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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