FAQs

What is Knotwood and what is it made from?

Knotwood is an architectural aluminium system engineered to replicate the look of natural timber without the maintenance. Each profile is extruded from aluminium and finished with a high-definition wood grain image. The result is a non-combustible, corrosion-resistant product that never needs painting, staining, or oiling.

Is Knotwood fire rated?

Yes. Knotwood aluminium achieves a Euroclass classification of A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1, meaning it is non-combustible with minimal smoke and no burning droplets. This makes it suitable for projects requiring non-combustible cladding materials under Building Regulations Approved Document B, including residential buildings over 11 metres in height.

Does aluminium get hot in direct sunlight?

All metals warm up in direct sunlight, but aluminium dissipates heat faster than any other common cladding material. Independent testing confirms Knotwood aluminium stays cooler to the touch than equivalent timber or composite cladding under the same conditions, making it comfortable for decking, screens, and fencing applications.

How is the wood grain effect created on Knotwood?

Knotwood uses a sublimation process. Photographic timber images are transferred using heat and pressure, creating a finish that is part of the metal surface, not a separate film or wrap. The result is a realistic, fade-resistant wood-look aluminium finish that requires no painting, staining, or oiling.

Is Knotwood more expensive than timber?

Knotwood is comparable in price to quality hardwood per linear metre. Over the lifetime of a project, aluminium typically costs less than timber when maintenance, replacement, and treatment costs are factored in. There is no ongoing spend on painting, staining, or oiling, which makes it particularly cost-effective for commercial and large residential projects.

Can Knotwood be colour matched to a specific project requirement?

Yes. Knotwood offers over 40 standard colours and finishes including wood grain and solid powder-coat options. Custom colour matching is available subject to minimum quantities. Contact us or visit our Finishes page for the full range.

What lengths does Knotwood come in?

Standard Knotwood profiles are supplied in 6.5 metre lengths. Custom sizes are available on request. Contact us to discuss project-specific requirements.

Does Knotwood Rust?

No. Knotwood is aluminium, not steel. When aluminium is cut or scratched, the exposed surface immediately reacts with oxygen to form a protective oxide layer. This layer is self-repairing and prevents corrosion from developing. Unlike steel, which can rust rapidly from a single cut edge, aluminium remains stable in harsh and coastal environments.

How long does Knotwood last?

Knotwood aluminium does not rot, warp, splinter, or corrode. The wood grain finish is absorbed into the powder coat rather than applied as a surface film, giving it strong resistance to UV fading and weathering. Aluminium architectural profiles used in building applications routinely perform for 30 years and beyond with routine cleaning only.

What is rainscreen cladding and is Knotwood suitable for it?

Rainscreen cladding is an exterior cladding system where the outer face is separated from the building structure by a ventilated cavity, allowing moisture to drain and air to circulate. Knotwood aluminium profiles are used in rainscreen applications for both residential and commercial facades, delivering a lightweight, non-combustible cladding layer with a timber-look or solid-colour finish.

Is Knotwood suitable for use on residential buildings over 11 metres in height?

Knotwood aluminium achieves an A2-s1,d0 Euroclass classification to EN 13501-1, meeting the non-combustible material requirements set out in Building Regulations Approved Document B for external wall systems on residential buildings over 11 metres. Specifiers and building control teams should confirm the complete cladding system, including substrate and insulation, meets the requirements of their specific project. For technical documentation, contact us.

What is Knotwood made from?

Knotwood profiles are made from extruded aluminium. The timber-look finish is created through a sublimation process that bonds photographic wood grain images under heat and pressure. The result is a fully aluminium product with a realistic timber appearance, without any timber, plastic, or composite content.

Is aluminium cladding a sustainable choice?

Aluminium is one of the most recyclable building materials available - it can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality. Knotwood profiles contain no timber, PVC, or composite polymers. Aluminium's long lifespan, minimal maintenance requirements, and full recyclability at end of life give it strong credentials for projects targeting sustainable construction outcomes.

What products does Knotwood supply in the UK?

Knotwood supplies a full range of aluminium architectural systems in the UK, including cladding, battens, ceilings, screens, fencing, decking, soffits, and garage doors. All products are available in over 40 colours and finishes including realistic wood grain options and solid powder-coat colours.

How does Knotwood aluminium compare to composite cladding?

Knotwood aluminium achieves a non-combustible A2-s1,d0 Euroclass fire rating. Most composite cladding products are combustible and achieve Class B or lower. Aluminium also has no plastic or wood fibre content, meaning it cannot rot, absorb moisture, or warp. For projects requiring non-combustible materials under Building Regulations, aluminium is the compliant choice where composite cladding is not.

Is Knotwood suitable for coastal properties?

Yes. Aluminium is inherently corrosion-resistant, and the aluminium oxide layer that forms naturally on cut or scratched surfaces is self-repairing. For coastal installations, self-tapping aluminium screws are recommended over galvanised steel fixings to avoid galvanic corrosion. Knotwood performs reliably in salt air environments common along the UK coastline.

Can Knotwood be used for porch and entrance cladding?

Yes. Knotwood is well suited to residential porch, entrance, and canopy applications. The profiles are lightweight, straightforward to install, and available in wood grain finishes that complement brick, render, and stone exteriors. Aluminium cladding requires no painting or treating after installation, making it a low-maintenance choice for entrance features that make an immediate visual impact.

Can Knotwood be used for interior wall cladding?

Yes. Knotwood aluminium battens and boards are used extensively for interior wall applications in both residential and commercial projects. Common uses include feature walls, reception areas, retail fit-outs, and hospitality interiors. The same wood grain and solid colour finishes available for exterior use are available internally, with acoustic backing options also available.

Does Knotwood supply aluminium garden fencing and screens?

Yes. Knotwood supplies wood-look aluminium fencing and privacy screens suitable for residential gardens, commercial landscaping, and architectural screening applications. The profiles are non-combustible, rust-free, and require no painting or staining. Wood grain and solid colour finishes are available to complement any garden or outdoor design scheme.

Does Knotwood supply aluminium garage doors in the UK?

Yes. Knotwood supplies aluminium garage doors in the UK in a range of wood grain and solid colour finishes. Aluminium garage doors do not rust, warp, or require repainting, making them a low-maintenance alternative to timber or steel. Visit our garage doors product page or contact us for more information.