Cladding Options
We select our timbers for their characteristics and sustainability. We believe they offer the best combination of performance and value.
All our cladding is fixed vertically.
Scottish Larch
20 x 90mm with ‘shadow gap’ profile
Fixed vertically with stainless steel nails
We have offered Scottish Larch as standard for many years, and it continues to be our most popular cladding. It meets all the criteria for a Brighton Bike Shed: natural durability, aesthetics, affordability and sustainability.
20mm thick x 90mm wide boards are planed and profiled before being fixed vertically with stainless steel nails to our robust timber frames. The ‘shadow gap’ profile further enhances its aesthetic value.
Scottish Larch contains a high level of natural oils. Over time these oils rise to the surface and form a patina or natural protective skin. In its untreated and unpainted form, Scottish Larch is a highly durable timber, and is often specified by architects in its untreated state.
Pine T&G
European Pressure Treated Pine
16 x112mm tongue and groove
Fixed vertically
Machined profiled, this cladding offers a more precise look. With the Natural option, the timber preservative treatment colour fades to a beautiful silvery-grey over time.
The boards are 122 x 16mm in section and are fixed with galvanised steel nails. All trims/facias are of a thicker 27 x 97mm section and square edged.
If you intend to paint your cladding, we suggest this option. We recommend leaving the timber to settle for 3-6 weeks after installation before you apply any paint or stain, and we recommend you use a flexible exterior paint such as Sadolin Superdec.
If you intend to leave the cladding unpainted, we recommend treatment with Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear every 2-3 years to prolong its lifespan.
Pine Slats
Pressure Treated European Pine
20 x 40mm batten
Fixed vertically with 6mm gaps
These planed and treated battens are fixed vertically using galvanised nails with 6mm gaps. The affect is architecturally striking, creating a strong light and shade contrast.
Slatted battens fixed with gaps are a popular feature of modern garden designs. We offer this cladding to fit seamlessly alongside any contemporary garden design.
The battens are fixed vertically to direct the course of driven rain more effectively – an important consideration for keeping the shed dry inside. The gaps between the slats allow for very good airflow, so the odd drop of rain that blows in won’t be an issue. Over time, the treatment colour fades and the wood softens to a beautiful silvery-grey colour.
To prolong the lifespan of this cladding we recommend treatment with Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear every 2-3 years.
Cedar Slats
Western Red Cedar
19 x 38mm batten
Fixed vertically with 6mm gaps
While the visual effect similar to the treated pine slats, Western Red Cedar is a premium timber cladding. The tightness of the grain, natural durability and refined appearance makes this an extremely high quality option. It comes with a price to match.
We attach our Western Red Cedar Tongue Slats vertically to shed rainwater more effectively. We use stainless steel fixings for longevity and to eliminate the risk of unsightly rust spots staining the timber.
Over time the cedar will weather to a lovely silvery-grey colour, unless it is treated periodically to maintain the original colour.
Western Red Cedar does not require treatment as it contains high natural levels of oil and tannins, which are present in the wood even after UV weathering. To maintain the colour of your Western Red Cedar shed, we recommend using products from the Osmo and Owatrol ranges.
Cedar T&G
Western Red Cedar
19 x 137mm tongue and groove
Fixed vertically
Western Red Cedar Tongue and Groove Cladding in 19 x 137mm planed planks is a joy to work with. It is durable and highly stable. It has a contemporary premium look that enhances any front garden. We affix our Western Red Cedar Tongue and Groove Cladding vertically to shed rainwater more effectively. We use stainless steel fixings for longevity and to eliminate the risk of unsightly rust spots staining the timber.
Over time the cedar will weather to a beautiful silvery-grey colour unless it is treated periodically to maintain its original colour.
Western Red Cedar does not require treatment as it contains high natural levels of oil and tannins which are present in the wood even after UV weathering. If you want to maintain the colour of your Western Red Cedar shed, we recommend you use products from the Osmo and Owatrol ranges.
Charred Scottish Larch (Shou Sugi Ban)
CHARRED Scottish Larch
20 x 90mm with ‘shadow gap’ profile
Fixed vertically with stainless steel nails
Scottish Larch is our most popular cladding, and this charred and oiled finish offers extra protection as well as creating a stunning backdrop to planting.
20mm thick x 90mm wide boards are planed and profiled before being fixed vertically with stainless steel nails to our robust timber frames. We then burn the surface of the timber before applying a natural oil to seal it.
This ancient Japanese wood-preserving technique creates a stunning look and the carbonised surface layer makes the cladding even more resistant to pests and moisture.
Why vertical cladding?
The cladding on all of our sheds is fixed vertically for a reason. Any wind driven rain will run quickly down and off the cladding on our sheds and then dry out quickly.
Look at any building clad in horizontal boards and you’ll notice damp lines where the water has not evaporated. This will cause discolouration, premature rot and failure of the cladding.
Properly fitted and detailed cladding will survive for many years even if left untreated. On the other hand, badly detailed cladding will fail early whether treated or untreated – it’s all in the detail.
