Architecture
Decorating
Love the Idea of Timber-Clad Walls? Here's All You Need to Know
Timber-clad walls are back in a big way – here's the lowdown if you're considering them for your new build or reno
Texture, warmth and natural appeal – there’s much to love about timber cladding or lining boards as a design feature in your home. And designers and architects can’t seem to get enough of them right now, using them on everything from walls and curved ceilings to bedrooms and kitchen islands. We chatted with three design professionals to find out exactly what you need to know if you’ve got your eye on tantalising timber for an upcoming renovation or build.
What’s trending?
“Raw timber species such as Tasmanian oak and pine with a natural patina are popular, as well as stains such as Black Japan, teak and white wash,” says Rachel Gilding, design coordinator at Porta. “We are also seeing coated and painted lining boards being used to add pops of colour.
“Raw timber species such as Tasmanian oak and pine with a natural patina are popular, as well as stains such as Black Japan, teak and white wash,” says Rachel Gilding, design coordinator at Porta. “We are also seeing coated and painted lining boards being used to add pops of colour.
When it comes to profiles, plank formats (such as VJ lining boards), textured profiles (such as the curves of Porta Contours Riverine) or lineal profiles (such as Porta Contours Strata) are popular, says Gilding.
“Boral VJ boards are increasingly being used horizontally to line walls and pitched ceilings, adding warmth and character to a space,” says Leon Travis, general manager of sales and distribution at Boral Timber.
“The feature-grade timber highlights the black gum veins and knots to create a sense of uniqueness. Observing the natural variations in the timber is like looking at clouds and makes a space more cosy.”
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“Boral VJ boards are increasingly being used horizontally to line walls and pitched ceilings, adding warmth and character to a space,” says Leon Travis, general manager of sales and distribution at Boral Timber.
“The feature-grade timber highlights the black gum veins and knots to create a sense of uniqueness. Observing the natural variations in the timber is like looking at clouds and makes a space more cosy.”
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What are some of your favourite looks?
“I have used pre-finished engineered boards from Royal Oak Floors’ Architect Collection on a few projects as they are extra wide and matching edge pieces are available for corner details,” says Johnstone. “I specified the Mink Grey on a large wall at one project, applied it to the floor in the entry corridor of the original Victorian, and then applied it to a wall that extended through the living area with discreet hidden storage.
“We have also used a pre-finished blackbutt timber-veneer cladding throughout a recent project. We cladded a wall with a hidden garage access door, a coat cupboard, and the surfaces of a recessed shelving unit. This product allows the wall cladding to match other joinery elements such as a bench seat, vanity units and a built-in desk for a sense of flow,” she says.
“I have used pre-finished engineered boards from Royal Oak Floors’ Architect Collection on a few projects as they are extra wide and matching edge pieces are available for corner details,” says Johnstone. “I specified the Mink Grey on a large wall at one project, applied it to the floor in the entry corridor of the original Victorian, and then applied it to a wall that extended through the living area with discreet hidden storage.
“We have also used a pre-finished blackbutt timber-veneer cladding throughout a recent project. We cladded a wall with a hidden garage access door, a coat cupboard, and the surfaces of a recessed shelving unit. This product allows the wall cladding to match other joinery elements such as a bench seat, vanity units and a built-in desk for a sense of flow,” she says.
Porta Contours Cirque; image: Mike Baker; stylist: Bree Leech for Feltex Carpets
“Porta has a range of contoured timber lining boards with concave and convex curves that can be painted or stained and used internally and externally. We recently specified these to clad the interior walls of a curved stairwell that we are excited about,” says Johnstone.
“Porta has a range of contoured timber lining boards with concave and convex curves that can be painted or stained and used internally and externally. We recently specified these to clad the interior walls of a curved stairwell that we are excited about,” says Johnstone.
Apart from walls, where else can you use timber lining boards?
“Try drawing attention to a design feature, such as a fireplace or a large window, by fringing them with lining boards or lay boards vertically in a room to create the illusion of height and grandeur,” says Travis.
“We’re seeing lining boards used all over interiors right now, from kitchen islands, ceilings, doors and feature walls though to artistic pieces hiding those not-so-lovely spaces such as laundries,” says Gilding.
