External Cladding & Weatherproofing
Cladding gives your cabin its character and protects the structure from weather. Timber cladding (larch, cedar, or treated softwood) is the classic cabin choice. A breathable membrane behind the cladding is essential.
Larch is the best value UK-grown cladding timber, naturally durable, no treatment needed, and it silvers beautifully over time.
Always install a breather membrane (e.g. Tyvek) behind the cladding with a ventilated cavity (25mm battens). This lets moisture escape while keeping rain out.
Horizontal lap (weatherboard) is the easiest profile to install. Featheredge boards from a timber merchant are cheap and effective.
Stainless steel or galvanised nails only, standard steel nails will rust-streak the cladding.
Install breather membrane (Tyvek) over the wall sheathing, lapping downhill
Fix vertical battens (25x50mm treated) at 600mm centres over the membrane, this creates the ventilation cavity
Starting at the bottom, fix the first cladding board level, overlapping the foundation by 25mm
Subsequent boards overlap the one below by 25-30mm (for featheredge/weatherboard)
Use stainless steel or galvanised ring-shank nails through the overlap into the battens
Work upward, checking level every few courses
At corners, either mitre the boards or use a corner trim piece
Around windows and doors, butt cladding to trim and seal with exterior-grade sealant
Apply a wood preservative or oil if using untreated softwood. Larch and cedar can be left natural
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