Designing with Black Timber Cladding: Trends, Tips and Timber Selection.

Black timber cladding provides a timeless and versatile aesthetic suited to a variety of architectural styles. Its appeal lies in the combination of beauty, functionality and the ability to create a dynamic relationship with its surroundings. Although this trend draws inspiration from several sources, a few stand out as particularly influential.

Shou Sugi Ban

Known as Yaki Sugi, this traditional Japanese technique of charring wood not only gives timber a distinctive deep black colour but also adds texture and, in some cases, improves durability. This method has become increasingly popular for its striking visual appeal, leading to widespread adoption of charred timber cladding as a design trend.

Scandinavian style

Nordic architectural styles often incorporate black wood cladding to create a stark contrast in cold environments, accentuating clean lines and simplicity; hallmarks of Scandinavian minimalism. This aesthetic has influenced many designs seeking clean, modern and understated features that integrate with natural surroundings.

Rural structures

In some regions the trend is also inspired by historical agricultural buildings which were often stained or painted dark for practical reasons. This nod to rural heritage and minimal, utilitarian structures has resonated with modern design, where rustic black barn cladding and industrial elements are being integrated into contemporary architecture.

Mokuzai® ‘Charred’ | Inspired by Yaki Sugi, manufactured for modern living.

MillCoat®|Factory coatings are available in a range of standard RAL colours | Colour matching upon request.

Designing with black timber cladding

When correctly specified, black timber cladding creates a visually compelling architectural statement, however it is important to balance aesthetic with practical aspects.

Integration with Nature

Black timber cladding works exceptionally well in natural surroundings like forests or rural areas, allowing the building to blend harmoniously with its environment. The dark, matte finish offers a strong contrast to surrounding greenery and works well when paired with large glass panels or windows that reflect the natural elements.

Contrasting materials

Combining black cladding with accents of natural timber or metallic finishes is a great way to soften the exterior, add warmth and create subtle highlights across the façade. Consider the use of contrasting materials around entryways, such as a brightly coloured door or mixed building materials, creates inviting focal point against the dark background.

Play with texture and dimensions

Introducing surface texture not only creates visual interest but also prevents the exterior from appearing monotonous. A wire brushed surface texture enhances the natural grain pattern of the timber and adds dimension to each board. For those seeking a durable, high-relief finish inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, Millworks Mokuzai® ‘Charred’ offers a sustainable solution manufactured for modern living.

Highlight architectural features

Varying the board orientation or width of the timber cladding can make areas of the building more distinct and helps emphasise the architectural features within the design. Breaking up large expanses of exterior timber cladding with features like windows, balconies, or contrasting panels helps to maintain a balanced design.

Timber for factory coated cladding

When selecting timber for black cladding, there are several factors to consider such as natural durability, stability, appearance, and the suitability for coating. Factory coating provides a controlled, high-quality finish, that not only enhances the appearance of the timber but also improves its longevity.

Thermally modified timbers are among the top choices for black external cladding due to a number of key characteristics that make them particularly well-suited for factory coated applications. The thermal modification process alters the wood at a cellular level, providing greater dimensional stability in comparison to untreated wood. This means that the timber has a reduced tendency to warp, twist or shrink when exposed to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations, a crucial attribute for maintaining coating integrity on black cladding, which tends to absorb more heat.

Reduced moisture absorption is another important factor to prevent coatings from peeling or wearing away prematurely. The thermal modification process lowers the timbers moisture content and limits its ability to absorb water, preventing common issues like swelling, surface growth and decay. Thanks to its low movement properties of thermally modified wood factory coatings remain intact, as surface cracks and movement are significantly minimized, resulting in a longer-lasting and more durable finish.

Thermowood offers versatile finishing options, including surface textures such as wire brushing and Mokuzai® decorative finishes. It retains an attractive wood texture and grain, which can add depth and interest to the black cladding finish. The dark coating, when applied, highlights the natural grain patterns, resulting in a contemporary yet organic aesthetic.

Thermowood MillCoat® Charcoal Black | Applied under controlled factory conditions for a consistent finish.

EXPLORE MORE