Woodland Timber Cladding Installation
Installation follows the same fixing principles as Duraklad Double Embossed Cladding, with Woodland Timber-specific boards, trims and colour handling.
Before You Start
Store boards flat, dry and supported. Allow boards and trims to acclimatise on site before fitting. Check every board for colour, grain direction and damage before cutting, because claims cannot be made after installation.
What You'll Need
Tools
- Tape measure and pencil
- Spirit level or laser level
- Fine-tooth saw or suitable circular saw blade
- Mitre saw or mitre box for trim cuts
- Drill/driver and suitable fixings
- Sealant gun and clean cloths
- PPE: eye protection, gloves and dust mask when cutting
Materials
- Woodland Timber 333mm x 7mm x 5000mm boards
- Starter trim and ventilation profile
- Powder-coated aluminium edge trims
- Internal and external corner trims
- Division or H trims for joints where required
- Treated battens or suitable external substrate
- Colour-matched exterior-grade sealant where needed
Technical Specifications
Choose Your Fixing Method
Method A: Batten Framework
Recommended for most external installations. Battens create a level fixing plane and maintain ventilation behind the cladding.
- Use treated timber battens or a suitable external framing system
- Fix battens level, plumb and securely to the structure
- Allow continuous ventilation at the base and top of the cladding
Method B: Suitable Flat Substrate
Use only where the background is structurally sound, flat and compatible with the required fixings and ventilation design.
- Check the substrate is dry, stable and even
- Do not trap moisture behind the cladding
- Maintain expansion gaps at ends and trims
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Assess the wall
Check the wall is stable, dry and suitable for external cladding. Repair loose masonry, damaged boards or uneven substrate before fitting battens or trims.
Set out the batten line
Mark the finished cladding line, corner positions and any openings. Fix battens straight and level so the first Woodland board starts correctly.
Plan ventilation and movement
Keep a clear ventilation path at the base and top of the installation. Leave expansion allowance at board ends, corners, trims and abutments.
Step 2: Install Starter and Trims
Fit the starter trim
Fix the starter trim level across the installation. The first board follows this line, so check alignment carefully before continuing.
Install corner and edge trims
Fit internal corners, external corners and edge trims before the boards where required. Use the appropriate aluminium trim colour for the project.
Dry-fit first
Dry-fit trims and boards around openings before fixing. This is especially important with multi-tonal woodgrain finishes where board order and grain direction affect the final look.
Step 3: Cut and Fit Boards
Measure and cut
Measure each board position individually. Cut with a fine-tooth blade, support the board while cutting and avoid chipping the printed timber-effect face.
Fit the first board
Locate the first board into the starter trim and check it is fully seated and level. The first board controls the alignment of the full elevation.
Continue across the wall
Work board by board, checking level and seating as you go. Keep the timber-effect grain running consistently unless the design intentionally varies board direction.
Use division trims where required
For long elevations or planned board joints, use the recommended division or H trim. Do not force tight joints; leave movement allowance as specified by the trim system.
Step 4: Openings and Obstructions
Windows and Doors
Fit trims around openings before final boards where practical. Leave an even movement gap and seal only where the detail requires it.
Pipes and Services
Mark penetrations accurately and cut holes slightly oversize to allow movement. Finish with collars or suitable sealant where needed.
Eaves and Gables
Maintain ventilation at the top of the cladding and keep final trims straight. Check the visual line from ground level before final fixing.
Corners
Use the correct internal or external corner trim. Do not butt board ends tightly into corners; leave the required allowance inside the trim.
Step 5: Finishing and Checks
Final Checks
- Check boards are level and seated correctly
- Check trims are secure and aligned
- Confirm ventilation paths are open at base and top
- Remove swarf, dust and protective marks from the face of the boards
- Seal around penetrations only where needed, using a suitable exterior-grade sealant
Do Not
- Do not block required ventilation paths
- Do not force boards tightly into trims without movement allowance
- Do not mix board colours or batches without checking the visual match first
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on the embossed timber-effect surface
- Do not install damaged boards or trims
Coverage Guide
| Board Length | Board Width | Coverage | Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000mm | 333mm | 1.665m2 per board | Add 10-15% for cuts and waste |
For elevations with several openings, corners or mitred trim details, allow extra boards and trims before starting work.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Do
Wash with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.
Occasionally
Check trims, fixings, sealant and ventilation openings as part of normal exterior maintenance.
Don't
Do not use solvents, bleach, abrasive pads or pressure washing close to trims and joints.