Lathams Finish Line Cladding Recognised as the Most Innovative Timber Product of 2021

The Finish Line Collection, an exclusive cladding range launched by James Latham in 2020, has been recognised in two prominent industry awards for its development, design and performance.  

Judges of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2021 gave it the top spot in both the Process Efficiency category and Product Design in Wood category.    

The former recognises the timber and materials supplier for ‘innovative and collaborative product development’ with the Lathams team bringing Accoya Timber, timber engineering company Dresser Mouldings and Canadian coating specialist Sansin together to develop the range.    

The design category ‘recognises excellence in technical innovation, design and application in joinery product manufacture’. Judges chose Finish Line thanks to its performance, quality factory finish and range of options available.   

Richard Mosson, Group Cladding Technical Sales Manager at Lathams, comments: “Our ambition was to bring together the best of modified wood, timber engineering and surface protection to create a best-in-class cladding product that would be long-lasting, easy to install and available in a range of contemporary options.   

“To be recognised by our peers for our efforts is highly rewarding. It has also been fantastic to see the ways in which our customers have used it over the last twelve months.

“It is heavily resistant to peeling, fading and cracking, which reduces the need for maintenance and makes it appropriate for a broad range of climates and locations; we’ve seen some amazing projects throughout the UK and Europe showing it off to the best of its ability.” 

Accoya

The Accoya provides a strong foundation for the Finish Line Collection. With a warranty of up to 50 years when used above the ground, it is a natural fit for cladding. It is well known for its durability due to the natural modification process (acetylation) and its performance rivals hardwoods.  

The manufacturing process sees the Accoya wood profiled, surface finished (either wire brushed or sanded, dependent upon specification) and coated by the team at Dresser Mouldings.

This creates a key on the timber’s face, with tiny variations in texture allowing Sansin’s ultra-low VOC coating to penetrate beneath the surface of the timber. The advantage is that this helps to bind it to the cells and prevents peeling and cracking.  

The cladding arrives on-site factory finished, front, back and ends, in a selection of 12 unique colours, effectively encapsulating the timber in a breathable envelope.  

So far, it has been used on projects including luxury residential developments, retail and leisure outlets and commercial property.

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