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Grand Designs Live NEC – UK Construction Week Timber Focus – Puidukoda OU

White Wax Internal Timber Cladding white wash look

Timber Focus will be exhibiting with its main Partner Puidukoda OU at Grand Designs Live Exhibition. Grand Designs Live exhibition runs at the same time as the UK Construction week and Timber Expo at the NEC Birmingham. Timber Focus and Puidukoda will be on Stand B515 from the 10th to the 14th of October. Timber Focus will be showcasing some of the latest timber cladding and flooring technologies including the launching of the new brand WOOD MOOD.
Puidukoda is part of the French Rose Groupe which makes it one of the largest softwood distributors of machined softwood profiles to the merchant and DIY Chains. Timber Focus supplies machined claddings, flooring, profiles, decking etc. The main species they supply include Siberian Larch for cladding and decking, whitewood cladding and decking, redwood pine decking treated or untreated, Whitewood flooring with various finishes and textures e.g rustic, whitewash, shabby chic. We are one of the largest suppliers of factory painted cladding and flooring products, treated softwood decking and fire-retardant timber cladding to Euro Class B according to the standard EN13501-1.
Puidukoda with Timber Focus in the UK and Ireland specialises in supporting project specific work for timber supply for construction, working closely with house builders, architects and specifiers.

Grey External Painted Timber Cladding Vertical

We are looking forward to meeting a wide range of customers from timber merchant buyers, Architects, Specifiers, DIY enthusiasts, joinery companies, landscape designers & timber construction companies.
We will be showcasing a wide range of products at our stand these include: Siberian Larch Cladding and decking, stained timber decking, fire retardant cladding, oiled floorings in the Artik range, painted claddings, pre-weathered claddings in a wide range of profiles e.g. shiplap, square edge tongue and groove etc.We have a problem-free option for charred burnt Shou sugi ban timber cladding it worthwhile to come and see this product.
We hold FSC and PEFC Certification and are one of the few companies that hold certification for supply and manufacture of fire-retardant cladding. Fire retardant treated timber cladding is now very critical for the industry and the country as a whole after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, we have had an influx from Government departments Councils requesting our fire retardant timber cladding with full Certification that has independent verification from a Notified Body.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand B515 during the UK Construction Week – Timber Expo at the NEC Grand Designs Live area from the 10th to the 14th of October where our team of experts will gladly share our knowledge and Products on timber cladding, flooring, decking etc.

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Timber Cladding: Selecting A Wood Type Or Species

Timber cladding has enjoyed a rapid elevation to the heights of fashion – yet the knowledge to design with this new-old material successfully hasn’t evolved at the same rate.

One reason that timber cladding is popular is that it can usefully contribute to a building’s sustainable footprint. It’s also a powerful visual signifier of the client/architect’s commitment to the Green agenda. As a simple tool always specify Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)   or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification   (PEFC) Certified  timber as this also helps on the legal obligations of using legal timber as required by the Governments Timber buying policy and European Timber Regulation EUTR.  We have included links to show typical Environmental Certificates for FSC and PEFC.

The downside of being visual is that selection of the timber, its detailing and specification has to be correct if sometimes-painful public displays of failure are to be avoided.

Sustainability issues
• Imported timber racks-up the embodied energy, so going local can reduce or eliminate that
• Mechanically dried timber involves heat and bumps up the energy bill
• Treating timber so that it can be used externally involves chemical treatment and reduces its post-demolition opportunities – altogether increasing environmental impact
• Treated and coated or painted timber dramatically increases the need for frequent maintenance with its attendant need for access, labour and materials

Untreated timber
Listed below are timber species that because of their durability rating, don’t need to be treated to be used for external cladding. The main differences between species are their:
• Difference in service lives (though the years listed are commonly exceeded by multiples)
• Durable imported v less durable native versions of the same species
• Vulnerability to damage
• Appearance- commonly assessed by number and size of knots
• Workability
• Movement and stability- after installation, how likely is the timber to distort
• Price
• Availability

What all these timbers have in common is their weathering. Irrespective of a species initial colouration, all species will have weathered to a near-matching silver-grey appearance after around 5 years. Weathering can become a serious issue between the architect and the client. Uninformed building owners having enjoyed the rich colours of freshly installed untreated timber can be rudely shocked by the transformation- particularly since it is often uneven.

