The Best Wood Cladding for Modern Homes (That Instantly Impress)
In the world of architectural design, few materials make a statement like wood cladding. And when it comes to creating modern exteriors that instantly impress, choosing the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes becomes a top priority.
Whether you’re building a new property, renovating a façade, or simply refreshing your exterior, the right timber profile can dramatically enhance your home’s style, value, and character.
In this article, we’ll explore the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes, break down the most popular profiles, and explain why Canadian Western Red Cedar continues to be the go-to choice for architects and designers alike.
Why Use Wood Cladding for Modern Homes?
Modern architecture thrives on clean lines, texture, and natural contrast. Wood cladding offers:
Warm, organic tones
Smooth or structured finishes
Adaptability for vertical or horizontal layout
A unique way to combine tradition with minimalism
But not all timber cladding performs the same — that’s why identifying the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes means looking beyond just looks.
What Makes Cladding “The Best” for Modern Homes?
To earn the title of the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes, a timber profile should offer:
– A modern, sleek appearance
– Long-lasting performance
– Low maintenance
– Natural durability
– Flexible design potential
Few materials meet all these criteria like Canadian Western Red Cedar and that’s why it’s at the heart of every cladding profile we recommend below.
Top Profiles: The Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes
Let’s explore the top cladding profiles that combine style and performance, all available in Western Red Cedar.
1. TG&V (Tongue & Groove V-Joint)
The most popular and one of the best wood cladding options for modern homes.
Features: V-joint edge, tight fit, smooth finish
Ideal for: Vertical or horizontal layouts
Why it works: Sleek and uniform appearance
2. TG&S (Tongue & Groove with Shadow Gap)
Similar to TG&V but with a distinct recessed line between boards.
Creates: Strong horizontal lines
Ideal for: Contemporary builds
Finish: Refined yet textured
3. Shiplap
A classic profile made modern when installed horizontally.
Features: Overlapping boards with recessed reveal
Benefit: Weatherproof and minimalistic
Texture: Smooth, modern lines
4. Rainscreen (Open Joint)
Ultra-modern and bold.
Design: Open joints with rear ventilation
Best for: Architectural builds
Creates: Dynamic shadow lines
View Rainscreen Cedar Cladding
5. Feather Edge
A traditional profile with rustic appeal, now used in modern-rustic homes.
Look: Overlapping slats
Works well in: Horizontal applications
Use case: Barn conversions, countryside homes
View Feather Edge Cedar Cladding
Why Western Red Cedar Is the Best Wood for Cladding
No article about the best wood cladding for modern homes would be complete without highlighting Canadian Western Red Cedar:
Naturally durable – no chemical treatments needed
Rich grain and tone – warm reddish-browns that grey elegantly
Lightweight and stable – perfect for vertical and horizontal use
Low maintenance – apply oil or leave untreated
Sustainably sourced – PEFC-certified timber from Canadian forests
Western Red Cedar outperforms pine, spruce, and larch in both aesthetics and durability.
Installation Layouts That Elevate Modern Homes
How you install cladding has a huge impact on the result:
Vertical cladding elongates your façade
Horizontal cladding adds modern rhythm
Mixed-width boards create custom designs
Shadow gaps boost minimalism
The Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes isn’t just the material it’s how you use it.
Finishing Options
Western Red Cedar cladding can be:
Left natural to weather to silver
Treated with UV-protective oil to retain its colour
Stained or painted for dramatic contrast
All finishes maintain the timber’s natural warmth and texture a key reason it’s the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes.
What Architects Love About Cedar Cladding
Leading UK architects and landscapers love Red Cedar because:
It creates instant curb appeal
It elevates budget builds to premium status
It’s easy to cut, shape, and install
It performs beautifully over decades
It’s not just about timber — it’s about transformation. And few materials transform homes like Western Red Cedar cladding.
Ready to Choose the Best Wood Cladding for Your Modern Home?
At Red Cedar Retail, we stock only the highest-grade Canadian Western Red Cedar in a variety of cladding profiles, including:
TG&V
TG&S
Shiplap
Rainscreen
Feather Edge
Each profile is smooth-planed, naturally durable, and available in multiple widths to suit your vision.
Shop Western Red Cedar Cladding
Or contact us today for a free quote or cladding consultation.
How Does Cedar Compare to Other Wood Cladding Options?
When selecting the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes, you’ll likely come across several other timber options besides Western Red Cedar. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Larch (Siberian or British)
Larch is a common alternative to cedar due to its decent natural durability and pale golden colour. While it’s popular in the UK and cheaper than cedar, it has:
A rougher grain
A greater tendency to warp and split
Less colour consistency
Shorter lifespan unless treated
Compared to cedar, larch cladding often requires more frequent maintenance and doesn’t achieve the same premium finish.
2. Thermowood (Heat-Treated Pine or Ash)
Thermowood is heat-treated softwood that gains some added durability. It’s dimensionally stable but:
Still lacks the natural oils found in cedar
Offers a more uniform, less character-rich appearance
Has a darker brown tone that some may find limiting
Thermowood is often used in modern builds, but when compared to Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes, it lacks cedar’s authentic texture and grain depth.
3. Hardwoods (Oak, Iroko, Cumaru)
Hardwoods are extremely durable and striking but:
Often very heavy and difficult to install
Require special fixings and tools
Are usually much more expensive
Can darken unevenly over time
For most self-builders or developers, hardwoods are often overkill and add complexity without enough return on investment — making Western Red Cedar a more balanced, accessible choice.
Cost vs Value: Why Cedar Pays Off in the Long Run
Yes, Western Red Cedar does have a higher upfront cost. But when evaluating the best wood cladding for modern homes, total value matters more than sticker price.
Here’s why cedar offers a strong ROI:
| Cost Factor | Cedar Advantage |
|---|---|
| Initial Purchase | Higher — but includes natural durability |
| Maintenance | Low — no chemical treatments needed |
| Lifespan | 30+ years without rot or insect damage |
| Curb Appeal | Increases property value significantly |
| Labour & Fixings | Lightweight = easy to install = lower cost |
Over 20–30 years, Western Red Cedar is consistently more cost-effective than cheaper alternatives that require sealing, sanding, or replacement.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Cedar Cladding
To keep your cedar cladding looking its best:
Apply a UV-protective oil (such as Osmo or Owatrol) if you want to retain the reddish hue
Leave untreated for natural greying (which many modern designers love)
Use stainless steel fixings to avoid tannin staining
Clean occasionally with warm water and a soft brush
Avoid pressure washing, which can damage grain structure
Following these simple steps will keep your cladding vibrant and strong for decades.
Real-World Applications of the Best Wood Cladding for Modern Homes
Modern architects and builders love Western Red Cedar cladding because it works across a wide range of property types:
1. Urban Townhouses
Horizontal TG&V or TG&S creates sleek, elegant facades in space-constrained environments.
2. Countryside Retreats
Rainscreen or Feather Edge cedar cladding gives natural warmth to rustic-modern barn conversions.
3. Garden Rooms & Annexes
Cedar instantly makes any shed, garden office, or outdoor bar feel premium.
4. Apartment Blocks & Public Buildings
Used for accent features or entire elevations, cedar cladding offers aesthetic prestige and low maintenance.
Expert Tips to Maximise Your Cedar Cladding Design
Here are pro-level ideas to help your project stand out using the Best Wood Cladding Profiles for Modern Homes:
Combine profiles (e.g., TG&V + Rainscreen) for dynamic façade depth
Use mixed-width boards for a designer look
Install with shadow gaps to add minimalist contrast
Pair with black metal accents or render for architectural boldness
Light up with warm LED wall washers to enhance texture at night
When you start with the right timber — like Western Red Cedar — the design possibilities are limitless.
Where to Buy the Best Wood Cladding for Modern Homes
At Red Cedar Retail, we specialize in providing:
Premium Canadian Western Red Cedar cladding
Multiple profiles, widths, and finishes
Nationwide UK delivery
Expert customer support
Every board is PEFC-certified, smooth-planed, and backed by decades of exterior performance.
Browse Our Cladding Profiles Request a Custom Quote Contact Us for Samples
Final Thoughts
If you’re building or remodelling, the choice is clear: the best wood cladding for modern homes is Western Red Cedar and the best time to use it is now.
Its natural durability, low maintenance, warm tones, and architectural adaptability make it the perfect timber to enhance your home’s appearance and value for years to come.
