Board width changes how a small structure reads more than most people expect. A wide board, best suited for a large garden room or big house extension, will make a small garden office or shed look large and boxy. Narrow boards or a mix of widths usually work better for small structures.
Vertically cladding a small structure makes it appear taller than cladding it horizontally. This is useful information if the small outbuilding is already trying to not appear squat against a fence or a large building behind it.
Softwood cladding is the cheapest option, but it requires maintenance to keep its color, and over time it will decay. A naturally durable timber like cedar or larch, will eventually turn a soft silvery gray, and maintain its structure for longer, especially if it’s in a small building that will be in the homeowner’s line of sight.
Ventilation behind the cladding is important, and more so for a small outbuilding. This is because a small structure has a reduced capacity to absorb and dissipate moisture. The cladding can begin to cup and decay from behind the cladding if the battens and space behind the cladding are not done correctly.
The cost for basic softwood cladding is around £30-£40 per square meter (supplied), and £60-£90 or more for cedar, before the fitting.