About British and Alpine Austrian Larch
British Larch
Overview
Scientifically known as Larix decidua and sometimes called European Larch is a coniferous tree native to the United Kingdom and many parts of Europe. It belongs to the Pinaceae (pine) family of trees and is characterized by its soft green needles that turn golden-yellow in Autumn before shedding them in winter. A softwood with a reddish-brown heartwood and a white sapwood, and weathers to a silver-gray patina. The wood is straight-grained and has a fine texture.
It thrives in a wide range of soil types from well-drained upland soils to wetter lowland, and is fast-growing. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for reforestation, afforestation this lends it nicely to being a sustainable tree. It is also found in landscaping project as it is a attractive tall slender tree.
British Larch has is know for it's strength, durability, and natural resistance to decay. Historically it has been utilized in shipbuilding and marine environments, construction, outdoor furniture, fencing, cladding and decking, Timber framing it's a great timber for outside projects.
Working Properties
- Janka Scale of Hardness of: 600 lbf (2670 N)
- Wood Type: Softwood
- Durability: Slightly durable
- Moisture Movement: Small
- Density (mean, Kg/m³): 550
- Texture: Fine
- Stability: heartwood minimal movement
- Mechanical Strength:- Generally tough and hard with good strength properties
- Origin:- Britain
- Sustainability:- FSC certified from well managed forests
- Thermal Conductivity Rating (U Value) : 0.13 W/m2 K
- Colour – Pale yellow
Popular Uses Are
Popular choice for exterior cladding because it is durable, rot-resistant, and attractiveness. It can be used on both new and old buildings.
- Exterior Cladding -
- Flooring -
- Fencing -
- Garden Structures -
- Timber Framing -
- Joinery -
- Pulp and Paper
Addition Informatiom
From an ecological perspective, British Larch plays a vital role in enhancing biodiversity. Its dense foliage provides habitat and shelter for numerous animal, while its pollen-rich cones offer sustenance for bees and other pollinators. Larch forests act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is why at here at Co2Timber / Timber Clad we make sure all the timber we supply comes for sustainable forest to help maintain the enviroment.
British Larch faces challenges from Phytophthora Ramorum please see Woodland Trust for additional information a pathogen responsible for causing Sudden Oak Death, poses a significant threat to Larch populations in the UK, leading to concerns about its future. As a result, there have been efforts to monitor and control the spread of this disease to protect the valuable Larch forests.
In conclusion, British Larch is a remarkable tree species that holds both cultural and ecological importance in the United Kingdom. Its adaptability, beautiful appearance, and valuable wood have made it a cherished component of the British landscape. However, with the looming threat of diseases like Sudden Oak Death, conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the continued survival and prosperity of this iconic tree.
Alpine Austrian Larch
Overview
The Alpine Austrian Larch, Larix decidua, thrives in harsh mountain climates this contributes to its slow growth giving it extraordinarily fine grain and exceptional durability.
The wood of the Austrian Larch is highly prized. It is among the heaviest and hardest native softwoods, boasting remarkable strength, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attacks. This inherent resilience makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications, from durable cladding and decking to structural components, even in boat building and hydraulic engineering, often requiring no chemical treatment. Beyond its robust properties, Alpine Larch offers a warm, reddish-brown hue that naturally develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time, adding a rustic charm to any design. Its an eco-friendly timber and we sourcing from sustainable well managed Austrian forests.
Working Properties
- Janka Scale of Hardness of: 740 lbf (3,290 N)
- Wood Type: Softwood
- Durability:- Class 3 Moderately
- Moisture Movement: Small
- Density (mean, Kg/m³): 650
- Texture: Fine
- Stability: heartwood minimal movement
- Mechanical Strength:- Generally tough and hard with good strength properties
- Origin:- Austrian
- Sustainability:- PEFC certified from well managed forests
- Thermal Conductivity Rating (U Value) : 0.13 W/m2 K
- Colour – Pale yellow
Popular Uses Are
Popular choice for exterior use because it is durable, rot-resistant, and attractiveness. It can be used on both new and old buildings.
- Exterior Cladding -
- Flooring -
- Fencing -
- Garden Structures -
- Timber Framing -
Durability
When selecting your timber type for your project it is worth taking in to consideration BS EN 350 timber durability class.
Durability is the ability of a species to resist decay either naturally or through preservatives. The Class is based on the ability of the heartwood (inner part of the tree) to resist fungal decay. The sapwood (the living outermost portion of the tree)is considered not durable and should not be used for external projects without preservative.
BS EN 350 has 5 classes of durability they are:-
Class 1 to 3 can be left as untreated timber, a natural ageing process will accrue e.g. most timbers will turn a grey colour. Class 4 and 5 will need to be treated with preservatives.
For further information see www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/cladding-durability-quality
