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Siberian Larch
Extreme continental climates in Siberia (short, hot summers and long, cold winters) produce a high proportion of late wood, which enables a smoother machine finish and enhances dimensional stability.
Additionally, Siberwood’s Larch is kiln-dried to 16 – 18% (+/- 2%), the optimal moisture content for external cladding. The benefit of kiln drying Siberian Larch, as opposed to air drying it, is that the timber dries uniformly and therefore achieves optimum stability.
Once the kiln-dried Siberian Larch is received at Siberwood, this enables the product to be consistently machined to a superior level of finish. It is then ensured, through the use of stringent quality control processes, that the optimal moisture level is retained until delivery to site. The cladding can then be installed immediately upon delivery.
Durability
For external cladding purposes, Siberian Larch is a naturally durable timber (Class 3 according to BS EN 350-2) due to a combination of factors;
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Resin and extracts in the wood create a high resistance to decay and rot, making Siberian Larch one of the toughest and most durable softwoods
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High density means that it is more difficult for decaying organisms to penetrate the wood
With a lifespan of 50 -100 years when correctly detailed and subject to general outdoor exposure, this is similar to Russwood’s Architect Select Western Red Cedar. Better durability properties can only be being achieved with Siberwood’s modified timber products; Accoya® wood and Natural Cladding ® Thermally Modified Hardwood.
The way a façade is fixed and detailed can have a major effect on it’s lifespan. Our range of fixings and systems are designed by Austrian Timber Engineers to make cladding look better and last longer.
Density
Due to its high percentage of heartwood (75-90%) and a minimum of sapwood (we guarantee that at least one face will be sap free) Larch is an extremely dense timber, classified by BS EN 350-2 as approximately 628 Kg/m3 at a moisture content of 18%. As such, it is not easily damaged and therefore is ideal for highly exposed elevations, or applications where there is the likelihood of physical damage such as knocks or scrapes (e.g. schools, shopping centres, public walkways).
Coating suitability
Larch can be vacuum coated in Sioo, a breakthrough silicone technology, to provide a genuine silver lustre. In effect, Sioo creates a weathered appearance at an accelerated rate. Following application, all areas, regardless of protection and exposure, take on a consistent tone which provides a solution to differential weathering. For further information about Sioo click here.
Larch can also be vaccum coated in your choice of colour from Siberwood’s Teknos paint range. Due to the infrequent knots and tight grain, optimal paint adhesion can be achieved, particularly when used on sawn surfaces.
Larch can also be fire-retardant treated, using either the NON COM® process, or using HR Prof as an on-site applicant.
Fixings
How timber is fixed is fundamental to it’s long term performance in terms of both appearance and durability. We offer a range of fixings and systems to make cladding look better and last longer. These systems can be written into the NBS H21 specification. For more information on our recommended fixings
Sustainability
Siberwood’s larch is FSC®-certified, meaning that it is sourced from well-managed forests.
Size
Larch is available in varying lengths of 3.0 m up to 6m, widths of 75, 100, 150, 200 or 225mm and thicknesses of 20, 25, 28, 32, 38 and 50mm. Please note that these are standard sizes, but other sizes may be available on request.
For large-scale projects we also have the ability to finger-joint and edge-glue Larch. This process allows the customisation of lengths, which could be particularly desirable in projects such as schools, retail units and other public buildings. Seamlessly joining shorter boards together can create a clearer, more dimensionally stable grade at longer lengths, which is often desired by architects and specifiers.
Summary
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Clean and contemporary look
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Suitable for most types of cladding application
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Excellent density and durability
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Stringent in-house grading of every board
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Sustainable
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Price
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Larch is one of our mid-range products, with prices starting at £20 per m2 for sawn boards.
Stability
Appearance
Siberian larch is a very solid wood species with a wide range of colors and excellent structure. This wood is best suited for those who appreciate real quality and maximum durability of the material.
