The beauty of Thermowood cladding for a garden room
Published: 9 April 2023
Read Time: 2 minutes 49 seconds
If you're considering building a garden room, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is what material to use for the cladding. While there are a variety of options available, one material that's gaining popularity for its unique blend of aesthetics and performance is Thermowood.
This Instagram post by Bridge Garden Rooms inspired us to write about the benefits of choosing Thermowood for the exterior of your outdoor room. These photos show the rich natural colouring and lovely grain pattern of Thermowood, making it a great option for creating an inviting outdoor space.
This building is an example of the Bridge Garden Rooms Windermere range. We recently wrote about another Windermere design that was customised for the client and features Thermowood exterior cladding.
Bridge Garden Rooms offer one of the most extensive ranges of garden room designs. Take a look at their website or chat with the team on 01422 832 863 or email: info@bridgetimber.com
A highly durable exterior cladding option
Thermowood is a type of softwood timber that's been heat-treated to improve its durability and stability. The process involves heating the wood to a high temperature, typically around 200°C, which changes the chemical structure of the wood, making it more resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage. It also makes the wood more dimensionally stable, meaning it's less likely to warp or shrink over time.
One of the key benefits of Thermowood cladding for a garden room is its natural beauty. The heat treatment process brings out the natural grain and colour of the wood, giving it a warm, rich appearance that's perfect for a cosy, inviting outdoor space. The colour of Thermowood can vary depending on the species and the degree of heat treatment, but it typically ranges from a golden brown to a deep, chocolatey hue.
As the wood is exposed to sunlight and the elements, it will gradually age and darken, developing a beautiful silver-grey patina that adds character and depth to the cladding. This natural ageing process is highly prized by designers, who appreciate the way that Thermowood can evolve and mature alongside the garden room itself. Additionally, because Thermowood is a natural material, it will age and weather in a way that is unique to each piece, creating a truly one-of-a-kind look for your garden room.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Thermowood cladding offers a range of practical benefits for a garden room. As mentioned earlier, it's highly resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, which means it's less likely to require maintenance or replacement over time. It's also naturally weather-resistant, so it can stand up to the elements without deteriorating.
Another advantage of Thermowood cladding is its versatility. It can be used for both vertical and horizontal applications, and it can be easily cut and shaped to fit any design or style.
A sustainable cladding choice
Thermowood is also a sustainable choice for garden room cladding. The heat treatment process uses only heat and steam, with no chemicals or preservatives, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional treated timber. Additionally, because it's a natural material, it's biodegradable and can be easily recycled or repurposed at the end of its life.
Comparable to Cedar and Larch
When buying a garden room, you will often be presented with a range of exterior cladding options to choose from. Two common alternatives to Thermowood are Siberian Larch and Western Red Cedar. While these woods are both known for their durability and natural beauty, they can be more expensive than Thermowood. However, the average lifespan of Thermowood cladding is comparable to that of Siberian Larch and Western Red Cedar, making it a cost-effective and durable design choice for your garden room.
In conclusion, Thermowood cladding is an excellent choice for a garden room due to its natural beauty, durability, versatility, and sustainability. With proper care and maintenance, it can provide a long-lasting and attractive solution for creating an inviting outdoor space.
