Oak Cladding

Oak cladding from Vastern Timber

• Species: British / European oak (Quercus robur)
• Source: Legal and well-managed forests in England, Wales, and France
• Grade: Grade B BS1186-3 1990 Class 2 / EN942:2007 J30
• Lengths: Random lengths 1.8-3.6 m+ (some down to 1.5 m) or jointed at 4.0 m with small cutbacks
• Profiles: Available in a range of profiles
• Drying: Supplied dried to 16-20% moisture content
• Durability: EN350-2 Moderately durable (Class 3)
• Finish: Supplied uncoated, no treatment required

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Appearance of oak cladding
The colour of oak varies from pale yellow to light brown. Boards will contain small pin knots and tight live knots up to 30mm.

Finger-jointed boards show more variation in colour and visible zigzag joints at regular intervals. Boards may include up to ten joints.

Weathering
As external oak cladding boards weather, they turn a silver-grey. In shaded areas or polluted environments, oak may darken to black. Tannins may also leach, leaving stains on semi-shaded surfaces.

Desired service life
30 years +

Movement class
Medium.

Resistance to impact
High.

Working properties of oak
Dry oak is hard and requires pre-drilling before fixing.

Density
670-760 kg/m³.

Extractives
Oak contains tannic acid, which corrodes ferrous metals and may stain cladding surfaces or surrounding materials, so stainless steel fixings are essential. The presence of tannin also makes oak unsuitable for polluted or heavily shaded environments.

How to fix oak cladding
Pre-dril oak cladding and fix through the face with either stainless steel ringshank nails or trim head screws. Because oak is relatively unstable, we do not recommend the use of secret fixings through the tongue. Nail guns are not recommended.  Leave a minimum of a 2mm expansion gap between following oak boards.

Recommended batten type for oak cladding
Profiled Thermowood or treated softwood battens are recommend behind oak cladding. The minmimum thickness of primary battens should be 40mm. Horizontal battens to have angled top face to shed water.

Click to find out more about our Thermowood batten system

Batten spacing for external timber cladding
400-500 mm

Fixings for oak cladding
Only use stainless steel fixings for external cladding

For oak cladding we recommend 50mm stainless steel ring shank nails or 50mm stainless steel trim head screws.

When to fix oak cladding
Ideally fix oak cladding during the autumn and winter months to avoid distortion caused by hot dry weather soon after installation.

Resistance to fixing
High. Pre-drilling of oak cladding boards is essential.

We machine timber cladding to the profile of your choice. View our full range of cladding profiles here. We recommend the following profiles for oak cladding:

While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.