“Try drawing attention to a design feature, such as a fireplace or a large window, by fringing them with lining boards or lay boards vertically in a room to create the illusion of height and grandeur,” says Travis.
“We’re seeing lining boards used all over interiors right now, from kitchen islands, ceilings, doors and feature walls though to artistic pieces hiding those not-so-lovely spaces such as laundries,” says Gilding.
What are your favourite spots to use them?
“My favourite way to use timber lining boards is to conceal secret doors,” says Johnstone. “I read about the Japanese concept of ‘iki’, which can be interpreted as ‘refined spontaneity’ and I like to interpret this as subtle and unexpected details that perhaps only the owners of a home ever know about; details that are an insider’s secret.
“We also like using timber lining boards on walls and ceilings as a low-maintenance finish that provides tactile warmth in a space,” she says.
“My favourite way to use timber lining boards is to conceal secret doors,” says Johnstone. “I read about the Japanese concept of ‘iki’, which can be interpreted as ‘refined spontaneity’ and I like to interpret this as subtle and unexpected details that perhaps only the owners of a home ever know about; details that are an insider’s secret.
“We also like using timber lining boards on walls and ceilings as a low-maintenance finish that provides tactile warmth in a space,” she says.
Porta Contours Riverine; image: Brock Beazley; builder: Bright Black Developments
What would you choose for a retro mid-century look?
“This look usually combines saturated accents and darker, neutral tones,” says Gilding. “Two options to consider would be a bold, textured feature lining board painted or coated with an eye-catching accent tone, or a timber lining wall with a teak or walnut stain.”
And for a more contemporary look?
“Try coated or painted black lining boards in black grey or white in a curved, textured profile, or a natural timber grain in a striking profile such as Porta Ridges,” she says .
What would you choose for a retro mid-century look?
“This look usually combines saturated accents and darker, neutral tones,” says Gilding. “Two options to consider would be a bold, textured feature lining board painted or coated with an eye-catching accent tone, or a timber lining wall with a teak or walnut stain.”
And for a more contemporary look?
“Try coated or painted black lining boards in black grey or white in a curved, textured profile, or a natural timber grain in a striking profile such as Porta Ridges,” she says .
What are the main options in terms of materials?
“There are various products available, including solid timber, MDF and composite timber. Timber alternatives such as MDF are usually used for a painted finish,” says Travis.
What’s the most sustainable option?
According to Gilding, a FSC- or PEFC-certified solid timber lining left natural or with a stain is the most sustainable and low-toxic option for internal wall linings.
“There are various products available, including solid timber, MDF and composite timber. Timber alternatives such as MDF are usually used for a painted finish,” says Travis.
What’s the most sustainable option?
According to Gilding, a FSC- or PEFC-certified solid timber lining left natural or with a stain is the most sustainable and low-toxic option for internal wall linings.
What should I expect to pay?
“There are a variety of lining boards on the market, each with their own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research before selecting what works for your look and budget,” says Gilding.
“Cost varies according to application, area and lining type, but you should expect to pay roughly $78 per square metre.
“MDF is an entry-level option, primed-pine is middle range, while solid timber hardwoods are the more luxurious, durable and sustainable option,” she says.
Browse beautiful shiplap walls for more cladding inspiration
“There are a variety of lining boards on the market, each with their own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research before selecting what works for your look and budget,” says Gilding.
“Cost varies according to application, area and lining type, but you should expect to pay roughly $78 per square metre.
“MDF is an entry-level option, primed-pine is middle range, while solid timber hardwoods are the more luxurious, durable and sustainable option,” she says.
Browse beautiful shiplap walls for more cladding inspiration
Which materials do timber lining boards look great with?
“Timber lining provides a neutral backdrop that works with many materials, but particularly industrial ones such as black aluminium window frames, exposed brick walls and concrete flooring,” says Travis.
“Timber lining provides a neutral backdrop that works with many materials, but particularly industrial ones such as black aluminium window frames, exposed brick walls and concrete flooring,” says Travis.
Which types of interior walls can they go on?
“The preferred option for solid timber lining boards is a timber-framed wall,” says Travis. “Plasterboard or brick are also options, providing the surface is prepared correctly and the right fixings and adhesive are used.”
