Durable, Stable & Cost-Effective Timber Cladding for Modern Façades

Thermowood cladding is one of the fastest-growing choices for timber façades in the UK. Combining natural aesthetics with enhanced durability, it provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial projects.

Whether used on contemporary homes, large-scale developments, or garden buildings, Thermowood offers a stable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber cladding species such as cedar or larch.

If you're looking for thermally modified timber cladding, Thermowood delivers excellent performance without the premium price tag.

What is Thermowood?

Thermowood is a type of thermally modified timber produced by heating softwood (typically pine or spruce) to temperatures between 180°C and 230°C using only heat and steam.
This chemical-free process permanently enhances the timber’s properties, making it more suitable for external applications and demanding environments.

Key benefits of Thermowood include:

• Improved durability and resistance to decay
• Reduced swelling and shrinkage
• Lower moisture content
• Increased dimensional stability

The result is a high-performance timber cladding material for UK conditions, designed to perform in changing weather environments.

How is Thermowood Made?

The thermal modification process takes place in three key stages:
1. High-temperature drying
All moisture is removed from the timber.

2. Thermal modification
Heat alters the wood at a cellular level, improving stability and durability.

3. Cooling and conditioning
The timber is stabilised and brought to a usable moisture level.

These permanent changes create a more stable and reliable material compared to untreated timber cladding.

Why Choose Thermowood Cladding?

One of the key advantages of Thermowood cladding is its exceptional stability. Reduced swelling and shrinkage mean the façade remains consistent over time, with fewer issues caused by seasonal movement.

This stability also helps extend the lifespan of coatings and finishes, reducing maintenance over the life of the building.

Thermowood “D” offers enhanced resistance to fungal decay and weathering, making it suitable for long-term external applications.

Due to its lower moisture content, Thermowood remains drier in service, further improving durability. At the same time, the thermal process creates a rich, consistent brown colour throughout the board, delivering a clean and uniform appearance.

From a sustainability perspective, Thermowood is produced using only heat and steam, with no added chemicals. It is a responsible choice for projects where environmental performance matters.

Importantly, it also offers excellent value. Thermowood provides reliable performance at a accessible price point, making it ideal for larger schemes and cost-conscious specifications.

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages
• High stability reduces movement and extends coating lifespan
• Lightweight with low thermal conductivity — ideal where structural load is a factor
• No resin bleed
• Suitable for façades, cladding systems, and high-temperature environments
Considerations
• Will naturally weather to a silver-grey without UV protection
• Slightly more brittle than untreated timber — correct handling and installation are essential

Applications of Thermowood Cladding

Thermowood-D is widely used across a range of applications, including:
• External timber cladding systems
• Rainscreen façades
• Screens, battens, and feature elevations
• Garden buildings and outdoor structures

Its stability allows for clean, modern profiles and precise detailing, making it a popular choice among architects and designers.

Summary

Thermowood cladding offers a unique combination of natural aesthetics, enhanced durability, and excellent value, making it one of the most versatile timber cladding solutions available in the UK.
When correctly specified and installed, it delivers a long-lasting, low-maintenance façade — without the premium cost associated with many alternative timber species.

If you’re planning a project and want to get the appearance right from day one, Brookridge Timber can guide you through the options and supply fully prepared cladding ready for installation.

T: 01823 680 546
E: sales@brookridge.co.uk