At Harrogate Flooring, we’re always looking for ways to bring outstanding timber products to our customers across Yorkshire and the wider UK. Alongside our reclaimed pine flooring, engineered oak and Thermowood ranges, we supply premium Western Red Cedar Shadow Gap Cladding – a classic, high-performance exterior cladding that combines natural beauty, excellent durability and excellent dimensional stability.
If you’re searching for Western Red Cedar cladding, Canadian Western Red Cedar, shadow gap cladding, cedar shadow gap, PEFC certified cedar cladding, Class 2 durability cladding, or long-lasting exterior timber cladding that weathers beautifully, this detailed guide is for you. We’ll explore what makes Western Red Cedar so special, the advantages of the shadow gap profile, practical performance, installation notes, finishing options and why this product continues to be a favourite for both traditional and contemporary projects.
You can view the full product details, available widths and current pricing here:
Western Red Cladding – Shadow Gap
What Is Western Red Cedar?
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a softwood native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, particularly the coastal forests of Canada and the north-western United States. It has been prized for centuries for exterior use because of its combination of light weight, natural durability, dimensional stability and attractive colour variation.
Our boards are Canadian Western Red Cedar, sustainably sourced and PEFC certified. The grade is No. 2 Clears (with under 7% No. 4), giving a high-quality appearance with limited knots while still retaining the natural character of the species. Colours vary across the boards – pinky reds, warm browns, lighter tones and occasional deeper chocolate colours – creating a lively, organic façade that no uniform manufactured product can match.
The Shadow Gap Profile
These cladding boards are machined with an extended tongue-and-groove profile that creates a consistent 10mm wide shadow gap. This produces the clean, architectural lines that have become so popular in modern design. Depending on installation and exact detailing, the profile can deliver single, double or triple shadow gap effects.
Shadow gap cladding offers several visual and practical advantages:
- Crisp horizontal or vertical lines that catch light and create depth
- A contemporary appearance that works on new-builds, extensions, garden rooms and commercial elevations
- The recessed joint helps accommodate minor movement while maintaining a tidy appearance
- It pairs beautifully with both traditional and contemporary architecture when detailed carefully
The boards are 18mm thick with face covering widths of 78mm and 124mm. Lengths are typically 2–5 metres (most commonly 2.5–3 metres). Price is per linear metre, with approximate square-metre costs of around £93 for the 78mm face and £109 for the 124mm face. A minimum order of 120 linear metres applies.
Outstanding Natural Performance
Western Red Cedar is naturally durable. It contains extractives (including thujaplicins) that give the heartwood good resistance to decay and insect attack. Under BS EN 350 it is rated Class 2 – Durable, making it suitable for above-ground exterior applications without the need for chemical preservative treatment.
Left untreated and correctly detailed, Western Red Cedar cladding can achieve a service life of over 35 years. Many installations continue performing well beyond that when the design allows the timber to dry properly after wetting.
Dimensional stability is another major strength. Western Red Cedar has a relatively low density and low shrinkage factor compared with many other softwoods. This means it moves less with changes in moisture content, reducing the risk of warping, cupping or twisting. For a shadow gap profile – where the visual quality depends on consistent joint lines – this stability is particularly valuable.
The timber is also lightweight, which makes handling and installation easier, and it has good natural insulating properties.
Colour and Weathering Behaviour
Fresh Western Red Cedar displays a beautiful range of warm tones – pinks, reds, browns and occasional deeper shades. Over time, if left unfinished and exposed to UV light and weather, the surface gradually weathers to an attractive silver-grey. This natural ageing process is one of the reasons many people choose cedar: the façade develops character rather than simply looking “new” forever.
If you prefer to retain more of the original colour for longer, exterior oils, stains or suitable film-forming coatings can be applied. Because the timber is relatively free of pitch and resin, it accepts finishes well. Regular maintenance of any coating system will help preserve the colour and provide additional surface protection.
