Working out how much timber cladding you need for your project is actually quite simple. With the right formula and a bit of planning, you'll avoid running short or wasting money on excess materials.
The Simple Cladding Calculation Method
To figure out how many linear metres of cladding you need, you just need to know two things:
The total area you want to cover (in square metres)
The coverage per board of your chosen profile (in metres)
Then, you will need to use this formula: Total area (m²) ÷ Coverage per board (m) = Linear metres needed
Let's take a look at an example for a 72m² project comparing two different cladding profiles:
For T&GV Ex 150mm x 22mm PFC001 with 136mm coverage: 72m² ÷ 0.136 = 529.41 linear metres.
For Vertical Shadow Gap Ex 150mm x 22mm PFC005 with 128mm coverage: 72m² ÷ 0.128 = 562.50 linear metres.
You can see how the profile you choose makes a real difference as the narrower the coverage per board, the more linear metres you'll need.
Don't Forget About the Wastage
It's always wise to add approximately 15% extra material to account for:
Cutting waste
Working around windows and doors
Trimming boards to length
For our examples above, this would mean ordering:
T&GV profile: 529.41 + 15% = approximately 609 linear metres.
Shadow Gap profile: 562.50 + 15% = approximately 647 linear metres.
This 15% buffer can save you from the delays and frustration of having to order additional materials mid-project.
Choosing Your Cladding
At Mill Timber Direct, we offer several timber cladding options to match different styles and budgets. Our homegrown cedar is a cost-effective alternative to Canadian western red cedar. It has small to medium knots and a soft amber colour that gradually turns silver-grey if left untreated. You can expect 15-20 years of life from this sustainable UK-grown option. Homegrown larch has subtle pink-red tones with a rustic look. It has a naturally high resin content, which helps it resist rot and decay and gives it around 20-25 years of life. Our longest-lasting option is Thermowood, which is a heat-treated softwood with not too many knots and a rich brown colour. It's more stable than traditional timber, and less likely to warp or twist. It can last as long as 30 years.
Popular Cladding Styles
The style of cladding you choose affects both the look of your building and how much material you'll need. Vertical Shadow Gap cladding creates a modern finish that works well on tall, thin buildings. The square shadow gap uses natural sunlight to enhance the visual appeal. Horizontal Shadow Gap produces a soft 'V' shadow effect and allows for hidden fixings. This more traditional profile suits shorter, wider buildings. Tongue & Groove V-Joint can go either vertical or horizontal. The bevelled edges create neat V-shaped shadow lines that highlight the dimensions of your buildings.
Why Choose Timber Cladding?
Timber cladding isn't just about looks. It provides extra insulation to keep buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It helps protect against weather by diverting water away from the building structure, and it's also great for reducing noise transmission. As a renewable resource, timber has a lower carbon footprint than many alternatives, especially when it's sourced locally, as with our homegrown options. It's pretty quick to install and easy to repair if damaged, and you can replace individual boards without disturbing the entire façade.
About Mill Timber Direct
We started as a sawmill outlet store in 2016 in South Wales and we have grown to become the online store for Mon Timber and Duchy Timber. We deliver across South Wales, Southwest England and nationwide. Our Premier Cladding range is produced from top-quality timber, and it is machined right here in the UK. Every piece has its own unique character with individual patterns, grains and knots. Whether you're a professional builder or working on a DIY project, we can supply everything you need.
If you need help calculating your cladding requirements or choosing the right profile, we're here to help - just get in touch!
