Looking for an upgrade in quality and looks over regular off-the-shelf cladding? European Larch is a great option for long-term durability at a very affordable price point.

Why Choose Larch?

A slow-grown softwood from central Europe, giving a highly durable timber that will stand the test of time. Sourced from Germany this is the perfect alternative to Siberian Larch which is no longer possible to source.

Appearance

European Larch is a consistent Yellow colour to light creamy brown, the specie has a lot of character in the grain. Knots are common but usually small and sound.

Durability & Resistance

A highly durable softwood due to the colder environment it is sourced from giving tighter grain for superior long-term results. The timber is moderately resistant to rot and decay without the need for a treatment or finish to be applied.

Workability & Versatility

Cuts well without impact to blads on hand tools but can gum up blades over a larger volume of cuts with a chop saw. Care is required when sanding as the grain can vary from softer to hard areas. European Larch can have a distinct resinous odour when being worked.

Sourcing & Sustainability

A species class as being ‘of least concern’ sourced from well-managed forests and mainly supplied with PEFC certification. Occasionally coming with FSC Certification. With the added bonus of shorter travel to the UK from German sources.

Profile

Stocked in TGV and Channel groove profiles but also readily available in sawn lumber form to be machined to other options on request. This timber is only limited by a lack of suitability for intricate designs or smaller sections due to the knot content. Widths of 95mm or wider are recommended.

Applications

• • Exterior cladding for homes, cabins, and commercial buildings
• • Accent walls and feature panels
• • Siding for garden structures and outbuildings

Grading

A specific grading for Euro Larch is hard to nail down but as a general rule, the timber is thought of as a Sawfalling appearance with regular knots. The timber has only recently become commercially viable outside local use since the cease of availability of Siberian Larch from Russia. We endeavour to source the best stock available and display accurate images on our website.

Maintenance Tips

The timber can be installed and left unfinished to silver on exposure to UV (as with all timbers used externally) this will have no impact on the long-term durability of the specie. To maintain the initial appearance a finish will be required this information is to follow soon but likely Osmo 702 will be the perfect partner for this timber.

Fixings

This profile requires strong fixings through the face using Spax Stainless façade screws ideally with the T20 drive heads for total confidence in the fixings. Annular ring stainless steel nails can also be used either loose or Paslode Stainless Steel Brads. Use two fixings across the face where the cladding crosses each batten at approximately 500mm centres. DO NOT use regular nails that are not stainless steel as it will, over time, result in black streaks running down the timber caused by the iron in the nail reacting with chemicals in the Larch.