Western Red Cedar

• Softwood
• Currently the most popular of species chosen for external cladding
• BS EN 350-2 classed as ‘durable’ and does not require treatment for external use, providing only heartwood is used
• Small movement
• Available with FSC certification
• Appearance grade recommended for cladding from BS 1186-3 is Class 1
• Good for durability, stability and volume to weight ratio
• Usually imported from North America, but British western cedar is also becoming available, but is rated as ‘moderately durable’ by BS EN 350-2
• British western cedar matches the durability of the North American cedar but with the added advantage of reduction in cost and of embodied energy
• Left untreated, like other species, western red cedar fades to a silver grey colour. If specifying untreated wood, ensure that the client is aware of weathering and fading
• Natural oils in the timber have a corrosive effect on ferrous metals, so galvanized or stainless-steel fixings should be used
• It can be nailed and screwed easily without splitting
• The wood is soft and brittle so when designing for use, care should be taken in locating it away from areas where it might be subject to damage
• It can become stained in polluted areas
• Ensure that timber delivered to site meets with the specification. Pieces damaged or visually unacceptable should be rejected
• Check for evidence of sapwood and exclude it
• Western red cedar is relatively expensive in the UK. Other cheaper species might be considered for doing the same job, particularly if unfinished and left to weather
• Expected service life of 40 – 60 years

House extension using open-jointed western red cedar boards by CAST Architecture, Dublin

European Oak

• Hardwood
• BS EN 350-2 classed as ‘durable’ and does not require treatment for external use, providing only heartwood is used.
• Medium movement
• Available with FSC certification
• Appearance grade recommended for cladding from BS 1186-3 is Class 1 though Class 2 tends to be more common
• Green oak is most suited to sawn sections such as feather edge and waney edge which create a natural and quite rustic appearance. Green oak is a relatively cost effective choice when compared to dry oak.
• When specifying Green oak, detail design should take into account possible shrinkage by as much as 7%. Use in short lengths and fix as soon as possible after delivery.
• Dry oak is normally used for profiled cladding sections and is either naturally dried or kiln dried to a moisture level of 15 – 25%.
• Oak is traditionally used untreated. If specifying untreated wood, ensure that the client is aware of weathering and fading to silver/grey
• Hard-wearing and resistant to impacts
• Home-grown in the UK or imported from Europe
• The timber is subject to water staining and considerable tannin leakage (particularly for green oak) during early weathering. Stainless steel screws are recommended for hardwoods. Further, where the oak is being used ‘green’, washers should be considered for fixing security. Possible tanin run-off onto other materials should be assessed and designed-out where appropriate
• It’s density of 670-760 kg/m3 make it one of the heavier options for cladding
• Ensure that timber delivered to site meets with the specification. Pieces damaged or visually unacceptable should be rejected. Check for evidence of sapwood and exclude it.
• Relatively expensive
• Expected service life of 40 – 60 years
• Green oak is most suited to sawn sections such as feather edge and waney edge which create a natural and quite rustic appearance. Green oak is a relatively cost effective choice when compared to dry oak.
• When specifying Green oak, detail design should take into account possible shrinkage by as much as 7%. Use in short lengths and fix as soon as possible after delivery.

Weathered oak in feathered-edge horizonal format

Sweet Chestnut

• Hardwood
• BS EN 350-2 classed as durable and does not require treatment for external use, providing only heartwood is used.
• Small movement
• Available with FSC certification
• Home-grown in the UK
• Generally available only in small quantities.
• Only appearance grade available for cladding from BS 1186-3 is Class 3
• Used for its hard wearing and stable characteristics
• Left untreated, like other species, sweet chestnut fades to a silver grey colour. If specifying untreated wood, ensure that the client is aware of weathering and fading.
• Relatively rapid growth cycle ensuring quicker replenishment. 20-25 years for sweet chestnut : 50 – 100 years for oak and larch
• Sweet chestnut is similar in its staining risks to European oak. Stainless steel fixings should be specified accordingly, and tannin run-off during the initial weathering period should be anticipated.
• Ensure that timber delivered to site meets with the specification. Pieces damaged or visually unacceptable should be rejected. Check for evidence of sapwood and exclude it.

