Timber Cladding in Ireland — Cost, Maintenance, and Best Species for Irish Weather
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Timber cladding: €110–€180/m². Repaint every 8–12 years. Cedar, larch, and oak are the best species for Irish weather.
Timber cladding in Ireland: €110–€180/m² installed. Repaint or re-oil every 8–12 years depending on exposure and species. Best species for Irish weather: Western Red Cedar (most durable, naturally weather-resistant, doesn't need preservative treatment); European Larch (cheaper, similar performance, harder to source); Oak (most durable, expensive, can stain adjacent materials). Most common profiles: feather-edge (traditional Irish), shiplap (cleaner lines), tongue-and-groove (more expensive, more weather-tight). Vertical or horizontal orientation. Stainless steel fixings to avoid staining. Most Irish self-builds with timber cladding use cedar or larch; oak is reserved for premium or heritage builds. The architect picks, often with planning constraints in rural areas.
When this matters most
You're considering timber cladding.
When this doesn't apply
You've already specified the cladding.
Sources
Building Regulations 2023, TGD-L. https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does timber cladding cost in Ireland?
€110–€180/m² installed. For a 150 m² house with ~200 m² of wall: €22,000–€36,000. Repaint or re-oil every 8–12 years.
What is the best timber for cladding in Ireland?
Western Red Cedar. Naturally weather-resistant, doesn't need preservative treatment, 30+ year lifespan. European Larch is cheaper and similar. Oak is the most durable but expensive.
How often do I need to repaint timber cladding?
Every 8–12 years. Cedar can be left untreated (silvers over time). Larch and oak benefit from a penetrating oil every 5–8 years.
When this matters most
You're considering timber cladding.
When this doesn't apply
You've already specified the cladding.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Airtightness in Ireland — Part L 1–3 m³/m²·hr, Passive House ≤0.6, and the Blower Door Test →
- External Insulation in Ireland — The EWI Decision for Blockwork, BER, and Thermal Bridging →
- Lintels and Reveals in Ireland — The Detailing That Makes or Breaks Airtightness →
- Wall Insulation in Ireland — PIR, EPS, Mineral Wool, and What Hits the U-value Target →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.