The architect's guide to weathered larch for modern commercial facades

When designing commercial facades, timber cladding has become a firm favourite amongst eco-conscious architects. Over the past years, one species in particular has been gaining a lot of attention: Larch. Known for its moderate density, durability and ability to weather beautifully, it is a standout choice which brings plenty of interest to modern facades.

If you are considering using Larch in a commercial cladding project, get to know this in-demand timber species in this guide.

Why Choose Larch for Cladding?

Weathered or not, Larch is a solid choice for commercial facades. It is one of the most robust softwoods available, with a high density and natural resin content which gives it good natural durability. It is strong and hardwearing, but unlike some other tough timbers, it remains fairly easy to work with, making for smoother, quicker commercial projects.

What is Weathered Larch?

A standout feature of untreated Larch cladding is how it weathers into a gorgeously deep grey, bringing depth and character to commercial buildings. This occurs when Larch timber is exposed to UV rays and rain, and begins within weeks of your cladding boards being installed. However, it can take around 1-2 years for your entire facade to weather naturally, and you may be left with inconsistent tones which might not fit your architectural vision. This is where pre-weathered Larch comes in.

Pre-weathering is an aesthetic process and does not increase the timber’s natural durability or resistance to decay, transforming the golden hues of your cladding boards into the silvery-grey you are envisaging. It creates a more even tone, with less of the weathering process left to chance.

Importantly, pre-weathering does not materially alter the core structural performance of the timber. The boards will still continue to age and evolve outdoors, gradually blending even further into a harmonious, uniform grey. What it does offer is a head start: a predictable aesthetic outcome, reduced risk of patchiness and a facade which immediately reflects the intended design concept without waiting for the weather to do the work.

Working With Weathered Larch

Using Larch successfully is not only about choosing the right grade; it is also about designing and installing it in a way which respects its natural behaviour. For commercial buildings in particular, the demands are high and mistakes can be costly.

When installing your weathered Larch, be sure to allow for adequate ventilation. You will need a ventilation cavity behind your cladding which allows moisture to escape, and a suitable timber cladding profile to stop moisture from slipping behind your boards. Make sure to consider end-grain protection as well, and the correct fixing methods to extend the life of your commercial facade.

It is also a must that you factor in movement. Though Larch is relatively stable for a softwood, it will still swell and shrink with changes in humidity, meaning correct board spacing is essential. Refer to the TDCA guidelines for information on timber cladding spacing.

Order Sustainable Larch Cladding for Commercial Projects

Weathered Larch is a beautiful choice for modern commercial facades, blending contemporary hues with the rustic charm of timber for elevated buildings. As an architect, it is a timber choice which we highly recommend exploring. Our last piece of advice? Opt for our FSC® or PEFC™ certified sustainable Larch sourced from responsibly managed woodlands to boost your project’s eco-credentials.

Start an order of sustainable Larch cladding.