If you are a contractor, being able to offer wood cladding to your residential customers is an ideal way to expand your services and offer true value to your residential clients. Wood wall cladding consists of thin pieces of interlocking wood, which one can apply to exteriors, walls and even ceilings. Many customers love the look of wood wall panels, and wooden cladding is also effective at hiding certain flaws –- including stains and slight irregularities in walls –- at a great price.
If you want to offer wooden wall cladding, you can offer wood cladding for exterior walls. This can be an attractive alternative to traditional siding for many customers. You can also offer decorative wood cladding for interiors. Many customers like the practicality and great look of panels in hallways, studies and personal libraries.
When offering wood wall cladding to your customers , consider:
1. Purchasing the best type of wood for the job.
2. Selecting wood cladding of the appropriate thickness.
3. Choosing between the best panels for exterior or interior work.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use cabin-style wood wall cladding for a rugged aesthetic
For customers who want to use wood wall panels in their homes to add a rugged look -- as in a chalet -- and for those customers who want wooden cladding for their vacation homes, cabin-style wooden wall cladding is the perfect option. Some manufacturers offer oak wall cladding and pine cladding that is unfinished or includes many knots, for a more rugged appearance.
I recommend: Log Siding offers a variety of wood panel cladding that has a very rugged look.
White Cedar Shingles (WCS) also offers cabin-look panels.
Choose recycled wood wall panels for historic homes or an antique look
If your customer's property is a historic residence or a more modern home, rugged cabin-style panels might not be ideal. For these jobs, smooth and polished wood wall cladding systems are best. These panels are often stained and polished to hide any knots, and some have decorative moldings or finishes, as well.
I recommend: Architectural Antiques allows you to buy entire paneled rooms, ideal for historic properties.
This Old House Parts also has a selection of reclaimed wall panels.
Select exterior wood wall cladding systems for appearance and durability
Some customers want an alternative to traditional siding, and for these customers, exterior wood wall cladding may be a good choice. Exterior wood wall cladding needs to be installed with some drainage, in many cases, to create a cushion between the exterior wall and the cladding. However, exterior wall cladding can look great for years and allows for installation over a customer's existing siding.
I recommend: The Knotty Pine Cedar Company has a selection of exterior wood wall cladding products, as does
The Woodworker’s Shoppe.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- The secret to installing wood wall panels perfectly is to take the cladding out of its packaging and place it up against the wall where you will install it. Let the panels adjust for two to three days to the moisture and temperature of the room so that they don't shrink after you apply them.
The official source of Wood Wall Cladding is the Wood Wall Cladding page at Business.com
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