Here are the main differences between commercially available larch species for cladding:
Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica)
- slightly to moderately durable
- straw colour with brown knots
- denser than European/British Larch
- available in two grades: Unsorted (fewer knots) or Sawn fallen (more knots),
- longer lengths
European Larch / British Larch ( Larix decidua)
- consistent pale pink colour with dark knots
- slightly to moderately durable
- cheaper
Ecochoice delivers Larch cladding directly to your project’s site in a range of profiles, including shiplap, TGV, tongue-and-groove and many others
Trade Name | Siberian larch |
Species | Larix siberica |
Intended use | External cladding |
Other uses | Decking, joinery, structural timbers |
Appearance | The wood is a golden yellow colour with a strong grain pattern, similar to pine. Depending on the grade, the boards may include some, or many, dark black knots. |
Weathering | As the boards weather the colour will change to a silver-grey. Larch is quite consistent although weathering will depend on shade, ventilation, pollution and moisture. |
Profiles | Shiplap, halflap and splayed profiles. Not recommended with tongue and groove profiles (VTG) due to movement. |
Dimensions | 20×70, 20×95, 20x145mm |
Lengths | Random 1.8 – 4.5mt + |
Moisture content | Approx 16 – 18% |
Natural durability (EN350-2) | Durable Class 3 (Slightly durable, Moderately durable) |
Insect attack | Resistant |
Desired service life:(BS8417) | Occasionally wet 30 yrs |
Frequently wet 15 yrs | |
Treatability class | Resistant |
Movement class | Medium |
Resistance to impact | High |
Resistance to fixing | Medium |
Mean density | 570 – 650 kg/M3 when dry |
When to fix | Ideally Autumn / winter months. |
Grading | Grade B (Known in the trade as 4ths or Sawfalling). Too knotty to conform to any standard. |
Grade A (Confusingly known in the trade as Unsorted) BS1186-3 1990 Class 2. EN942:2007. J30. CE grade A. Clean with a few sound knots up to 30mm. | |
Working properties | Good workability. Takes fixings satisfactorily, although we always recommend stainless steel fixings. |
Extractives | Siberian larch contains resin rather than oil or tannin. The resin is fixed by kilning and does not tend to bleed. |
Emission of formaldehyde (EN14915) | E1 (Not significant) |
Reaction to fire (EN14915) | Euroclass F (Untested). D-s2, d0 |
Fire treatment | Possible by impregnation after kilning |
CE compliant | Yes |
We took care compiling this info, however Ecochoice Ltd will not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
Larch related insights
If you are looking for Larch timber, you will usually come across two different types: Siberian Larch and British Larch. But which should you choose?
Our Siberian larch cladding is available in two different grades Unsorted and Saw falling. You are probably wondering what the difference is, so we’ve put together this handy article to explain.
There are a variety of different Larch trees. This article will shine a light on the differences between two different species of Larch: the Siberian Larch and the European Larch.
EcoChoice recently supplied timber cladding for a project on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The building, which had been completely renovated, was clad in Siberian larch and the finished result looked fantastic.
Wondering what the differences are between European, British and Siberian Larch? Within this post we describe their unique properties and uses.