The short answer
Timber cladding typically costs around £90–£180 per square metre installed in the UK, with the figure depending on the wood. Treated softwoods sit at the lower end from around £100/m² with labour, while premium hardwoods such as cedar average around £165/m² installed. The trade-off is maintenance: most timber needs re-oiling or staining every two to five years depending on exposure, and a professional re-stain can cost a few hundred pounds. Well maintained, timber commonly lasts around 20–40 years. It suits people who want a natural look and accept the upkeep that comes with a living material.
Timber gives the most natural finish, but it is a living material that needs feeding to last. Here is what it typically costs and what the maintenance cycle involves.
Timber cladding at a glance
- Installed cost~£90–£180 / m²
- Softwood from~£100 / m²
- Cedar~£165 / m²
- Lifespan~20–40 years (maintained)
- Re-treatevery 2–5 years
What you pay and the upkeep cycle
Timber cladding spans a wide price band because the wood varies. Treated softwood is the lowest-priced route, from around £100/m² installed, while western red cedar and other premium timbers average nearer £165/m². Where timber differs from composite and fibre-cement is upkeep: to hold off greying, rot and movement, most cladding needs oiling or staining every two to five years depending on how exposed the wall is. A professional re-stain typically costs a few hundred pounds, so factor that recurring cost into the lifetime figure.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | ~£90–£180 / m² | wood type & access vary it |
| Softwood | from ~£100 / m² | lowest-priced timber route |
| Cedar | ~£165 / m² | premium, naturally durable |
| Re-treat | every 2–5 years | oil or stain to maintain |
| Lifespan | ~20–40 years | with regular upkeep |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: MyJobQuote and BookaBuilderUK cost guides.
Choosing the right timber
- Want the lowest upfront price? treated softwood is the lowest-priced timber to install, though it needs the most upkeep.
- Want longevity and a premium look? cedar and other durable hardwoods cost more but weather well.
- Happy to let it silver? some owners let timber grey naturally and reduce treatment — but this changes the look and can shorten life on exposed walls.
- Want minimal maintenance instead? composite or fibre-cement avoid the staining cycle, at a different cost balance.
Considering timber cladding?
We'll match you with a vetted cladding installer who measures up and quotes timber against the alternatives, with the maintenance cycle set out clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does timber cladding cost per square metre?
Timber cladding typically costs around £90–£180 per square metre installed in the UK. Treated softwood starts from around £100/m² with labour, while premium cedar averages nearer £165/m².
How often does timber cladding need maintenance?
Most timber cladding needs re-oiling or staining every two to five years depending on exposure, with a professional re-stain costing a few hundred pounds. This recurring upkeep is the main trade-off against low-maintenance materials.
How long does timber cladding last?
Well maintained, timber cladding commonly lasts around 20–40 years. Durable hardwoods like cedar tend to last longer than treated softwoods, and lifespan depends heavily on exposure and upkeep.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation.