| SLUG| TIMBER CLADDING No matter whether a house is traditional or modern, timber cladding can look great. There's a wide range of timbers and finishes to choose from, depending on the look you want to achieve and the style of your property. Raw-edged overlap boards can provide you with a rustic, barn-like finish; smooth boards can be painted in a New England style for a seaside feel; and thin tongue and groove cedar strips give a crisp, clean look that suits contemporary homes. Hardwoods, such as cedar, are much more durable but costly - prices start from £40 per sqm. Softwoods are cheaper, with the lowest prices for untreated spruce and pine starting at around £8 per sqm. Wood can be treated to reduce the colour fade caused by weather conditions, and improve its thermal properties. You will have to maintain it regularly, though. > www.athomemagazine.co.uk NOVEMBER 2015 | 277