Cladding for a commercial or domestic building is a popular way to finish it off. You can choose timber cladding if you want a contemporary, on-trend look that will also age well. There are many types of timber you can use, including oak, beech, redwood and heat treated timber. Heat treated options can be good if you want added resilience without having to pay sky high prices.

It’s important you choose quality timber if you want a premium finish. The most important thing is choosing your supplier. They should be an experienced timber merchant with lots of different options for you. If you need to get your timber cladding cut down to size, look for a timber merchant who can custom mill timber for you as well. It can be a good idea to get custom milled timber anyway, as it tends to have a higher quality structure and finish.

Timber merchants now often sell their products online and have their own website to sell their goods. If you want to buy timber online, you need to make sure it is going to meet your expectations. Here are some of the things to look out for that will indicate quality:

• Custom milling services. Cutting the timber down to size for you indicates that they have their own timber mill and can offer bespoke services.
• Wooden sleepers. Sleepers are versatile pieces of wood that can be used for anything around the home. From furniture to ceiling beams, sleepers can do it all. Check what the sleepers are made out of and where they have been sourced.
• Wood that has been sourced sustainably. Read about their sustainability policies and find out where the wood being sold has come from. If the timber merchant has their own timber growing supplies, this is even better.