Sweet chestnut cladding on the ‘Lighthouse’ building at BRE by Sheppard Robson Architects

European Larch

• Softwood
• BS EN 350-2 classed as moderately durable and does not require treatment for external use, providing only heartwood is used. That said, untreated larch cladding in Europe is very commonly seen with sapwood
• Small movement
• Available with FSC certification
• Used for its robustness
• Home-grown in the UK and imported from Europe where it is a mainstay cladding species.
• Home-grown larch, because of its relatively rapid growth, is ideal for traditional cladding profiles where it is used green (wet). Machine profiles tend to loosen and dislodge the knots in dried boards.
• Generally, UK larch is inferior to larch grown at higher altitudes or in longer winter conditions.
• Left untreated, like other species, larch fades to a silver grey colour. If specifying untreated wood, ensure that the client is aware of weathering and fading.
• Stainless steel fixings are recommended.
• Care should be taken using European larch in exposed coastal areas.
• Supply of good quality material is sometimes problematic.
• Variable quality requires careful grading.
• Expected service life of 30 – 40 years

larch board-on-board vertical cladding
Siberian Larch
• As for European larch, but of higher quality.
• Siberian Larch is imported from Russian forests where it enjoys relatively slower growth through short summers and long winters.
• It is of much better quality than its European cousin. Because of its slow growth, knots are minimised and heartwood optimised.
• Available from FSC sources
• Ideal for use where impact damage may occur
• Appreciably more expensive

Douglas Fir

• Sometimes know as Oregon pine, British Columbian pine or Columbian pine.
• Softwood
• Only imported Douglas fir can be classed by BS EN 350-2 as ‘moderately durable’ and used untreated providing sapwood is excluded.
• Small movement
• Available with FSC certification
• Used where impact damage may occur
• Left untreated, like other species, Douglas fir fades to a silver grey colour.
• Douglas fir trees grow long and straight – hence greater lengths (up to 5m) are available.
• Expected service life of 25 – 35 years

Douglas fir cladding from Whitney Sawmills and Timber Focus Ltd

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GreenSpec accepts no responsibility or liability for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this web site. Data and information is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended for trading purposes. Neither GreenSpec nor any of its partners shall be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

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Siberian Larch Information UK

Things we know and don’t know about Siberian Larch in the UK

It is always interesting to see what customers know or don’t know about Siberian larch when they select it for use in their joinery or landscaping projects either as decking, fencing and cladding.
Siberian Larch also knew as Russian Larch – Larix sibirica is a softwood which has a wide range of density depending on the country of origin – growth regions ranging from 570 kg/m3 to 650 kg/m3. The mean density 590 kg/m3.
There are other variations of larch being sold as Siberian Larch which is not really such as Dahurian larch L. gmelinii from eastern Siberia. It may not be easy for some people to tell the difference; some distinguishing factors are Dahurian Larch is lightweight, paler and more sparse growth rings.


Siberian Larch is readily available species in the UK but we have seen a lot more volume now as we see more Siberian larch arrive which is not FSC Certified and its origins are not well known. It is important to check that the timber you are using or intending to buy is legal and from sustainable sources always ask for the proof of Certification. Doing an environmental source check also helps tell if you are being supplied with real Siberian larch, not any other species as there is a chain of custody where you can trace the timber back to the source or forest. Legality is very important as timber from Russia can be a high risk of illegality, corruption etc.

Most Siberian Larch quality grades on the market tend to be supplied according to the GOST Grading Rules e.g Unsorted Grade (I-III), Sawfalling S/F IV (Fourths) etc. The bulk of the timber produced by the mills in Russia is saw falling grade and is available in a wide range of sizes and kiln dried to an average moisture content of 18% +/-2%. This moisture content is not appropriate for internal joinery especially where central heating is used but ideal for external applications. It is important to note that this is normally available from 18mm to 50mm thick and thicker sizes tend to be supplied as air dry or kiln dry to approximately the Fibre saturation point (FSP) appx 30 %.


Unsorted Grade is very limited in supply as most mills will not want to focus their resources on selecting this grade as they are high volume mills and time is very important in their production mills and will not justify the sorting time. The UK has been known to be a big consumer of U/S Unsorted Grade which is now becoming more difficult to source as the Russian mills now require customers to buy a mix of Unsorted and higher portion of Sawfalling.
It is also important to note that Unsorted grade will tend to come from the outer part of the log which tends to have higher sap content affecting its durability.


