Larch range
Larch cladding: European, Austrian, German, Canadian, British and Siberian larch
Larch is one of the most popular natural cladding and decking timbers in the UK. It is a durable, resinous softwood with a warm golden tone that weathers to a soft silver grey.
Supply of Siberian larch is now controlled, so we offer a wider larch range: European, Austrian, German, Canadian and British larch, and Siberian larch where it is available. If you have used Siberian larch before and need to repair or extend, we will help you match it.
Which larch should I choose?
All of these are larch (Larix), and all are good, naturally durable choices for cladding and decking when they are installed with a ventilated cavity and kept clear of the ground. The differences are mostly where the trees grew, how fast they grew, and how that shows in the grain, knots and colour.
| Larch | Where it grows | Typical character |
|---|---|---|
| European larch | Mountain and upland forests across central Europe | Dense, resinous heartwood with a golden to reddish tone and a clear grain. The benchmark for UK cladding |
| Austrian larch | Alpine and sub-alpine forests in Austria | European larch grown at altitude, usually slower grown with tighter rings and a fine, even grain |
| German larch | Uplands and the Black Forest and Bavaria regions of Germany | European larch with a similar golden tone. Good for projects that want a mainland European source |
| Canadian larch | Canada, depending on the species and supplier | Often western larch, which has reddish heartwood, or eastern larch (tamarack). Ask which species before you order |
| British larch | UK forests, including Scotland, Wales and northern England | Usually faster grown with wider rings and more knots. A rustic look and a local sourcing story |
| Siberian larch | Slow-grown forests in a cold climate | Tight grain and few knots. Supply is now controlled, so we hold it where we can for repairs and matching |
European, Austrian and German larch
European larch (Larix decidua) is the species behind most of the larch cladding on UK buildings. Austrian and German larch are European larch named after where it is grown. Trees from higher altitudes grow more slowly, which gives tighter growth rings and a finer, more even face. Both are naturally resinous, with heartwood that holds up well outdoors without chemical preservative.
- Austrian larch: a good first choice for a clean, consistent cladding or decking board, and the closest everyday match for Siberian larch.
- German larch: similar in tone and performance. Useful when a project wants timber from a particular mainland European source.
- Both can be supplied planed, in shiplap, tongue and groove, Yorkshire boarding, rainscreen and decking profiles, and with natural, pre-aged or charred finishes.
Canadian larch
Canadian larch can mean more than one species. Western larch has reddish, durable heartwood and a straight grain. Eastern larch, also called tamarack, is generally less durable, so it suits some uses better than others. Because the species matters for exterior use, ask us which species and grade a supplier is offering before you order, and use heartwood boards for cladding and decking.
Canadian larch can be a useful alternative where you want a larger section, a warmer reddish tone or a different supply route. Order a sample first, because the colour is usually different from European larch.
British larch
British larch is grown in UK forests, so the miles are short and it supports home-grown forestry. Because it is generally faster grown, the rings are wider and there are more knots, which gives a more rustic, characterful face. It is a good fit for garden buildings, barns, sheds and projects where a natural, local look is part of the brief. Ask us about availability, sizes and profiles for your project.
Repairing or extending Siberian larch cladding
We want to keep supporting customers who built with Siberian larch in the past. You can repair or extend a Siberian larch building with another larch, and with the right choices the join is hard to see once the new boards have weathered.
- Measure the existing boards: thickness, cover width, profile (shiplap, tongue and groove, Yorkshire boarding, rainscreen) and the gap or joint detail.
- Photograph the building in daylight, and send us a clean offcut or board end if you have one.
- Order free samples of the larch alternatives (European, Austrian, German, Canadian and British) and hold them against the wall.
- Choose a pre-aged or weathered finish if the existing cladding has already gone silver. New boards can then sit closer to the old ones from day one.
- Expect some difference at first. Natural larch evens out as it weathers over a year or two.
Alternating new boards through the elevation, rather than finishing a patch, can also make the change less obvious. If the profile is not stocked, ask about a bespoke run.
Larch for decking
Larch decking suits gardens and terraces where you want a natural timber with good durability and a non-chemical finish. Use stainless steel fixings, leave a gap of around 5 to 8 mm and keep the joists ventilated. For a firmer, safer surface in wet areas, see our anti-slip decking.
Finishes: natural, oiled, painted, charred or pre-aged
- Natural: left untreated, larch weathers to silver grey, often unevenly at first.
- Oiled or stained: slows the greying and needs recoating from time to time.
- Painted: a factory painted finish gives a consistent colour. Bespoke and painted orders take 5 to 7 working days.
- Charred: a dark shou sugi ban style finish. Treat it as a surface finish, not a fire rating.
- Pre-aged weathered: boards finished to look silver from the start, useful for repairs and for even colour.
Installation basics
- Fix to treated battens with a ventilated cavity of 20 to 25 mm and insect mesh at the base and top.
- Use stainless steel nails, screws or secret fixing clips, and pre-drill near board ends.
- Seal cut ends and keep boards clear of the ground and of flat roofs.
- Order the net area plus 10% for waste, using the cover width of the board.
Shop and specify
Frequently asked questions
Talk to our timber team
Tell us about your project and we will recommend the right species, profile, finish and fire performance. Free samples are available, and we can quote for bespoke milling.