- Home
- Shop now
- Services
- Order / Payment / Delivery
- Contact us
- Blog
Feather edge boards are a widely used timber profile for external cladding and fencing, recognised for their tapered section and overlapping installation method. Each board is thicker on one edge and thinner on the other, allowing boards to overlap once fixed. This creates a layered surface that improves weather resistance, supports controlled water run-off, and accommodates natural timber movement in UK conditions.
Although traditionally associated with fencing, feather edge boards are increasingly specified for feather edge cladding on residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings. The overlapping profile provides a simple but effective façade system that performs well in exposed environments while maintaining a natural timber appearance. Boards can be installed vertically or horizontally, with orientation selected to suit design intent and building exposure.
Feather edge cladding can be produced from a range of timber species, including naturally durable softwoods and thermally modified timber. Boards may be supplied untreated, preservative-treated, fire-retardant treated, or with factory-applied coatings, depending on project requirements. Timber selection and treatment choice influence durability, maintenance cycles, and long-term visual behaviour. Left untreated, exterior timber will typically weather to a silver-grey tone over time.
Performance is dependent on correct detailing and installation. Feather edge boards should be fixed with appropriate overlap and corrosion-resistant fixings to minimise splitting and distortion. For cladding applications, boards must be installed on a ventilated batten system to allow moisture to escape and to support consistent drying. Correct ventilation and detailing are essential to achieving long-term performance and dimensional stability. Further guidance on best-practice build-ups can be found in our timber cladding design and detailing information.
Filters by:
Timber cladding performs best when designed as a ventilated rainscreen system rather than simply fixed directly to a wall. A drained and ventilated cavity helps manage moisture and improves long-term performance in UK weather conditions. Species choice then becomes a balance between dimensional stability, durability class and surface behaviour over time. ThermoWood cladding (Thermo Pine / Thermopine) is selected for enhanced stability and reduced movement. Siberian Larch cladding offers natural durability and strong grain character. Shou Sugi Ban wood (technique), often referred to as charred timber or burnt Japanese wood, provides a surface-stabilised architectural finish with distinct visual depth. Nordic Spruce cladding is a consistent softwood solution commonly specified for coated or treated façade systems. Where reaction-to-fire performance is part of the specification, review fire rated cladding options early, as Euroclass performance depends on the full wall build-up and treatment process. For broader façade detailing and installation context, see The Ultimate Guide to Timber Cladding in the UK.
| Feature | ThermoWood | Siberian Larch | Shou Sugi Ban (Charred Timber) | Nordic Spruce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensional stability | High (thermally modified) | Moderate | High (surface-stabilised) | Moderate |
| Typical durability (EN 350) | Class 2–3 | Class 3 | Improved surface durability | Class 4–5 (untreated) |
| Moisture movement | Reduced | Medium | Reduced | Higher than modified timber |
| Fire treatment options | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Typical applications | Modern façades, battens | Rainscreen, mixed-use builds | Feature elevations, architectural façades | Coated façade systems |
ThermoWood cladding is thermally modified to reduce moisture movement and improve dimensional stability. Siberian Larch cladding relies on its natural durability and dense grain structure. ThermoWood typically offers lower movement risk, while Larch provides a more pronounced natural character.
Shou Sugi Ban wood, also known as charred timber or burnt Japanese wood, forms a carbonised surface layer. Depending on the finish level (brushed, sealed or stained), periodic inspection is recommended. Sealed systems require maintenance similar to other coated cladding systems.
Timber cladding can be supplied with fire-retardant treatment to achieve improved European reaction-to-fire classifications. The final Euroclass rating depends on the species, treatment process and complete wall build-up. Always confirm the required classification with building control before specification.
Service life depends on species, detailing and exposure. Thermally modified timber and naturally durable species such as Siberian Larch typically provide long above-ground service life when installed as a ventilated rainscreen system with correct ground clearance.
Yes. All exterior timber, including ThermoWood, Larch and Nordic Spruce, will gradually weather to a silver-grey tone if left untreated. This colour change does not reduce structural performance and can be managed with UV-protective coatings if colour retention is required.
