Accoya Cladding

Accoya cladding is one of those materials that just feels like a smart choice the moment you use it. If you’ve ever dealt with timber that twists, swells or cracks after a couple of winters, Accoya feels like a bit of a revelation.

It’s a modified timber that’s designed to last. Not just “treated”, not just coated – the wood itself is changed through a process called acetylation, so it becomes incredibly stable and naturally resistant to rot, insects and moisture. No toxic preservatives, no nasty chemicals, just clever engineering and good wood.

Why People Choose Accoya Cladding

Most people who end up choosing Accoya timber cladding are looking for one thing: peace of mind.

You don’t want to install cladding and then worry every year about twisting boards or black rot creeping in. Accoya solves that.

What makes it stand out:

• It has Class 1 durability – the highest rating for timber outdoors
• It barely moves compared to standard wood (very little swelling, shrinking or warping)
• It handles wet, humid and exposed environments easily
• It lasts longer than many untreated hardwoods including timber cladding
• It’s non-toxic, fully recyclable and it is actually sustainably sourced

It’s the kind of timber that quietly does its job without drama.

What it looks like in real life

Fresh Accoya has a pale cream, almost light blonde tone that works beautifully on modern buildings.

Over time, if left untreated, it weathers down into a soft, even silver-grey. It doesn’t go patchy or blotchy the way cheaper timbers can.

You can also paint or stain it really easily. In fact, finishes last longer on Accoya because the timber absorbs coatings so well. Whether you want bold colour, a dark contemporary stain or a simple natural oil, it takes finishes beautifully and holds them for longer.

Where Accoya cladding really shines

Accoya is brilliant when the environment is tough or the expectations are high.

It works especially well for:

• House façades and exterior walls
• Garden rooms and garden offices
• High-end architectural projects
• Coastal and high-moisture areas
• Commercial buildings

Because it moves so little, it keeps its clean lines even when the weather is doing its worst.

A few honest practical points (the stuff installers actually care about)

Accoya is incredibly stable, but it’s also a bit more brittle than standard timber. That’s not a negative — it’s just the nature of modified wood.

That’s why we recommend:

Using stainless steel fixings
Allowing a little extra wastage (around 15–20%)
Taking care when handling and cutting

It’s not difficult to work with, just worth treating with a bit of respect.

How it compares to other timber cladding

If you’re comparing options, Accoya sits in a different category.

It’s more durable and stable than standard softwood.

It outperforms most untreated hardwoods.

And while timbers like larch cladding and cedar cladding are fantastic natural choices, Accoya is the one people choose when longevity and stability are the absolute priority.