Siberian larch is highly resistant to rotting due to a very high density and high resin content.
Comparing to oak, ash or pine it is twice resistant. That wood also has a high moisture resistance. It is successfully used in constructions influenced by water, such as piers, roofing, outdoor terraces, pools, etc.
Today, Siberian larch is used for building of facades and terraces, for garden furniture manufacturing. It is the best choice in terms of price vs quality.
Siberian larch (lat. Lárix sibírica) should not be confused with European larch (lat. Lárix decídua). European larch is just slightly more solid than European spruce, but Siberian larch is similar to oak. European larch has a very small resin content. For this reason it cannot be used without an additional surface-protecting treatment. That quality difference could be seen with the naked eye.
Siberian larch has a completely different structure of the annual ring. Terraces, facades and other outdoor constructions are influenced by weather, temperature and other harmful factors. Thus, Siberian larch is an optimal choice as a building material.
Products made of Siberian larch have a lifespan of over 100 years and do not lose its properties even without any surface treatment.
Siberian larch will serve to several generations.
Products made of Siberian larch are the right choice for those, who appreciate the quality and natural beauty of a building material.
Grades and specification
In order to ensure that our stringent in-house grading criteria are met, we offer three grades; EXTRA (Prima), A-B and B/C, with the specifications being as stated below.
Larch grade Extra (FAS)
Siberwood offers Larch Extra, the highest grade of Siberian Larch cladding commercially available in the USA, which provides a clean and relatively knot-free look combined with excellent durability. The specification for grade Extra is as follows:
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Graded to BS1186-3 Part 4 Class 1; each board is practically centre free, one face will be sap free, tight live knots have a maximum 25mm diameter. Maximum of two knots per metre on average over the total length of board, pin knots below 12mm will be discounted
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Kiln-dried to moisture content of 16-18% (+/- 2%)
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Lengths of 3.0 – 6.0m (13-20 ft.)
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We select from the best available grades in the USA and guarantee that your order will not contain any commonly available, lower quality GOST grades
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FSC® - certified product sourced from sustainable forests
Larch Grade PRIMA (Select&btr.)
Siberwood also hand-selects boards from the Extra (FAS) grade to meet stringent internal criteria for the supply of Larch Prima. This is a clear grade timber, providing a clean, consistent, virtually knot-free look. The specification for Larch Prima is as follows;
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Graded to BS1186-3 Part 4 Class 1; each board is practically centre free, one face will be sap free
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Further hand-selection of clearest grade boards which meet stringent criteria; tight live knots with a maximum 12mm diameter. Maximum of two knots per metre on average over the total length of board
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Kiln-dried to moisture content of 16-18% (+/- 2%)
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Lengths of 1.8 – 6.0m with 95% of your boards being over 2.4m
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We select from the best available grades in the UK and guarantee that your order will not contain any commonly available, lower quality GOST grades
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FSC® certified product sourced from sustainable forests
Larch Grade A-B (1 Common)
Additionally, Siberwood offers Larch grade A-B (1 Common), a more rustic grade of Siberian Larch than our A/B and Prima grades. It gives a more knotty, less uniform look, without compromising its excellent durability properties. The specification for grade B/C is as follows;
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Graded to BS1186-3 Part 4 Class 2/3; each board is practically centre free, one face will be sap free, knots have a maximum 35mm diameter
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Kiln-dried to moisture content of 16-18% (+/- 2%)
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Lengths of 1.8-6.0m with 95% of boards being over 2.4m
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Durability class 3 (BS EN 350-2 classification)
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High density of approximately 628 Kg/m3 at a moisture content of 18% (BS EN 350-2 classification)
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FSC® certified product sourced from sustainable forests
NBS Specification
European and Siberian larch differences
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On this picture you can see the difference between European Larch, Siberian Larch and Pine.
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There is no Photoshop manipulation with these pictures.
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You always can compare these species in our office. Also you can check the quality of the wood.