Alternatives to Siberian Larch cladding

Since Russia carried out the illegal invasion of Ukraine, we have seen a drastic decrease in the availability of Siberian Larch cladding boards. All timber species being shipped from either Russia or Belarus are now classified as conflict timbers, which means they cannot be certified by organisations such as the FSC / PEFC, and any boards already existing in the UK were quickly snapped up. Luckily Siberian Larch is not the only suitable choice for sustainable timber cladding – far from it, in fact!

At EcoChoice, we deliver responsibly sourced, ethical timber for projects across the UK. To help you find a great timber for your cladding works, we have put together a list of the best alternatives to Siberian Larch, helping you choose ethical timbers every time.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Alaskan Yellow Cedar, renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional performance, is a popular choice for cladding. This timber species stands out thanks to its light yellow tone (hence the name), making for bright, fresh-looking boards which are ideal for a more contemporary aesthetic. In terms of durability, it is resistant to decay, insects and moisture, making it well-suited to the harsh conditions faced by exterior cladding. Alaskan Yellow Cedar is easy to work with, which is great if you are taking on a DIY cladding project or working with tight deadlines.

Clear Douglas Fir

Tough, strong and very versatile, Clear Douglas Fir is a stellar choice for exterior cladding. This is pretty close to Siberian Larch in terms of colour, with that gold, almost reddish hue and darker brown streaks running through the wood. It is a good choice for warm, welcoming aesthetics, and has the natural durability we are looking for in cladding boards.

Red Grandis

When it comes to sustainable hardwoods, Red Grandis is often overlooked. But this beautiful timber species is a great alternative to Siberian Larch, with a similar light hue but more reddy, dark undertones. It is vibrant, easy to work with, and is well-known for its excellent exterior performance. It is good to note that this is one of the most eco-friendly timbers for cladding, which makes us very happy! Coming from quick-growing Eucalyptus trees which grow in abundance, it is a good choice for green building projects.

KD European Larch

Another timber which is frequently overlooked is KD European Larch. But this is actually a really reliable, strong timber which deserves more attention than it gets. Of course, as a Larch, it is also a great alternative to its Siberian sibling. Warm and gold, the colour tends to deepen and then silver over the years for a timeless look. It is naturally resistant to decay and rot, and a high resin content keeps insects at bay.

Ask Our Experts

If none of these fit the bill for your Siberian Larch alternative, do not panic! We will be more than happy to chat about your project, hear more about what you seek and find the perfect species to suit your requirements. Simply get in touch with our friendly team and let us find your sustainable timber species.