“The preferred option for solid timber lining boards is a timber-framed wall,” says Travis. “Plasterboard or brick are also options, providing the surface is prepared correctly and the right fixings and adhesive are used.”
How are they attached to walls?
“This depends on the wall, but generally solid timber is attached with a combination of nails and a suitable timber adhesive. Boral V-joint lining can be directly fixed vertically, horizontally or diagonally to interior framed walls following our installation guidelines,” says Travis.
“This depends on the wall, but generally solid timber is attached with a combination of nails and a suitable timber adhesive. Boral V-joint lining can be directly fixed vertically, horizontally or diagonally to interior framed walls following our installation guidelines,” says Travis.
Can they be retrofitted?
Interior lining boards can be retrofitted with care, but it depends on the application and the other adjoining finishes and elements, says Johnstone. “We recommend using them as part of the original design as there may be building regulations regarding location, such as around fireplaces or wet areas,” she says.
Interior lining boards can be retrofitted with care, but it depends on the application and the other adjoining finishes and elements, says Johnstone. “We recommend using them as part of the original design as there may be building regulations regarding location, such as around fireplaces or wet areas,” she says.
Can you install them in a bathroom or laundry?
“Yes, so long as they are away from direct exposure to running or pooling water and you use appropriate finishes to seal and protect the timber surface from atmospheric moisture,” says Travis.
“Yes, so long as they are away from direct exposure to running or pooling water and you use appropriate finishes to seal and protect the timber surface from atmospheric moisture,” says Travis.
I love the idea of curved walls and ceilings – what do I need to know?
“Curves of all kinds are a big trend that’s only gaining momentum,” says Gilding. Attaching lining boards to curves is fairly straightforward, she says, but there are a few things to note:
“Curves of all kinds are a big trend that’s only gaining momentum,” says Gilding. Attaching lining boards to curves is fairly straightforward, she says, but there are a few things to note:
- A lining board that runs horizontally is not designed for curved walls.
- The ideal interlocking system for curves would be a tongue-and-groove system. A lining board with this system running vertically is able to be fixed to a large radius/curve.
- For smaller curved radiuses, it is better to use separate pieces butt-jointed together.
- When attaching lining boards to ceilings, consider the product’s weight. As a ceiling is rarely prone to being bumped, you can opt for a softer and lighter timber such as pine.
Johnstone adds:
- Get specialist advice for specifying curved lining boards.
- Some products will be more suitable than others. Generally, narrower profiles will suit curving more than a wide-profile board as they will not appear faceted, which a wider board will.
- The substrate is also important and should be considered as part of the specification to ensure the installer achieves the desired finish.
- Timber-veneer plywood can be a good option for curves as it can be steamed into the required shape. You’ll need to seek out a timber specialist who is familiar with this process.
What else is good to know?
“It’s important to consider the colour of a timber lining board as part of the overall design response,” says Johnstone. “Like painted walls, a lighter timber lining board will help make a space feel light-filled, whereas a darker board will darken a room.
“However, the use of a darker timber lining board can be applied to an element or a single wall to create a focal point or lend a sense enclosure to a room – for example, cladding around a fireplace area or in a room that is used for quieter pursuits, such as a library or sitting room.”
“It’s important to consider the colour of a timber lining board as part of the overall design response,” says Johnstone. “Like painted walls, a lighter timber lining board will help make a space feel light-filled, whereas a darker board will darken a room.
“However, the use of a darker timber lining board can be applied to an element or a single wall to create a focal point or lend a sense enclosure to a room – for example, cladding around a fireplace area or in a room that is used for quieter pursuits, such as a library or sitting room.”
Your turn
Are you tempted to introduce lining boards to your interior? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert design insights? Check out this story: 10 Ways a Designer Added Warmth & Character to a Bland Apartment
Are you tempted to introduce lining boards to your interior? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert design insights? Check out this story: 10 Ways a Designer Added Warmth & Character to a Bland Apartment
“Timber interior lining boards lend a tactile warmth to a space,” says Kirsten Johnstone, director at Kirsten Johnstone Architecture. “They can be used to form a focal point in a larger space and to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces.”