FAQ

Natural poplar bark requires very little maintenance over the long life of the product. It does not require any coating or bug treatment. Assuming proper installation, typically less than 10% of bark shakes will need replacement over a 30-year period.

Ring-shank nails or colored exterior deck screws are the suggested methods of attachment. Hardware length varies based on the thickness of the bark. BarkClad recommends adhering bark shakes to a rigid plywood substrate.

Yes. Natural poplar bark ages over time just as it would on the tree, based on its exposure to the elements (sun, rain, wind, snow). With time, natural bark ages to a darker black-and-brown color, looking more rustic over the years.

Natural poplar bark can be painted or coated, but that's up to the owner's discretion. BarkClad does not recommend it, because the elements will continue to make the bark look more natural over time. Always test a small amount before deciding to coat a whole project.

No. BarkClad sources bark only from stands already scheduled for harvesting. Harvested trees typically have all their bark stripped and used for mulch or fuel. By peeling the bark before the tree goes to a mill, BarkClad repurposes it as exterior cladding.

Longevity relies heavily on proper installation. When following our installation guide, natural poplar bark siding lasts anywhere from 25 to 100 years. Shingles should be kept flat and dry until installed. As with cedar shakes, high-UV areas like gable ends will age to a darker brown and black over time.

Poplar bark siding is peeled specifically from the tulip poplar tree, one of the fastest-growing hardwoods on the east coast. It can only be harvested 2–3 months a year, creating a limited supply, and is typically peeled from trees 30–100+ years old. Our timber is select-cut for proper age and sustainability.

Exterior poplar bark ages naturally and can be hand-washed if needed. Rather than pressure-washing, which could damage the shingles, we encourage letting nature do its thing over their lifetime. Use a gentle wash if desired. Interior bark may shed some lichen and moss over time, especially if touched.

Poplar bark siding goes through an extensive harvest process and is handled roughly eight times before it reaches the customer. After the bark is peeled and carried out, weight is applied and drying begins. After kiln-drying, each piece is hand-cut and graded by thickness, then stacked and banded. We inspect for quality at every step.

Cost varies with demand, volume, and supply. Because natural bark is harvested by hand and is labor-intensive, it generally ranges from about $10–22 per square foot. Prices change often with harvest numbers; installation cost depends on your location and installer. Request a quote for current pricing.

BarkClad tested SmartBark extensively in all types of environments for over seven years with excellent results. Residential sales began in 2011 and commercial sales in 2013.

BarkClad recommends spraying with a clear UV coating about every 10 years to help maintain the original color of the shakes.

SmartBark saves an average of about $2 per square foot on installation versus natural bark. Its VaporLock design reduces installation requirements, which lowers installation costs.

SmartBark is for the customer who wants a truly maintenance-free bark cladding without sacrificing the look of traditional poplar bark. It's warranted for 25 years, is fire resistant, carries an insulation value of R-4.7, is paintable, and won't bleach, darken, crack, curl, or rot.

Yes. BarkClad ships natural poplar bark and SmartBark siding across the U.S. Samples and Bark-N-Box kits ship directly from our shop, and we coordinate freight for full project orders. Reach out with your location and project size for shipping details.

Absolutely, and we recommend it. You can order natural poplar bark and SmartBark sample kits right from our online shop so you can see and feel the real material, and check the colors in your own light, before placing a full order.

Yes. We partner with builders, architects, and distributors nationwide with specs, installation guides, samples, and dealer support. Visit our Partners page for role-specific resources, or contact our team to get started.