Durability:
Somewhat Durable

Workability:
Workable

Price Rating:
Medium

Weight:
590 kg/m3

Typical Tree Height:
21m

Trunk Diameter:
0.6m

Length Ranges:
1.8-4.2m

Width Ranges:
100-250mm

Description:

Larch

The heartwood of European Larch is pale red to brick-red and has clearly marked growth rings, with distinction between early wood and late wood. It usually contains hard knots that may loosen after seasoning. The wood is typically straight-grained. It has a fine uniform texture. Overall larch is a light coloured wood and is often used for cladding as it is naturally durable (although the sapwood is perishable and treatment is recommended). It can be left to weather to a silver grey and is a cost affective alternative to Western Red Cedar.

Further reading on Larch (European) timber: If you would like to read a full profile specification on Larch (European) timber, please visit our sister site, Any One wood, The online wood reference database. https://www.anyonewood.com/larch-siberian/

Material Type:
Softwood

Also Called:
Meleze (French), Larche (German ), European Lork (Dutch)

Durability Notes:
More durable than most conifers, Larch is still only moderately durable, and remains vulnerable to insect attack. That said; the heartwood is more durable and the the sapwood can be treated. It can therefore prove to be an effective exterior timber - often used for cladding.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Larch (Euro) is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Larch (European) - The wood seasons fairly quickly, but can have a tendency to distort. Knots may loosen and split in the drying process. Resin can be a problem if the wood is not seasoned correctly. It has high dimensional stability when seasoned. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
Larch has low stiffness, medium resistance to shock loads and crunching, a medium bending rating. It works fairly easily with hand tools but the hard knots can cause severe blunting. It works well generally with machine tools but loose knots can be a problem and the hardness of the knot may cause uneven blunting of cutters. Pre-drilling is required for nailing and screwing. Stains, varnishes and paints well. It is regarded as tough and durable, comparing with other conifers.

Typical Uses:
Door and window frames, flooring including parquet, staircases, boat and ship building, poles, piling, posts, fencing and shingles. It is also sliced to make decorative veneers

Moisture Content:
12-18% KD

Wood Worker's Thoughts:
Nice timber to work with. Ideal for cladding as can be left unfinished, although sapwood is susceptible to decay.

« Go Back