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NAME/S
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English Larch, European Larch (Larix decidua)
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SUB NAMES/S
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Siberian Larch, European Larch, common Larch, lark and tamarack.
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TRADE NAME/S
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ORIGIN
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European Larch is indigenous throughout Europe. The trees are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the far north, and high on mountains further south.
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APPEARANCE
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British larch ranges in colour from pinky-brown in the heartwood, to creamy- white in the sap band. There are frequent dark brown knots giving larch a strong grain pattern.
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MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
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Larch is one of the strongest softwoods in common use and has an approximate density of 590 kg/m$sup;.
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AVAILABILITY
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Larch is available in square edged kiln dried boards
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USE AS TIMBER CUTS FEATURES
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Top quality knot-free larch timber is in great demand for building yachts and other small boats as it is tough, waterproof and durable. It is often used in the construction of farm buildings, gates and fences.
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USE AS VENEER CUTS APPEARANCES
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Larch is used for panelling and decorative veneers
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RELATIVE COST/of 10
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5.
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PROPERTIES-MACHINING, FINISHING
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Larch is more difficult to saw and work than most softwoods. Clear, straight-grained material finishes cleanly but hard knots are liable to damage the edges of cutting tools and the surface tends to tear where the grain is irregular. The wood requires care in nailing to avoid splitting.
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SEASONING
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For a softwood, larch dries fairly slowly and tends to twist, check and split. Once it is thoroughly seasoned, the movement in service is small.
