SCI Joinery Gallery
Timbers - European Larch
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English name, European Larch.
Remarks, A very good timber, with a high resin content. Can be used as a cheaper alternative to oak for external uses. Doesn’t need to be treated against decay or insect attack. Has high load bearing capabilities. British grown Larch is not as good as native grown European Larch or Siberian Larch, it grows too fast due to the very short warm winters, and too much rainfall.
Family, Pinaceae.
Genus, Larix.
Species, Larix decidua.
Age, 200-400 years. 800 maximum.
Height, 45-50m.
Tree shape, Narrowly conical.
Leaf type, Deciduous.
Leaves shape, Needle like and soft, to 4cm long, in dense whorls limp bright green. October fall from tree.
Flowering, March/May.
Flowers colour, Male yellow/Female red.
Fruit, 2-6cm long egg shaped.
Bark, Grey becoming red brown fissured and scaly.
Native region, Europe.
Natural habitat, Mountains. Up to 2500m.
Weight, Green 810kg/m3. Air dried 600kg/m3. Siberian Larch can be up to 650kg/m3.
Maturity, 10-15 years.
Soil type, Moist sandy.
Wood type, Softwood.
Timber colour, a striking pink/ orange colour to start, mellowing with age to become silver/blue/grey.
Durability, Slightly to moderately durable. (1 very durable, 2 durable, 3 moderately durable, 4 slightly durable, 5 not durable).
Treatable, Extremely difficult. (Easy, moderate easy, difficult, extremely difficult).
Moisture movement, Small.
Texture, Fine.
Environmental, Not listed as an endangered species. Siberian Larch considered Lower risk.
Availability, Readily available at good timber merchants.
Cost, Low. Siberian Larch High.
Drying, Dries easy and fast without much distortion. Knots may loosen or split.
Working qualities, Medium. Works well with hand tools or machine. Knots can cause problems when they become loose. Can be painted, varnished, stained and glued well enough. Pre-drilling helps with nailing or screwing so not to cause splits in timber.
To Europe, Early seventeenth century.
Uses, Excellent timber for outdoors. Can be used in Constructional carpentry and joinery, boat and yacht making, fences, railway sleepers, mine props, telephone masts, roof shingles, staircases, flooring, doors, and windows.
Information,
10-15 species in this group.
Has very shallow root system, not ideally planted close to dwellings, can be blown over easily in high winds and roots can grow under foundations.
In it's native region it is one of the first trees to re colonise areas that have suffered forest fires
Timber can be used in direct contact with soil.
Turpentine can be acquired from it's timber.
