Since 2003, Siparila has grown from a small, single-site operation in Finland into a multisite manufacturer with five factories, producing interior and exterior wood products including cladding, decking and interior panels. In 2020, the company became part of the Thermory family.
Finland has a long tradition of using timber as a core housing and building component. Siparila was established with the aim of moving beyond lower-value timber products towards more processed and finished materials. Today, the business manufactures a wide range of wood-based surface products, with most of the raw material used sourced from Finland. Its production includes both thermally modified timber and factory-finished cladding systems, reflecting a shift towards products that require less on-site processing.
A significant proportion of Siparila’s cladding range is based on thermally modified spruce. The modification process uses heat and steam rather than chemical treatments, altering the properties of the wood to improve durability and reduce moisture absorption. This results in increased dimensional stability, helping to limit movement such as warping or cracking when exposed to changing weather conditions. The process also enhances resistance to decay, making the material suitable for external façades without the need for preservative treatments.
In use, untreated thermally modified timber will change in appearance over time, gradually developing a silver-grey surface as it is exposed to UV light. Where a consistent appearance is required, the boards can be coated or treated to maintain their original colour.
A WIDE CHOICE OF CLADDING
Siparila’s exterior cladding products are available for purchase in a number of profiles and finishes. These include feather edge and shiplap boards, allowing for both traditional and more contemporary façade detailing.
The Nordic – Pure range consists of untreated thermally modified timber, intended for projects where timber’s natural ageing is acceptable or preferred. These products are supplied without a factory-applied coating, giving specifiers the option to leave the timber to weather or apply finishes on site.
Alongside this, the company offers factory-painted cladding, where boards are finished in a controlled environment prior to delivery. This approach is intended to ensure a consistent surface finish and reduce the need for site-based coating.
The TOPCOAT system is a fully finished cladding option that incorporates factory-applied coatings and installation detailing. Panels can be supplied with hidden fixing systems and end-matching, allowing for more uniform joints and reducing the need for additional framing at board ends. Coated systems are also offered with defined colour finishes, including opaque paint options.
Across the range, boards are typically supplied in standardised lengths and are suitable for both horizontal and vertical installation, depending on the design requirements of the project. Siparila’s products are suitable for use across a range of building types throughout the residential, commercial and leisure sectors, as well as timber frame and offsite construction projects.
SUPPLYING TO UK SPECIFIERS
Siparila is currently supplying the UK market through a distribution partnership with Covers, a builders’ merchant operating in the south of England. Its route to specification is focused on engagement with architects and designers, supported by technical documentation, installation guidance and environmental product information available online and from the team.
As timber continues to feature prominently in UK façade designs, particularly within residential and low-to mid-rise construction, systems that combine material performance with controlled manufacturing processes are becoming more widely specified. Siparila’s range offers pre-defined cladding formats alongside untreated timber options. www.siparila.com