Sustainability
Our Western Red Cedar is PEFC certified, confirming it comes from sustainably managed forests. As a natural, renewable material with excellent longevity and no requirement for chemical preservatives, it represents a responsible choice for exterior cladding. At the end of its long service life it remains biodegradable and recyclable.
Comparing Western Red Cedar with Other Options
Versus untreated softwoods
Ordinary pine or spruce typically require preservative treatment and more frequent maintenance to achieve comparable longevity outdoors. Cedar’s natural durability and stability give it a clear advantage for exterior cladding.
Versus Thermowood
Thermowood (thermally modified pine) is an excellent chemical-free alternative that also reaches Class 2 durability. Western Red Cedar offers a different aesthetic – richer natural colour variation and the classic cedar character – and is often preferred where the traditional look and feel of cedar is desired.
Versus hardwoods or composites
Cedar provides the warmth and texture of real timber at a competitive cost relative to many tropical hardwoods, while remaining lighter and easier to work. Composite systems can offer lower maintenance, but many clients still prefer the authentic appearance and weathering behaviour of genuine Western Red Cedar.
Installation and Best Practice
As with all exterior timber cladding, correct detailing is essential for long-term performance:
- Install over a ventilated rainscreen cavity so the reverse of the boards can dry out after rain.
- Use stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant fixings suitable for exterior use.
- Follow recommended fixing centres and allow appropriate movement gaps.
- Ensure the supporting structure, membranes and flashings are correctly detailed.
- Boards can be installed horizontally or vertically according to the design.
Because Western Red Cedar is stable and relatively lightweight, it is pleasant to work with on site. We recommend discussing surplus quantities with your cladding installer to allow for cutting and any future needs. Lead times are typically 1–4 weeks. Nationwide pallet delivery is available, and local collection from our Harrogate workshop is also possible.
Finishing Choices
You have clear options:
- Leave untreated to weather naturally – Develops a classic silver-grey patina over time with minimal ongoing maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
- Apply a protective coating – Exterior oils or stains help retain more of the original warm tones and add surface protection. Re-coating intervals depend on exposure and product choice.
Either route can look excellent; the decision depends on the desired long-term appearance and maintenance preference.
Why Buy Western Red Cedar Shadow Gap Cladding from Harrogate Flooring?
We supply this high-quality Canadian Western Red Cedar alongside our other timber ranges. Customers benefit from:
- Clear product information and transparent pricing
- Advice on quantities, profiles and practical considerations
- Nationwide delivery or convenient local collection
- A Yorkshire-based team that understands both flooring and exterior cladding applications
Whether you are cladding a house, garden room, extension or commercial elevation, we are happy to help you select the right material and calculate what you need.
Ready to Specify Western Red Cedar Shadow Gap Cladding?
Western Red Cedar remains one of the most trusted and beautiful materials for exterior timber cladding. Its natural durability (Class 2), excellent stability, attractive colour variation, PEFC certification and ability to weather gracefully to silver-grey make it a premium yet practical choice. The shadow gap profile adds clean contemporary lines that enhance both modern and traditional architecture.
Combined with a service life of over 35 years when correctly installed and detailed, it represents a long-term investment in both appearance and performance.
Browse the full specification, widths and current pricing here:
Western Red Cladding – Shadow Gap
Contact us to discuss quantities, lead times, samples or any aspect of your project. We’re always happy to help.
Get in touch with Harrogate Flooring:
Website: www.harrogateflooring.co.uk
Phone: 07479 235832
Email: sales@harrogateflooring.co.uk
We supply Western Red Cedar cladding, shadow gap cladding, Canadian cedar cladding and other quality timber products to homes and projects throughout Yorkshire (including Harrogate, York and Leeds) and across the UK.
Thank you for reading. We look forward to helping you create a durable, characterful exterior finish with genuine Western Red Cedar.
Harrogate Flooring – Specialists in quality timber flooring and cladding, manufactured and supplied from Yorkshire, delivered nationwide.