan Corrieri, Russwood’s Cladding and Decking Sales Manager, to gather her expert advice on choosing the perfect timber cladding profile. Whether you’re working on a large commercial project or a self-build home, understanding the various profiles available will help you achieve the best finish.
Board on board
Board on board is a simple yet effective cladding profile, particularly popular for projects aiming for a “traditional” or rustic look. By layering boards one over the other, this profile creates an effect that works beautifully with square edge boards, most commonly rough sawn. This arrangement is also quick and easy to install, reducing labour time on site. By varying the width of the timber and choosing whether to have a narrow front board or narrow back board this arrangement allows for versatility as well as practicality.
Morgan recommends using A2 grade stainless steel screws to avoid rust stains that could negatively affect the appearance of the timber over time. She also highlights that board on board is best installed vertically, as this prevents moisture ingress and prolongs the life of the cladding. Board on board is a perfect match for more rustic, characterful timber species such as Russwood’s Scotlarch® cladding.
Tongue and groove
If you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, tongue and groove profiles are the way to go. This versatile profile can be installed both horizontally and vertically, offering flexibility to suit any design. The interlocking boards ensure a smooth, seamless finish, which can be enhanced with secret fixing techniques for a flawless appearance.
Morgan suggests that Russwood’s RW119 profile is a great option for tongue and groove cladding. When paired with SIHGA’s F-BohrFix® screws, which have a slim 3.2mm head, the fixing becomes practically invisible, ensuring the pristine coated face of the timber remains untouched. For projects requiring extra durability, Morgan recommends opting for modified timbers like Thermopine® or Abodo Vulcan® Vertical Grain/Imbue™, all of which offer enhanced dimensional stability and longevity. Secret fixing is also particularly advantageous when installing factory coated cladding as the coated face remains untouched ensuring a pristine finish.
Open rainscreen
Open rainscreen timber cladding is ideal for projects requiring optimal ventilation and ease of maintenance. Unlike other profiles, the boards in this system are arranged with intentional gaps between them, allowing air to circulate freely behind the cladding, helping to prevent moisture buildup. This design feature makes open rainscreen cladding particularly suited for locations with frequent wet-dry cycles, as the timber can dry out more efficiently.
Russwood’s RW014 profile was specifically designed for this type of installation and can be applied either vertically or horizontally. To prevent moisture bridging, Morgan advises maintaining an 8mm gap between the cladding boards. Additionally, using a black UV-resistant membrane behind the cladding and black-coated battens ensures the substructure remains concealed, delivering a sleek, modern appearance. The result is a stylish, shadow gap effect that marries design with function. For more information on the key advantages of using an open rainscreen cladding profile, be sure to check out our Architectural Liaison Technician, Fraser Hourston’s blog.
Shiplap
Installing cladding boards with a shadow gap is a popular & widely specified design choice however potentially not viable for all projects, particularly those where a standard breather membrane has already been installed prior to cladding selection. In this instance Morgan would recommend a ‘shiplap’ profile, such as Russwood’s RW082 profile, which is a close-boarded system that allows for a channel between boards when installed. Unlike T&G profiles (which interlock) Shiplap profiles simply overlap one another and therefore are achievable in non-modified timbers like Larch.
Russwood’s RW082 profile is available in Architect Select® Larch – a premium grade of Larch grown in Central Europe with a tight, vertical grain. Architect Select® Larch is a naturally durable timber (Class 3) with attractive figuring and enhanced dimensional stability in comparison to our home-grown Larch. Architect Select® Larch is available in RW082 or RW014 profiles, both of which will achieve a shadow gap once installed and profiles are finished at 24mm thickness to provide additional dimensional stability.
Shiplap profiles are designed to be installed with a visible ‘face-fixing’ and Morgan recommends SIHGA L-GoFix® A2 grade screws which are highly corrosion resistant.
Ventilation is key
Regardless of which profile you choose, ensuring proper ventilation is essential for the longevity of your timber cladding. Timber is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture depending on environmental conditions. Without proper airflow, cladding boards can swell, cup or twist and push against each other causing boards to lift and ultimately require replacing.
Morgan recommends using Kompefix® ventilation strips which offset the cladding boards from the support battens, creating a ventilated gap between the timber elements, thus eliminating the risk of moisture building up.
Choosing the right timber cladding profile is crucial to achieving the aesthetic and functional goals of your project. Whether it’s the layered depth of board on board, the clean lines of tongue and groove, or the modern practicality of open rainscreen, each profile has its unique benefits. Remember, proper installation and ventilation are key to ensuring your cladding remains beautiful and durable for years to come.
Ready to choose a timber cladding profile?
Speak to a member of our team and we can help guide you through the options.