What Types of Weatherboard Are Available?

We offer four exceptional types of weatherboard: Douglas-fir, oak, larch, and western red cedar. Each one is carefully selected for its durability, performance, and character, allowing you to tailor your building’s exterior to your style and needs.

Let’s explore each option in more detail to help you decide which is right for your oak-framed building project.

Douglas-Fir Weatherboard

Douglas-fir is a highly popular softwood option for weatherboard, and for good reason. Known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and straight, uniform grain, it offers structural integrity as well as a warm, rustic appearance that suits both traditional and modern builds. Despite being classed as a softwood, Douglas-fir is remarkably durable and naturally resistant to decay, especially when properly treated and maintained.

One of its standout qualities is how beautifully it ages. Left untreated, it develops a soft silver-grey patina over time, adding charm and character to your property. For those who prefer to preserve its original reddish-golden tones, staining or sealing is simple and effective.

Douglas-fir is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a robust, attractive, and cost-effective solution. It blends timeless style with reliable performance – making it ideal for projects where both budget and longevity matter.

Oak weatherboard

For a flawless, high-end finish that perfectly complements your oak-framed building, oak weatherboard is a natural choice. Offering complete visual harmony, these boards create a seamless connection between structure and cladding to deliver a cohesive, timeless look that’s hard to match with any other material.

Oak is a dense, exceptionally durable hardwood, prized for its resistance to wear and the elements. It contains natural tannins that provide built-in protection against fungal decay and insect damage, making it one of the most robust weatherboard options available. This strength ensures your cladding not only performs well for decades but continues to age beautifully with minimal maintenance.

While oak weatherboard typically comes at a slightly higher cost, it offers unmatched performance and aesthetic appeal. This is ideal for homeowners who want to invest in long-term quality, authenticity, and visual impact that will stand the test of time.

Larch weatherboard

Larch weatherboard offers an ideal middle ground between durability, appearance, and affordability, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want both substance and style without stretching their budget. Naturally strong and resilient, Larch is a dense softwood that benefits from a high resin content, giving it a natural resistance to rot and moisture.

Visually, Larch has a rich character. Its colouring ranges from warm golden hues to deeper reddish-browns, bringing natural vibrancy to your building’s exterior. Over time, untreated boards will develop a beautiful silvery patina, though they can also be stained or sealed to retain their original tones.

As a cladding material, Larch is perfect for those looking for long-term performance with a slightly more modest upfront investment. It’s the smart mid-range option that doesn’t compromise on quality or finish.

Western Red Cedar weatherboard

Western red cedar is the perfect choice for those seeking an attractive, low-maintenance weatherboard solution with a touch of elegance. Lightweight yet remarkably durable, this timber is prized for its stability and consistent performance in a wide range of climates – making it especially suited to properties exposed to varied weather conditions.

Its natural oils provide excellent resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage without the need for chemical treatment. With its rich reddish-brown hues and smooth grain, western red cedar adds a sophisticated finish to any oak-framed building. Like other timbers, it will weather to a soft silver-grey if left untreated.

Low shrinkage rates and minimal warping mean it retains its shape and beauty over time. For homeowners who value both aesthetic refinement and ease of upkeep, western red cedar delivers premium results with minimal effort.

The Role of weatherboard in Oak-Framed Buildings

weatherboard plays a crucial role in protecting your oak-framed structure from the elements. Acting as a durable outer layer, they shield the building from wind and rain, help reduce moisture ingress, and support overall thermal performance by improving insulation. Beyond their practical function, weatherboard also enhances the visual appeal of your building, adding depth, character, and cohesion to the exterior.

At Oak Frames Direct, every weatherboard is precision-engineered to the same exacting standards as our Q-Mark-certified frames, ensuring long-lasting performance, visual harmony, and complete peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Weatherboard for You

When it comes to selecting the right weatherboard, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and no wrong choice. Each timber offers its own blend of aesthetic appeal, performance, and price point. Whether you’re drawn to the premium look of oak, the refined ease of western red cedar, the balanced beauty of larch, or the durability of Douglas-fir, the best option depends on your style preferences, budget, and the scope of your project.

If you’re unsure, our experienced team is always happy to advise, taking into account your design, location, and practical needs. Whichever you choose, you‘ll benefit from our quality, precision craftsmanship, and commitment to long-lasting, visually stunning results.

Ready to Start Designing Your Building?

If you’re unsure which timber is right for your project, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for personalised advice and answers to any questions you might have about materials, finishes, or suitability for your build.

Or, if you already know what you’re looking for, try our online builder tool to configure your oak-framed building and receive a free, no-obligation quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions