Tongue and Groove Cladding Tech Specs

This page includes comprehensive technical information on our Tongue & Groove Cladding system. Scroll down to browse or use the menu to find exactly what you are looking for.

Timber

collapse section
expand section
Profiles and Sizes
Sorrento

tongue-and-groove-cladding-sorrento-profiles

Shadowline for Sorrento profile is 5mm

 

Profile Applications

I = Interiors only. IE = Interiors and Exteriors. V = Vertical only for exterior applications

Thickness
Overall width 19mm 26mm 32mm
68mm (cover width 48.5mm) ✔️ IE ✔️ IE
88mm (cover width 68.5mm) ✔️ IE
138mm (cover width 118.5mm) ✔️ IE
Species and Coatings

For help choosing the right timber coating for your application, read our detailed guide here. Timber is a natural material and colour variations are inevitable. We’ve prepared an article to help you understand how it all works – you can read it here.

Colours are reproduced as accurately as possible, we recommend that you request product samples before final selection. Whilst our products are produced as consistently as possible, each species has their own natural variations of colour, features and characteristics. Product samples may or may not fully reflect the colour variation that will occur on the project.

Request a sample  Download Data Sheets

Interior only Interior / exterior
Sculptform Spotted Gum Raw Spotted Gum

Interior / exterior
Sculptform Spotted Gum Raw Raw
Interior / exterior
Spotted gum clear oil Clear Oil
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Clear
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Ochre
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Mist Grey
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Rich Mocha
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Blackwash
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Double Black
Sculptform White Oak Raw American Oak

Interior Only
Sculptform White Oak Raw Raw
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Clear
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Natural Tone
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Whitewash
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Ochre
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Mist Grey
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Rich Mocha
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Storm Grey
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Blackwash
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Double Black
Grandis Grandis

Interior Only
Grandis Natural Accent - Clear
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Earth tone
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Whitewash
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Ochre
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Mist Grey
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Chalk White
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Storm Grey
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Rich Mocha
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Blackwash
Interior Only
Natural Accent - Double Black
Typical Wall Setup
Horizontal Cladding on Blockwork

tongue-and-groove-cladding-typical-horizontal-wall-setup-blockwork

*For interior applications, batten centres to be at 600mm centres.

 

Horizontal Cladding on Studs

tongue-and-groove-cladding-typical-horizontal-wall-setup-stud

*Interior studs spaced at 600mm centres
Exterior studs spaced at 450mm centres

 

Vertical Cladding on Blockwork

tongue-and-groove-cladding-typical-vertical-wall-setup-blockwork

*For interior applications, batten centres to be at 600mm centres.

 

Vertical Cladding on Studs

tongue-and-groove-cladding-typical-vertical-wall-setup-stud

*Interior battens spaced at 600mm centres.
Exterior battens spaced at 450mm centres.

Internal and External Corners
External Y Profile

The Y-Profile has two primary functions: (1) to enable a high-quality construction detail for the long term (this is achieved by using the aluminium as a substrate for the sealant to achieve good timber end-grain protection) and (2) to provide architects with a crisp aesthetic finish to the corner (if an aluminium finish is not desirable, it can be powder coated black for a contemporary finish).

 

Timber Southern Cross

Timber Southern Cross is a re-release of the old traditional timber stop. The new corner stop has the following benefits: hidden fixings, more durable and weatherproof, and it has a variety of sizes for thicker cladding. The timber stop sizes available are 22mm (19mm thick cladding), 29mm (26mm thick cladding) and 35mm (32mm thick cladding).

Tongue and groove Cladding Corner detail

 

Aluminium Southern Cross

Aluminium Southern Cross is the same detail and aluminium section used in the Timber Southern Cross detail, but in reverse. Available in Natural Anodised (this can be powder coated to virtually any colour), this profile was designed to turn the external corner into a statement.

 

Internal Corner

The aluminium internal corner piece was designed for exterior applications where the timber cladding joins at an internal corner. (A solid piece of timber can also be used, instead of the aluminium.) This application is quite rare. For interior applications, designers often advocate an internal mitre cut.

 

Screw Types
Sculptform supply a quality stainless steel screw to be used for timber substrates with all timber cladding orders. A tough 304 stainless steel, the screw is designed to predrill and countersink in one easy motion. Sculptform can supply tek screws for steel substrates.
Wood Screw

304 grade stainless steel. #10g x 40mm ‘The Piranha’ – Self drilling with brown e-coat painted head.

