Siberian Larch is often mistaken for Oregan Pine.  We've even taken a Sample of Larch, placed it on an Oregan Floor and been unable to distinguish between the two.

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The Siberian larch wood is a strong and dense timber. Average density is 665 (620-725) kg /m3 with the moisture content of 12%. This density is harder than that of Oregon Pine and of Saligna which is a known Southern African Hard Wood. The Siberian larch is extremely valuable material, including special durability and resistance to extreme external influences. It is characterised by good colour and structure. This type of wood has great potential. In the past, larch wood was used for manufacturing supports for mines and shafts, in shipbuilding and so forth and in these conditions, there was increased humidity. Now its application is extended to use as a high resistant material for manufacturing floors, window and doorframes as well as ladders and furniture.
Depending on the region growth, trunks of a larch can differ significantly in the size. Usually its height is from 30 to 40 meters and diameters range from 30 to 50 meters, though there are cases where the trunk thickness at the bottom is more than 100 meters. Trunks of a larch have two principal features. First, as it grows, a big taper is formed. Second, because of strong winds in northern regions, trunks can be significantly curved. A prominent feature of larch is that in winter it dumps its needles. Technically a hard wood is classified by a tree that looses its leaves in winter, and this tree does. Because of this, the larch wood is classified as a hard wood.

The colour of the heart wood can vary from yellowy-brown to pink and pink-brown. Its annual rings are brightly expressed and differ on colour and structure. Living wood of larch quickly dies off which results in a lot of heart wood and a little sapwood. With age, the wood colour darkens, therefore earlier annual rings are more dark, than later.

Resistance to external influences

The Siberian larch wood is rather proof material. Its density depends on humidity. At natural moisture content its density varies from 900 up to 1100 kg/m3. At a moisture of 12% its density is about 665 kg/m3. Wood of a larch is practically one of the best when it comes to resistance to atmospheric influences. As research has shown, due to a combination of high density and high resinous-ness; and also because of the specific composition of larch resin, it is not only highly resistant to rotting, but also surpasses the resistance of oak, ash and pine wood. It is also practically resistant from damage by insects. In due course the larch wood durability and density only increases.

Areas of applications

Because of the special properties of the Siberian larch the range of its application is extremely varied. It can be used as a constructional material for frames of bridges, roofs and carrying structures of buildings, for internal and external furnishing, and also for manufacture of doors and window frames and ladders. Because of its high resistance to rubbing its use for flooring is growing.


Main Properties

One of the best coniferous woods in the forest
Much lower moisture absorption levels compared with fir
Impregnation unnecessary
High durability and very resistant to rot and fungus
Ideal for outdoor construction and panelling
High mechanical resistance and very good pressure resistance
Excellent wear resistance (Class II)
Slow growth
Minimal sapwood
High density–very inflammable
Non-corrosive. No problems for sawing, drilling, milling, or sanding
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye–warm colours from golden brown to yellow and orange in the heartwood
Naturally beautiful timber, so no finishing required

Larchwood – Applications

All kinds of indoor and outdoor applications
Inside : flooring, stairs, walls, doors, frames, and furniture
Outside : panelling, window frames, decking, garden furniture, and siding
For most outside applications a moisture content of 18-24% is sufficient
For indoor applications the Larchwood should be kiln dried 12-14% mc
Checking can occur if the drying process is too fast
It is a hard softwood so it is recommended to use hard metal based tools