Installing ForgeWood Raw: How to Highlight the Beauty of Natural Variation

When it comes to exterior design, the most striking results often come from materials that embrace their natural character. ForgeWood Raw is designed for just that. Each board features its own tone, grain, and personality, creating an organic surface that feels both modern and timeless.

Because this thermally modified siding includes random lengths and a wide range of color variation, installation plays a big role in how the finished wall comes together. The secret to a beautiful result is approaching the process with both planning and artistry.

Apply a UV-Resistant Tinted Clear Coat Before Installation

Before installation begins, apply a UV-resistant clear coat with a complementary brown tint to every board. This protective finish is highly recommended for all exterior projects. The tinted clear coat absorbs ultraviolet rays before they reach the wood, helping preserve color, prevent uneven fading, and extend the life of your siding.

While ForgeWood Raw can be left unfinished to develop a patina over time, the look will vary based on the climate you live in. The UV-resistant finish acts as a protective shield, absorbing ultraviolet rays before they can fade or discolor the wood.

Reapplying the same tinted clear coat every few years will help preserve your desired tone, prevent uneven fading, and protect the wood from premature weathering. Regular maintenance ensures your siding continues to showcase its natural warmth and character for years to come.

Plan Your ForgeWood Raw Siding Layout Before Installation

Before installation, take time to unpack and sort the boards. Arrange them by tone—light, medium, and dark—and by unique grain patterns. This step allows you to see the range of variation within your batch and ensures that you can distribute color evenly across the wall.

Lay out several rows on a clean, flat surface to preview the overall pattern. Notice how alternating tones and grains create movement and depth. By planning ahead, you can avoid tone clusters and ensure the finished wall feels balanced and intentional.

Horizontal or Vertical Installation

ForgeWood Raw can be installed horizontally or vertically, giving you flexibility to match your project’s architectural style.

• For horizontal installations, start at the bottom and work upward with the groove edges facing down. This orientation ensures proper water shedding and helps protect your cladding over time.
• For vertical installations, begin at one corner and keep the first board level or plumb to establish a clean starting point. The groove edge should face the adjacent wall. 

Mixing board tones and staggering lengths in both orientations enhances the natural variation and avoids creating visible stripes of color.

Mix Boards as You Go for a Balanced, Natural Finish

Once installation begins, continue blending boards from each tone group. Mixing as you go prevents one color from dominating and helps the design feel cohesive from every angle. Every few rows, step back to evaluate how the wall is developing. Swapping out a board or adjusting your layout slightly can make a big difference in achieving a natural flow.

For larger surfaces, make use of the random board lengths to your advantage. Stagger seams and vary the starting points of each row to break up uniform patterns. This technique adds rhythm and visual interest, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the design.

Enjoy the Lasting Beauty of Thermally Modified Wood

When approached with care and creativity, ForgeWood Raw becomes more than cladding. It becomes a living part of the architecture, reflecting the environment and craftsmanship behind it. By planning your layout, balancing tones, and choosing the right finish, you can create a result that feels intentional, natural, and truly one of a kind.

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