Exterior aluminium cladding

Exterior aluminium cladding is increasingly preferred by specifiers in the construction sector over other cladding materials.

This is due to its striking aesthetic qualities, its high functionality, and its fire-rating capabilities, offering specifiers the complete package for total confidence in specification.

Knotwood are pleased to manufacture and supply a unique range of aluminium cladding for design and construction professionals. Our cladding system is easy to specify and easy to install, meaning it is already a firm favourite with architects and contractors.

For specification guidance and product samples, contact our team today.

Exterior aluminium cladding

Knotwood design and manufacture wood-effect exterior aluminium cladding systems. We combine the strength, reliability and safety of aluminium with the aesthetic appeal of a wood effect to create cladding that transforms and protects building exteriors.

Our aluminium cladding panels can improve the appearance of a building by giving it a modern, streamlined appearance. Because it comes in a variety of finishes, textures, and colours, the cladding can be tailored to the architecture of the building with minimal maintenance.

Many professionals assume the wood grain patterns are a sticker, veneer, or a wrap. They are impressed to realise the wood grain designs are powder coated for extra durability and longevity.

Specifiers such as architects, designers and property developers understand the value and durability of exterior aluminium cladding, while contractors find it preferable to work with over timber and other cladding materials making it a popular choice for building projects.

Here, we examine the features and benefits of exterior aluminium cladding that have influenced this shift in preference.

Aluminium cladding benefits

Our aluminium cladding is a non-combustible material which means that aluminium cladding can pass the required EN 13501-1 fire rating specification. It is also fire rated to A2-s1-d0.
It is flexible and easy to design/work with, giving architects and contractors reassurance that what they are specifying is good to work with.
It is a highly versatile product, offering all of the aesthetic qualities of natural timber with the beautiful woodgrain effect, together with the durability and hard-wearing nature of aluminium.
Being much lighter than wood makes exterior aluminium cladding easier for contractors to work with on site
Because aluminium cladding doesn’t warp, the designer can be sure that the installation will continue to look as well-presented as the day it was installed. The quality of the cladding will also not deteriorate
We’re proud of our commitment to eco-friendly products and manufacturing processes. Knotwood uses coatings that are free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and lead free finishes. Knotwood aluminium cladding is also 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Aluminium doesn’t corrode. As such, aluminium cladding is weather-resistant and maintains its appearance, whereas cladding made of other materials is likely to swell, mould or rust.
The colour stability of all of our designs has been rigorously tested to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The seamless, flexible and easy-to-install Knotwood cladding profiles offer exceptional customisation and versatility. This enables designers and specifiers to develop unique and intricate designs when they’re working on a building that requires more of a unique identity
Knotwood aluminium cladding is scratch resistant due to the top coat of architectural grade powder coating that is baked onto the aluminium using our uniquely developed specialist process. This helps to keep the exterior aluminium cladding in top condition.
Property owners and tenants benefit from the low maintenance attributes of Knotwood. Knotwood does not require repainting. The impressive qualities of our specialist finishes provide ease of maintenance and longevity of surfaces. Practical aspects of Knotwood such as these keep ongoing costs to a minimum which helps to make a building an attractive prospect when selling or letting.

Benefits of wood effect aluminium cladding

Wood’s appeal combined with aluminium’s capabilities

Wood’s appeal, combined with aluminium’s capabilities, makes Knotwood a highly reputable product for exterior aluminium cladding. It not only displays the beautiful eco-inspired wood finish that has been on trend for some considerable time, Knotwood also appeals to specifiers and contractors from the perspective of easy installation and longevity.

Knotwood uses a unique sublimation process to transfer the wood grain designs onto the powder coated surface of the boards. The resulting textured matt finish looks just like wood, while still providing all the above benefits of aluminium.

Many people now want to live and work in buildings that look more natural than artificial, and timber effect aluminium provides that welcome illusion.

Designers can choose from woodgrain stocked colours Anthracite Ash, Kwila, Light Oak, Grey Ash, QLD Walnut and Natural Oak, or a broad selection of solid colours. Non-stocked colours are also widely available upon request. Samples can be ordered to help with the decision making process.

All of the wood effect colours in the Knotwood range have been rigorously tested for colour stability to ensure the wood effect aluminium cladding finish withstands the pressure of challenging weather conditions.

The Knotwood aluminium cladding systems can be customised by specifying the profile shapes and sizes, spacing preferences, batten and slat angles, backing choices and the required finish. This gives designers the capacity to meet the vision of clients, all of whom will have different priorities and expectations.

For installation, the special clip fixing system facilitates expansion and contraction of the cladding board which prevents twisting or warping in challenging weather conditions.

There is also minimal cutting and waste thanks to the 5mm adjustable spacing. The interlocking board system is easy to manoeuvre around windows, joints and corners.

Whether you are specifying cladding for a new build project or to replace existing cladding in a retrofit project, timber effect aluminium cladding is ideal for any location.

FAQs

What sizes are the Knotwood cladding boards supplied in?

There are a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from with all lengths supplied to 5650mm. Take a look at our cladding website page to see the available profiles.

How simple is it to install aluminium cladding?

Knotwood aluminium cladding is easy to install and can be done by either DIY enthusiasts or professional contractors and is based on an interlocking board system. It also includes extra components to easily manoeuvre around windows, corners and joins.

Is Knotwood an environmentally sound choice for exterior aluminium cladding?

Yes. Knotwood has net zero carbon attributes. Our coatings are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we use lead-free finishes, and Knotwood is 100% recyclable when removed from a building.

How is the wood-effect finish achieved for Knotwood cladding?

We use a specialised sublimation process that applies the woodgrain design onto a powder coated surface, resulting in a natural timber look and textured finish.

Can Knotwood products be personalised?

Yes, they can be tailored to any design aesthetic. Our extensive collection is available in a wide range of colours, finishes, and profiles, and can be cut to size and shaped to fit any application. Knotwood also provides custom fabrication services for bespoke projects.