- Species: Primarily refers to European Larch (Larix decidua), with other commercial species including Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica) and Western Larch (Larix occidentalis).
- Origin: European and Siberian Larch are native to Europe and northern Asia, while Western Larch is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America
- Durability: With moderate to high natural durability, its heartwood is durable and more resistant to decay than most softwoods due to resin content, while the sapwood is less resistant.
- Highlights: Tough, dense, and strong, this softwood provides good impact resistance and is characterized by reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellow sapwood, pronounced growth rings, and an attractive grain. Its natural resins enhance resistance to rot, and while it machines and finishes well, its hardness makes it more challenging to work with than many other softwoods.
- Form: Sawn timber, beams, cladding, decking.
- Grade: A, B, C (based on knots, clarity).
- Moisture: Typically kiln-dried to a moisture content of around (8 – 12%), with (8 – 10%) common for interior use and up to (12%) for exterior or structural applications, or air-dried
- Dimensions Available: Boards & Lumber: Thickness: 2.5 cm, 5 cm, 7.5 cm, 10 cm and thicker / Width: 5 cm – 30 cm / Length: Typically, 1.8 m – 6 m (custom longer lengths may be available). Dimensional Lumber (Construction Use): 5×10 cm, 5×15 cm, 5×20 cm, 5×25 cm, 10×10 cm, 10×15 cm, 15×15 cm, 15×20 cm. Beams & Timbers: Large structural sizes such as 15×25 cm, 20×20 cm, 20×25 cm, 20×30 cm. Panels / Plywood: Standard Panel sheets: 1.22 × 2.44 m, Thickness: 0.6 cm – 2.5 cm.
- Janka Hardness: ~830 lbf (3,700 N).
- Grain: Straight, moderately coarse.
- Color: Pale yellow to reddish-brown (heartwood).
- Water Resistance: Good, better than most softwoods due to resin; performs well in damp conditions but benefits from sealing.
- Certification: FSC, PEFC available.
- Outdoor Suitability: Good to very good in performance, it is commonly used outdoors for decking, cladding, and structures and can be left untreated to weather naturally to a silver-gray color.
- Indoor Suitability: Good, used indoors for flooring, paneling, beams, and furniture where strength and visual character are desired.
- Estimated Prices: Per Cubic Meter (m3) = ~US $200 – $700+ / Price per Piece = ~US $6 – $20+.
- Use Cases: Exterior cladding, siding, and decking. Fencing, posts, and outdoor structures. Boatbuilding and bridges (historically). Flooring, beams, paneling, and furniture. Plywood and laminated beams.
