Larch wood: Why this versatile timber is the go-to choice for cladding and landscaping in the UK’s weather

The UK weather may seem challenging for outdoor timber with its mix of rain and occasional heatwaves. Yet, by choosing the right species, you can create timber constructions that last for decades and require very little maintenance. The trick, of course, is getting that species just right.

One timber cladding choice we love for UK weather is Larch. Find out in this handy guide why this versatile species is a go-to for cladding and landscaping.

Types of Larch Timber

There are four different types of Larch: British, European, Canadian and Siberian Larch. It is good to note early on that Siberian Larch from Russia or Belarus is currently classified as conflict timber, making it illegal to import into the UK. If you are on the hunt for Siberian Larch, your best option is to look for it in reclamation yards.

Each type of Larch has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your project’s needs, budget, and sustainability priorities:

• British Larch is grown domestically and offers a low-carbon option. It has a warm reddish hue and prominent grain patterns. While not as dense as its Siberian cousin, it is still robust and naturally durable for outdoor use—especially when treated.
• European Larch (often from countries like Austria or Germany) is a good all-rounder. It’s straighter-grained and more uniform than British Larch, making it ideal for cladding and decking. Its durability is slightly below Siberian Larch but still more than adequate for exterior applications.
• Canadian Larch, also known as Tamarack, is less commonly used in the UK but is prized for its excellent strength and resistance to decay. It tends to be more expensive due to transport costs but offers similar performance to Siberian Larch in some cases.

Why is Timber Great for Outdoor Projects?

The climate where each tree grows determines most of its properties: the colder the weather, the less it grows and so the timber is likely to be denser and more durable compared to the same tree growing in warmer climates. That’s why Siberian Larch is hardier than the other options, even though all of them are suitable for cladding projects.

Larch timber is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks because of its high resin content, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications without the need for chemical treatments. If you do not fancy heading out to stain and varnish your timber every year, this is a fantastic timber choice for your project.

It is also worth mentioning that Larch is a relatively stable timber species. This means that it is less prone to warping, swelling and shrinking when it becomes wet or there are changes to external humidity conditions. In the UK, that is a definite perk! We would always advise choosing a species which is dimensionally stable if you are intending to use it for cladding and landscaping, and Larch ticks those boxes if it’s been seasoned or kiln dried.

What Does Larch Timber Look Like?

Whether you are building decking for your garden or cladding a building in timber, it is important to consider the aesthetics of your species choice.

Larch has quite a light tone, with hues of yellow and gold running through the timber. This makes it well-suited for contemporary constructions, while the tight growth rings add a hint of rustic charm. Faster grown UK Larch has more knots than the other options, so can fit well in a rustic or country design.

To maintain its colour, you will need to add a UV protectant to your Larch. Alternatively, you can let it naturally weather in the UK sun until it achieves a beautiful silvery-grey, which is perfect for a more traditional aesthetic.

Find Sustainable Larch at EcoChoice

Won over by the durability, stability and beauty of Larch? We can help you source the highest-quality Larch timber for your cladding and landscaping projects. With FSC and PEFC-certified timber from responsibly managed forests, you can be certain that Larch from EcoChoice meets ethical and environmental standards, and will never be a conflict timber.

To start an order for Larch timber, get in touch with our team.