The Wonderful World of Wood:

Larch:

  • "Larix decidua"

Other Names:

  • None

Sources:

  • Europe, particularly mountainous areas.

Tree Characteristics:

  • The tree grows to an approximate height of 150ft and produces a straight cylindrical trunk with a diameter of about 3ft 3in.
  • Larch shed their needles in winter.

Characteristics of the wood:

  • Toughter than most softwoods, it is a straight grained resinous timber of uniform texture, but can contain hard knots that loosen after seasoning.
  • Heartwood is orange-red in colour, with narrow light coloured sapwood.
  • It is a relatively durable wood for exterior use.

Workability:

  • Can be worked relatively easily with hand and machine tools, but knots can blunt cutting edges.

Average dried weight:

  • 37lb/cuft.

Finishing:

  • Sands well, though the harder latewood grain may be left proud of the surface.
  • It takes paint and varnish satisfactorily.

Common uses:

  • Joinery (including door and window frames, flooring,and staircases),
  • Pit props,
  • Boat planking,
  • Posts,
  • Fencing.

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