CEDAR NEEDS TIME TO CLIMATISE
One of the most important steps when installing cedar channel cladding is also one of the easiest to overlook: allowing the timber to dry and acclimatise before installation.
Cedar is a natural material, so its moisture content changes with its surrounding conditions. If cladding is installed while it is still too wet, it can continue to dry after installation — causing shrinkage, movement, open joints and changes to the finished appearance.
✅ The right approach:
• Store the cedar correctly and protect it from rain and standing water
• Allow it sufficient time to acclimatise to site conditions
• Check the moisture content with a suitable moisture meter
• Aim for the moisture content specified by the timber supplier/manufacturer — for many exterior cedar applications, this is typically around 12–16%, although the correct figure can vary
• Install only when the timber is suitably conditioned for the project
⚠️ Why does this matter?
If cedar is delivered to site and installed immediately without allowing it to condition, the timber may continue to dry once it is fixed. This can lead to unwanted movement and shrinkage — potentially affecting the appearance of the finished cladding.
🌲 HOW WE DO IT AT KIDBYS
Here at Kidbys, we allow our cedar to dry and acclimatise correctly before installation, giving the timber the best possible chance to reach a stable moisture content before it goes onto the building.
We believe that getting the preparation right is just as important as getting the installation right.
So when choosing an installer, don’t just ask “How much does it cost to fit?”
Ask:
“What do you do with the cedar before you install it?”
The right preparation can make all the difference to the finished result.
