Is larch good for cladding?
Siberian Larch and Canadian Western Red Cedar are often the chosen specie for a wide range of uses. Their durability makes them suited to external applications such as cladding, decking, roofing and fencing.
How long does larch cladding last?
With the right treatment, larch can look forward to enjoying a long service life of over 50 years, up to 100 years. If you’re treating your larch, we’d recommend re-applying the finish every two to three years.
What timber is best for external cladding?
Western red cedar, European larch, European oak and Douglas fir are among the most popular species to use in cladding as they don’t require any preservative treatment, because they’re naturally resistant to insects, moisture and rot. On the other hand, species such as spruce, fir and pine have to be treated.
How long does untreated larch cladding last?
When untreated and NOT in ground contact you can expect a life of 50 – 60 years.
Does larch go grey?
Appearance, Durability & Properties of Siberian Larch Siberian larch will often start life as pale yellow/golden brown in colour but weathers to striking silvery grey colours, although treatment and staining can change this.
What’s better larch or cedar?
Durability, stability & performance Thanks to its very slow growth time in an extreme climate, Siberian Larch timber is resinous and dense — 590kg/m³, in fact — making it denser and stronger than cedar, although with marginally less stability.
Is oak better than Larch?
Oak is classified as durable and Siberian larch somewhere between slight & moderate durability. If you keep your fencing at least 150mm off the ground and it’s used in an area where its well ventilated it will last a lot longer than indicated in the table. Okay, so it seem oak is more durable.
Is larch OK for outside?
Larch wood comes from the Larch tree, a softwood from Europe. It is a highly durable wood type (class 3) and is ideal in outdoor furniture use. Even without treatment it lasts for around 10 to 15 years.
Does larch cladding rot?
Because of their natural resistance to rot and decay, both cedar and larch can be left without any treatment, and require very little maintenance. Beware, however, that if this is the path you go down, both species will eventually turn to a silvery-grey.
How do you keep the color larch?
Larch cladding maintenance and upkeep To restore grey larch to its original colour, look for a wood cleaner and brightening product, like Owatrol Net-Trol. Without damaging the natural fibres of the wood, a product like this can do away with the weathered look, reviving your larch’s natural light brown hues.
Does larch wood warp?
Siberian Larch Naturally Resists Warping Timber tends to warp or bend because of changes in moisture levels within the wood. As the moisture increases when exposed to the elements, the wood contracts or expands causing warping.
What wood is similar to larch?
Like pine, cedar, and spruce, larch lumber is considered softwood. These wood products come from coniferous trees, so they are often in stock and reasonably priced. Durable and insect-resistant, larch also has a very appealing golden color with interesting patterns.
What are the disadvantages of larch?
Larch lumber isn’t the perfect building material, however. It is more expensive than spruce, a fact that sways some buyers. Additionally, it could warp over time, so you should plan for potential expansion when using it.
How long will larch wood last outside?