 

Tek Screw

Galvanised tek screw #8g x 30mm.

 

Aluminium Trims
L Profile

The L-Profile is used at wall ends, divider between the cladding and another material, against window frames, bottom of walls and many other applications.

 

T Profile

Available in Natural Anodised (this can be powder coated to virtually any colour), the T-Profile was designed so large walls could be broken up into sections, creating breaks along the facade.

 

Base Details
Vertical Cladding

Sealing the end grain well is a critical detail to ensure the long-term constitutional and aesthetic integrity of the cladding. If the end grain is not correctly sealed, water will soak up the end grain causing the timber to expand, mould to grow, and blackness to appear.

 

Horizontal Cladding

The aluminium starter piece is used at the bottom of the wall so that the first board can be concealed fixed. The trim is used when running your cladding boards horizontally, and is designed to fit into the groove of the Tongue & Groove Cladding profile.

 

Board Weights
Profile Spotted Gum American Oak
138×19 18.8 14.3
88×19 18.8 14.3
68×19 18.8 14.3
68×32 31.7 24.2

*All board weights are in Kilograms per square metre.

Example Specification
Product Name Sculptform Tongue and Groove Cladding
Profile Sorrento
Size 138x19mm, 68x19mm
Species Spotted Gum
Sequence 138×19, 68×19 Repeating
Coating Clear Oil
Lengths Random Lengths
End matching Yes
Installation Strictly in accordance with ‘Sculptform Tongue and Groove Installation Guide’
Length Options
Random Length - End matched

Random length end matched cladding boards utilise a method called end matching. This process creates a small tongue and grove on either end of the board to allow for stronger, straighter joins. Random end matched boards come in random lengths over 900mm and are the most cost-effective length option. This option allows for joining off a stud and is ideal for applications where the board length required is over 3-3.6m depending on species selection.

 

Set Length

Set Length boards are supplied all over a desired specific length. Different lengths are available for different species so please contact us for more information. This length option is perfect for applications where joins are not desired however the exact measurement is unknown allowing installers to trim on site

 

Cut to Exact Length

Cut to exact length boards are supplied each to desired specified lengths. This allows for much faster install time and avoids trimming on site. This option is only recommended for projects where exact measurements are known. Please note exact length boards have a tolerance of ± 1mm.

 

BIM / CAD Drawings

The BIM and CAD files for Sculptform’s Tongue and Groove Cladding including Revit and AutoCad files can be accessed in our downloads section.

DOWNLOAD FILES

Fire Compliance
Group Rating

All untreated timber achieves a Group 3 rating according to AS 5637:2015. If Group 1 timber is required, wider profile Timber Veneer or Timber-Look Veneer Click-on battens provide a timber aesthetic while achieving a Group 1 rating. 

Download Report

TIMBER SPECIES – AS/NZS 3837-1998

 

Combustibility

Timber is deemed combustible under AS 1530.1-1994. If your project requires a non-combustible material, Timber-look Veneered Aluminium Click-on battens are a good alternative to solid timber.

For Class 2 and Class 3 buildings, concessions in the NCC allow for timber cladding to be used while remaining fire compliant.

 

BAL Rating

Each timber species achieves different BAL ratings according to AS 3959-2009 as outlined below –

Timber Species Bal Rating
Spotted Gum 29
Australian Ash Not tested
American Oak Not tested

 

To download fire certificates for our Tongue and Groove Cladding system, visit our downloads section.

Downloads

Durability

Durability is an important factor when using timber externally. Each species of timber falls into one of the following durability classes. These classes relate to above ground durability as per AS 5604: 2005.

Timber Species Durability Class – Life Expectancy Usage
Spotted Gum Class 1 – Greater than 40 years Interior / Exterior
American Oak Class 3 – 7 to 15 years Interior Only
Maintenance
Interior Applications

Interior timber typically does not need maintenance. It is important to regularly check timber which is exposed to UV radiation through windows etc, as this can lead to yellowing of the coating. Re-coating may be required. DO NOT use any detergents, chemicals or other abrasive substances as this can damage the coatings. For more information and how to clean and maintain interior timber, download our guide below.

Interior Timber Maintenance

 

Exterior Applications

The level of maintenance required on external timber largely depends on the degree of exposure, location, coating selection and desired aesthetic. Sculptform offers the following coating options factory applied as standard –

  • Clear Oil (Cutek CD50 Clear Oil)

When timber is not exposed to direct sunlight (for example exterior soffits), Clear oil maintains the timbers natural colour. When timber is exposed to sunlight, using Clear Oil will allow the timber to silver unless additional pigment is used to tint the clear oil. Sculptform recommends re-coating these applications every 12-18 months.

  • Enviropro Exterior Coatings

When Enviropro exterior coatings are used on timber which is not exposed to direct sunlight, it typically will not require maintenance. Sculptform still recommends annual inspections to check the integrity of the coating.

Enviropro coatings are designed to maintain timber colour and prevent silvering, even in areas which are exposed to direct sunlight and UV radiation. To keep the timber pristine, Sculptform recommends re-coating every 2-4 years. The rate of coating deterioration varies, so 6 monthly visual inspections should be carried out to identify any deterioration of the coating and areas for re-coating.

End Matching

Standard end matching can be used with all profiles and performs the role of creating a neat, seamless linear effect. End Matching was designed so boards could be joined off-stud, a time and labour-saving innovation that removes the need for measuring and cutting on the stud. End matching slashes wastage from 10% to less than 5%*, and the design facilitates water run-off when used vertically.

The installation method for end-matching is the same whether the cladding is vertical or horizontal. Quality sealant needs to be applied to gap, then boards are pushed together. Excess sealant to be scraped off once dry.

Sculptform - Tongue and Groove Cladding Endmatching

Sustainability

Sculptform Declare Labels

Sculptform is proud to offer products with Declare Labels, a transparency initiative that helps architects and designers make informed choices about materials. Declare Labels provide clear, accessible information on the ingredients used in our products, ensuring they meet strict sustainability standards. By choosing Sculptform, our customers can confidently specify materials that contribute to healthier, eco-friendly building environments, supporting their sustainability goals and aligning with green building certifications like LEED and WELL.

view details

Our declaration is LBC RED LIST APPROVED.
This is defined as: products disclose a minimum of 99% of ingredients present in the final product and meet the LBC Red List Imperative requirements through one or more approved exceptions.

 

Timber Certification

Timber Species FSC® PEFC® / Responsible Wood®
Spotted Gum Not Available On Request
American Oak On Request Not Available

* FSC and PEFC timber may have longer lead times. 

DOWNLOAD FSC CERTIFICATE   DOWNLOAD PEFC CERTIFICATE

Read more about timber certification in our article ‘Why use Sustainable Timber?

Curved Walls

First ensure the framing is set-up suitably, to allow for curved fixing battens. The centres of the stud work may have to be reduced excessively, depending on the radius. With curved walls it’s better to limit the board size to one of smaller width, particularly if the radius is tight.

Careful attention must be paid to the distance between the opening of the tongue and groove in external application. When the opening creates waterproofing concerns, run a sealant down the groove during installation and neatly cut off excess once dry.

 

Board Size Convex Concave
68mm 475mm nil
88mm 650mm nil
138mm 1200mm nil

*Different curve options can be achieved with custom profiles. Contact us at support@sculptform.com to discuss your project requirements. 

tongue-and-groove-cladding-curved-wall

Z Flashing

Waterproofing is one of the most important aspects in building design. When the detailing and construction of waterproofing is done correctly, it significantly enhances the building’s durability.

Z Flashing is used when the designer intends to express the joint or certain lengths are unachievable. It will often follow lines such as the tops of windows and doors. Please note: Z Flashing is not supplied by Sculptform.

Capping

The purpose of capping is to prevent water penetrating the gap at the top of the wall. The material used is generally zinc or colourbond. We suggest a minimum overhang of 20mm and a minimum gap of 5mm. Alternative details are at the discretion of the designer and or installer.

tongue-and-groove-cladding-capping

Windows
Window Header Detail

Penetrations to cladding need a secure fixing point. Where the cladding meets a door, window, etc. framing should be available to secure the cladding. Smaller penetrations such as lights, pipes, etc. may not need a fixing point. Sealant should be used in these situations for appearance and external waterproofing.

Window and door penetrations could use our L-Profile to neaten the detail.

tongue-and-groove-cladding-penetrations-window-header

 

Window Side Detail

tongue-and-groove-cladding-penetrations-window-side

 

Window Base Detail

tongue-and-groove-cladding-penetrations-window-base