Larch is a moderately durable and resilient timber species known for its natural resistance to rot and insect attack. It has a warm, reddish-brown hue and a distinctive grain, often featuring tight, straight lines interspersed with occasional knots, which add to its rustic appeal. At Buckland Timber we use mainly UK grown larch, with some imported.
Larch Fact File
- Scientific Name: Larix decidua (European Larch)
- Density: 590-650 kg/m³
- Strength: Strong and resilient, with a good strength-to-weight ratio
- Durability: Moderately durable and resistant to decay; suitable for outdoor applications
- Workability: Easy to work with; machines well and takes stain and finishes effectively
- Appearance: Warm, reddish-brown color with a straight, fine to moderately coarse grain, and occasional knots
- Common Uses: Cladding, decking, fencing, structural elements, and outdoor furniture
- Sustainability: Generally sourced from managed forests in Europe, making it a sustainable option
Larch Grain Detail
Larch features a tight, straight grain with a moderately coarse texture, and a warm, reddish-brown color. Occasional knots and natural color variation add to its rustic charm, making it a popular choice for cladding and outdoor applications.
Larch is moderately dense, offering good strength and durability for a range of applications. The timber is relatively fast-growing compared to other hardwoods, making it more readily available and sustainable for use in outdoor structures.
Our use of Larch focuses primarily on cladding and small structural elements, particularly for projects where natural durability and an attractive aesthetic are essential. We work with high-quality Larch boards to ensure consistency in colour and grain, though natural variations are always present, reflecting the character of this unique timber.
PLEASE NOTE: UK grown larch is certified to GL20h strength, European larch can be imported as GL24 or GL28 (GL24 more readily available) and we are currently obtaining in house certification for European Larch to GL24h (we had this previously for Siberian Larch which is no longer available)
MORE ABOUT LARCH
Click to read about our Larch project, Templar Court in London
Click to read our blog 'Why Use Larch'
Interested in using Larch for your glulam project?
Do you have questions about using Larch for your project? Get in touch with our friendly and experienced timber experts for tailored advice.