In an effort to help utilising the Sawfalling Grade further processing mills such as Puidukoda OU have resorted to regarding the timber to more utilisable grades such as A/B Grade which is more superior to the saw falling grade and selected for the durable heartwood making it ideal for use for external joinery cladding and decking above ground. This grade is equivalent to BS1186-3 Class 2/3 normally specified for timber cladding weatherboarding specification H21. The lengths we see coming in from some of these mills are more of the lengths designed for the Japanese markets 3.0mtr, 4.0mtr long and 5.1mtr long.
Siberian Larch is a moderately durable species which is sufficient for use in cladding and decking applications and expected service life in excess of 20years. It does not require any additional preservative treatment against decay.

Siberian larch machines, profiles and moulds to profile very well if you are using it for a decking and cladding application. Most common profiles include shiplap, planed square, board on board, tongue and groove for cladding and for decking smooth and reeded dual use decking.
There are some important characteristics that people need to be aware of when selecting or specifying Siberian larch these include;
Siberian Larch has a tendency to cup when not restrained/fixed e.g boards left lying for a long time, it is important to store larch away from direct sunlight. When fixing Siberian larch always face fix and use screws or annular ring shank nails stainless steel.


Siberian larch is a dense heavy species which will mover distort if used for louvres and not well supported.
Siberian larch has a tendency to split and shake when exposed to the elements, you also get resin exudation making it difficult for coating or oiling although other companies have developed particular finishes suitable for coating larch being used externally e.g with Akzo Nobel / Sikkens light Oak these are applied under factory conditions and not onsite by companies such as Puidukoda OU available in the UK.


Siberian larch has a tendency to attract surface non-wood destroying mould, fungi and this tends to blend in as the timber weathers, if larch is exposed like most timber species it will turn grey and a number of factors cause the weathering process. There are products now available on the market that give the uniform weathering look from the date of delivery to minimise the patchy, or watermark on larch decking or cladding e.g using ferrous sulphate this is applied in a factory environment and delivered to site pretreated.
It is always important to take these tips on board and order A/B Grade Heartwood larch for your project and samples are always readily available from your suppliers.

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Buying Fire Retardant Treated Timber From Timber Focus

Timber cladding that has been fire retardant treated to enhance the fire performance of timber cladding. One of the few companies in Europe certified to manufacture and distribute fire retardant timber cladding. Slow grown Nordic Spruce has been treated.

External Fire Retardant Treated Timber cladding Euro Class B BS EN13501-1 Opaque White sample 1 Textured sawn face secret fix concealed profile Timber Focus

Fire retardant timber cladding can be used both internal and external wall cladding. It has a hidden fix, concealed fixing profile-other profiles and colours can be supplied to order. The Timber is FSC Certified and the timber cladding has fire testing certification. Ask for a copy of the test certificate if required. Other colours and tones available on request.

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Buying Siberian Larch Decking And Cladding

Siberian Larch, larix sibirica also known as meleze de siberie, sibirische larche LAGM, AS.
It has a straight grain, a fine, uniform texture and is rather heavy with an average density of 590Kg/m3 at 12% Moisture Content drilling is recommended. Used extensively for cladding and decking applications as it falls under durability characteristics Class 3 according to BSEN350:2016. Care has to be taken when selecting and applying coatings as larch is resinous. Use annular ring shanks stainless steel on all claddings, face fixing where applicable on external cladding to minimize the risk of boards popping out of fixings and use stainless steel decking screws for deck boards. It is important to note that larch has a tendency to split on the surface when exposed to the elements.

Timber quality we supply is  AB Grade Kiln dry Average 18% Moisture content which is equivalent or better than the standard Grade of Class 2/3 given in BS1186-3:1990 section 4 Class 2/3 of which class 3 is

traditionally considered adequate for cladding and decking applications. This is considerably a better quality to the Saw falling S/F I-IV Grades found in most timber merchants. Knots are a present feature in the product and grade and should not be considered a defect. Stains tend to show easily including surface mould if not cleaned or maintained well. Regular cleaning is recommended depending on use and exposure as a minimum once a year to minimize slip risk from the build-up of debris more frequency is recommended for horizontal areas e.g decking surfaces. It is always advisable to order 10% more to allow for waste due to trim or crosscutting loss. We help with specifications e.g NBS H21 Timber weather boarding Timber Cladding specifications contact Timber Focus to get support for specifications and standards e.g BS8605 or BS1186-3 CE Marking to products to BS EN 14915: 2013 These Goods come with the FSC Certification and Timber Focus approval.

Decking Profile smooth and reeded

Siberian Larch Timber Focus- Timber Cladding

We supply Siberian Larch in a number of cladding profiles and we have  a lot more profiles for clients to choose from given here