Join to receive exclusive discounts, hear about new products and more! By pressing subscribe, you agree to receiving marketing communications from Trade Warehouse.
Free Samples Available | Expert Team | 5 Stars on TrustPilot
Larch shadow gap cladding is for when you want timber to look sharp and modern, not rustic or old-fashioned. The neat, consistent gaps between the timber boards create strong shadow lines and give walls a really clean, architectural feel.
It’s made from dense, slow-grown British larch, which is one of the reasons it works so well outdoors. It’s tough by nature, handles the UK weather properly and still looks great as it ages. We also do composite cladding if you want an alternative to wood.
When it first goes up, the timber has a warm, natural tone. Over time, if you leave it untreated, it slowly fades to a soft silver-grey that just looks right on modern builds, garden rooms and contemporary extensions.
Why people choose larch shadow gap cladding
If you’re honest, most people choose this style because of the look. It’s bold, tidy and feels very “architect-designed” without being over the top. You can also pair it with a timber corner trim for a polished finish to your project.
But it’s not just about looks:
It naturally holds up well to rain, wind and temperature changes. The slow-grown grain makes the boards more stable and less likely to twist or split.
The shadow gap profile helps with airflow behind the boards, which is better for long-term performance. In fact it gives a clean, high-end finish without needing loads of maintenance
It works just as well on full houses as it does on garden offices, studios, feature walls and commercial projects.
Made from British larch, done properly
This shadow gap cladding is produced from British larch and precision-machined for consistent results.
That means straighter boards, sharper profiles and a finish that actually looks good when it’s on the wall – not one that needs “hiding” with trims and fillers afterwards.
You can fit the boards vertically for a really modern feel, or horizontally if you want the building to look wider and more grounded.
How it compares to other larch cladding styles
Shadow gap is more contemporary than other larch profiles.
It gives you stronger lines and deeper visual texture than larch tongue and groove cladding. And unlike larch shiplap cladding, it doesn’t overlap – it creates deliberate, even spacing between boards instead.
If you like the properties of larch but want a bold, modern look, this is usually the profile people end up choosing.
Comparing larch with other timber cladding
Larch is one of the best all-round timbers for exterior cladding. It’s tougher than standard softwood and gives you a more natural, character-filled look than heavily modified timbers.
Some people still compare options depending on style:
If you want something more refined and smooth, British cedar cladding is worth a look. If you want something really stable and low-maintenance, Accoya cladding is another popular choice.
Finishing & long-term care
You’ve got a couple of good options with larch shadow gap cladding:
You can leave it untreated and let it weather naturally.
Or you can oil or stain it to keep the colour for longer and add extra protection.
Either way, it’s important to install it properly:
