Siberian Larch
Siberian larch is the strongest and most durable coniferous wood species. Natural heartwood extractives confer to Siberian larch wood a remarkable decay resistance without chemical treatment. It is recommended for long-lasting outdoor or marine timber structures, cladding, flooring and decking.
Distribution
Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica) is a particular member of the Larch genus whose natural distribution spreads across a vast portion of the Russian taiga. Natural stands of Siberian larch stretch from the shores of the White Sea in the North-West of Russia to the Eastern shores of the Baikal lake in Siberia. The southern limit of its natural range is carved by the Altai mountains and Northern Mongolia while Siberian larch forests mark the northern tree limit and go as far up north as the mouth of the Yenisei river. On its natural area of distribution, the proportion of Siberian larch tends to increase from West to East, where it represents about 50% of the forest cover.
Technical Characteristics
Siberian larch is impressively strong and naturally durable. It has long been recognised as a valuable building material and countless wooden constructions of the 17th and 18th century still stand strong today as clear testimonials of Siberian larch’s remarkable qualities. Among such examples is the city of Venice, famously supported by wooden poles made of either Oak or Siberian larch.
Being the strongest softwood species, Siberian larch is increasingly coming into focus as an alternative to chemically treated products from otherwise less durable softwoods and has a possibly major role to play in the evolution of the construction industry. In Central Siberia, Siberian larch has an average density around 650kg/m3 at 12% moisture content (MC). This density level is comparable to that of hardwood species such as White Oak (Quercus alba) or American beech (Fagus grandifolia). To put it in perspective, the density of European larch (Larix decidua), whose natural distribution spreads over the Alps, the Carphatian and Sudeten mountains in Central Europe, is typically around 550kg/m3 at 12% MC. Other meaningful characteristics of Siberian larch include small annual rings, high amounts of latewood and a massive proportion of heartwood.
The specific properties and the high amounts of natural heartwood extractives in Siberian larch, especially arabinogalactans, are responsible for its remarkable durability in outdoor environments, its natural rot resistance and believed to contribute to its overall strength.
Uses
Siberian larch lumber is recommended for any construction project that requires strength and natural durability. Typical applications would include outdoor cladding, flooring or decking. It is also recommended for fencing, screening or marina pontoons.
Recommended uses:
Outdoor
Cladding
Decking
Fencing
Screening
Marina pontoon
Roofing (shingles)
Indoor
Construction
Cladding
Flooring
Carpentry
