Download FWPA Standard D01: Design and installation of exterior timber wall cladding
Published Date
FWPA has released a first dedicated standard for the design and installation of exterior timber wall cladding, providing building design professionals and surveyors/certifiers with a comprehensive standard to enable the use of exterior timber wall cladding products with the construction, design and installation across Class 1–10 buildings as defined in the National Construction Code (NCC). The Standard has been developed through an extensive public review process and expert oversight by the Exterior Timber Cladding Standards Writing Committee, ensuring it reflects the latest science, building practices and regulatory requirements.
What the Standard Covers
The document sets out detailed requirements for:
- Selection of cladding materials, fixings, membranes and battens
- Structural, moisture and condensation management design provisions
- Installation methods, including expansion gaps, flashing, joints, corner detailing and cavity design
- Fixing systems for timber, hardboard and plywood cladding across different substrates and wind classifications [non-cyclonic (N1-N3) and cyclonic (C1)]
It also integrates risk-based decision tools, such as the moisture-risk assessment matrix to guide practitioners on when to use direct-fix versus cavity systems.
Key Benefits for Industry
Greater clarity and consistency
The Standard consolidates previously scattered guidance into one authoritative reference, supporting designers, builders and manufacturers with clear, compliant installation pathways.
Reduced risk of moisture and condensation failures
By providing explicit requirements on membranes, cavities, ventilation and flashing, the Standard supports better building performance and durability, reducing costly defects and callbacks
Compliance confidence
Aligning with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards, it helps practitioners demonstrate due diligence and ensures timber cladding systems are designed and installed to meet contemporary regulatory expectations.
Supports broader use of timber in construction
With validated systems and design procedures, the Standard strengthens market confidence in timber cladding, helping expand the use of renewable, low-carbon materials in the built environment.
Improved durability and long-term performance
Clear specifications for materials, fasteners, preservative treatments and battens help ensure timber cladding performs as intended across Australia’s varied climatic zones, including high-wind and high-moisture environments.
Enhanced safety and resilience
Risk scoring, structural guidance and wind classification requirements support safer design outcomes, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions.
Subscribe to Codes & Standards updates from FWPA via this link.