British Larch Cladding
British larch cladding is a tough, naturally durable softwood grown in local woodlands and well-suited for external use in exposed areas. It is also one of the most cost-effective options for exterior timber cladding, making it ideal for projects with tighter budgets.
Style
Traditional
Profiles
Halflap and splayed
Source
England and Wales
Beware
Instability
British Larch Cladding
British Larch Cladding
British Larch Cladding
British Larch Cladding
British Larch Cladding Features
Both tough and durable, British larch is ideal for exposed elevations and areas where knocks and scrapes are more likely. It is also our most affordable choice of wood cladding.
British larch is very different in appearance and performance from Siberian larch, so it’s important to be clear about which you require. While most of our larch timber cladding is supplied in wet-sawn profiles such as feather edge, British-grown larch can also be dried and machined into various profiles.
Our dried larch cladding is graded either as a relatively clean Grade A or a more knotty and cost-effective Grade B.
For a detailed comparison between British and Siberian larch, watch our video.
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Specifications
British larch cladding from Vastern Timber
- Species: British larch (Larix decidua)
- Source: Legal and well-managed forests in England and Wales
- Grades:
Grade A: BS1186-3 1990 Class 2 / EN942:2007 J30
Grade B: BS1186-3 1990 Class 3 / EN942:2007 J50 - Finished thickness: 20 mm
- Widths: 70 mm / 95 mm / 145 mm
- Lengths: Random 1.8-3.6 m+ (with a small percentage down to 1.5 m)
- Profiles: Available in a variety (not tongue and groove)
- Moisture content: 16-20%
- Durability: EN350-2 Moderately Durable, Class 3
- Finish: Supplied uncoated, no treatment required
Characteristics
Appearance
British larch cladding ranges in colour from pinky-brown in the heartwood to creamy-white in the sap band. Depending on the grade, boards may feature dark brown knots and occasional resin pockets.
Weathering
British larch timber cladding weathers relatively slowly, often taking two years to develop a silver-grey patina. It is non-reactive and therefore weathers relatively consistently. Northerly elevations may darken more than southerly aspects.
Desired service life
30 years.
Movement class
Large.
Resistance to impact
High.
Working properties
Good workability. Takes fixings well but can be prone to splitting.
Density
570–650 kg/m³.
Extractives
Contains resin rather than oils or tannins.
Installation
How to fix
Pre-drill and hand nail larch cladding with stainless steel nails through the face of the boards. Do not attempt secret fixings through the tongue. Nail guns are not recommended for larch cladding, as it can be unstable. Leave an expansion gap between machined boards.
Batten type
Treated softwood, 45 mm × 50 mm for machined profiles.
Batten spacing
400-600 mm.
Nail type
Stainless steel only. 50 mm ring shank nails for machined profiles. Trim head screws are also suitable.
When to fix
Ideally, during the autumn or winter months.
Resistance to fixing
Medium.
Profiles
We machine timber cladding to the profile of your choice. The following profiles are recommended for British larch:
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
FAQS on British Larch Cladding
What is British larch cladding?
How is British larch different from Siberian larch?
Is larch timber cladding available in different grades?
How long does larch wood cladding last?
How does British larch weather?
What does British larch look like?
How should larch timber cladding be fixed?
When is the best time to install larch wood cladding?
Does British larch contain tannins?
What profiles are available?
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
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