SIBERIAN LARCH
Larix sibirica, the Siberian larch or Russian larch, is a frost-hardy tree native to western Russia, from close to the Finnish border east to the Yenisei valley in central Siberia, where it hybridises with the Dahurian larch L. gmelinii of eastern Siberia; the hybrid is known as Larix × czekanowskii.
ADANACK NOTES
Siberian Larch is another of our favourite timber species here at Adanack. It is also a very popular choice with construction companies, builders and self builds. These days Siberian Larch is being used a lot more for commercial and residential applications and is been the preferred choice with architects, landscapers and merchants due to its striking appearance when applied to the right project. Larch is a durable and strong timber ideally suited for external conditions but can also be used internally too. All our Siberian Larch is kiln dried which ensures an even drying of the wood ensuring the timber meets the best standards on the market.
PROPERTIES
General Description
Siberian Larch is a softwood, the resinous heartwood is pale red brown to brick red in colour with uniform texture. It is the only European deciduous conifer. The timber is kiln dried to a moisture content of between 14% to 18%.
Uses
As Larch is harder and tougher than most conifers it is used in preference where durability and strength are primer requirements. All exterior work when in contact with the ground, gates, fencing, door and window frames, flooring, staircases, ship building, pit props, posts, transmission poles, piles and boat planking.
Seasoning
Larch drives fairly rapidly with a tendency to distort and for knots to split and loosen. It may be kiln dried very satisfactory. there is small movement in service.
Working Properties
Larch works well with most hand and machine tools but knotty material can cause severe blunting of cutting edges. It saws and machines cleanly in most operations although loosened knots may be troublesome. Nailing causes splitting and pre-boring is essential. It takes stain, paint or varnish well.
Durability
Even though Siberian Larch is classed as a softwood it is one of the hardest and toughest softwoods available in the current market. Siberian Larch has a BS/EN 350 timber durability class. It has a lefespan of between 50 to 100 years making it one of the most durable timbers on the market today.
Density
Slightly denser timber when compared to Cedar, Larch has a very fine texture with a moisture content of between 14% to 16%. It weighs approximately 590 to 650kg per square metre making it ideal for internal or external use.
Mechanical Properties
Air dried timber is about 50% harder than similar softwoods such as Baltic Redwood and other similar types of wood and slightly stronger in bending strength and toughness, with similar properties in crushing and impact strengths.
Coating/Non Coating
You can leave Siberian Larch untreated so that it will weather out over time, over 2 to 5 years it will turn to a natural silver gray colour. It can be treated in a variety of ways, if you are pre-finishing timber cladding using Larch Adanack will assist and advise you on the best treatment to suit your requirements.
Fixings & Fasteners
You need to use stainless steel fixings, nails or screws with this beautiful timber. We will be only too happy to advise what the best type of fixing will suit your projects.
