Fire-Rated, Fire-Resistant & Fireproof Timber Cladding Explained

People searching for fire proof cladding, fireproof cladding, fire rated cladding or fire resistant cladding are usually looking for one thing: an external cladding material that improves performance in a fire and supports a compliant façade strategy. With timber, it’s important to use the terms correctly. Timber cladding is not technically “fireproof”, but when specified and treated correctly it can achieve a recognised reaction-to-fire classification suitable for many UK projects.

Our fire-rated cladding range consists of timber boards that are fire-retardant treated under factory-controlled conditions. This enables the treated timber to achieve a recognised Euroclass B-s1,d0 reaction-to-fire classification when tested to EN 13501-1.

What do fire proof, fire rated and fire resistant cladding mean?

• Fire proof cladding / fireproof cladding – common search terms, but not technically correct for timber. Timber can be fire rated or fire resistant after treatment, but not “fireproof”.
• Fire resistant cladding – a general term meaning the material resists ignition and slows flame spread compared to untreated products.
• Fire rated cladding – the correct technical approach: the material is tested and classified to a recognised standard (e.g., Euroclass B-s1,d0).

In practice, many “fireproof cladding” searches are actually intent for fire-rated timber cladding that can be specified with clear documentation while still delivering a natural timber façade.

Fire-Rated Timber Cladding Products

If you need a clear product route, start here: fire-rated timber cladding boards . These boards are designed for external elevations where enhanced fire performance is required, with factory-controlled treatment for consistency and traceability.

Fire-retardant treatment improves how the timber behaves when exposed to fire by limiting flame spread, reducing smoke, and preventing flaming droplets. The resulting Euroclass B-s1,d0 classification applies to the treated timber material and must always be considered alongside the full external wall build-up.

Timber cladding species suitable for fire-rated treatment

All of our external timber cladding species can be supplied as fire rated and fire resistant cladding when treated to the required specification. This means you can choose the timber you want for durability and appearance, while still meeting project fire performance expectations.

• Siberian Larch cladding – naturally durable timber widely used for external façades and suitable for fire-retardant treatment.
• ThermoWood cladding – thermally modified timber valued for stability, which can also be supplied as fire-rated cladding when specified correctly.
• Shou Sugi Ban wood – charred timber cladding chosen for its distinctive finish; where improved fire performance is required, treatment can be specified depending on finish and project context.
• Nordic Spruce cladding – a consistent and cost-effective timber that responds well to controlled treatment.

Quick comparison: untreated vs fire-rated timber cladding

Compliance notes for fire-rated cladding (UK)

Fire-rated timber cladding should be specified as part of an overall façade strategy. The material classification is only one part of the picture. Building height, boundary distance, use class, cavity design, and detailing all affect what is acceptable.

• Material vs system: Euroclass ratings describe the treated timber material, not the full wall assembly.
• Build-up matters: insulation type, membranes, substructure, ventilation strategy, and cavity barriers are critical.
• Detailing matters: openings, junctions, penetrations, and fixing choices must align with the façade approach.
• Early coordination: align the approach with designers and building control early to avoid late changes.

For detailing guidance, see: cladding detail design.

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