What is the difference between larch and Douglas fir?
Larch and Douglas fir look very similar and are both in class 3. The difference lies in the knots, the weathering and the stiffness. The Wood Guide · Choosing and comparing
The Wood Guide · Choosing and comparing
Side by sideLarch or Douglas fir?
Two European softwoods with similar uses and the same durability class. Even so, they are not simply interchangeable.
- Both class 3
- Difference in knots and weathering
- Douglas fir slightly stiffer
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Larch or Douglas fir?
Two European softwoods with similar uses and the same durability class. Even so, they are not simply interchangeable.
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Where they come from
Both are conifers from temperate regions, but from different genera — and the larch has a peculiarity.
Larix spp.
- From trees of the genus Larix, including European larch (Larix decidua) and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi).
- Grows in temperate zones in Europe, North America and Asia.
- Special feature: the larch is a conifer that sheds its needles in winter — the only one in our region that does so.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
- From the Douglas fir, native to North America but widely planted in Europe since 1850.
- Grows in temperate regions: the western United States, Canada and Europe.
- Not a true spruce, pine or larch — a genus of its own.
Appearance and structure
From a distance they look alike. Up close, you can tell by the knots.
| Characteristic | Larch | Douglas fir |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Pale yellow to reddish brown, darkens on exposure | Light brown to reddish brown |
| Grain | Fine to medium | Medium to coarse |
| Grain direction | Straight, sometimes with cross grain | Straight, occasionally slightly wavy |
| Knots | Usually larger and more prominent | Smaller and less conspicuous |
| Texture | Fine to medium coarse | Medium coarse |
| Weathering | Grey, often with brown patches | Even silver-grey |
For cladding and decking that you leave untreated, this is the argument that counts: Douglas fir turns an even silver-grey, larch more often patchy. So if you want a calm, uniform façade, you usually choose Douglas fir.
Durability and mechanical properties
On paper they are close — the difference lies in the details.
| Characteristic | Larch | Douglas fir |
|---|---|---|
| Durability class | Class 3 — moderately durable | Class 3 — moderately durable |
| Density | ±590 kg/m³ | ±500–600 kg/m³ |
| Bending strength | Moderate to good | Moderate to good |
| Modulus of elasticity | ±10,800 N/mm² | ±12,000 N/mm² |
| Resin content | High — gives extra natural protection | Moderate to high |
| Workability | Easy, but the resin clogs tools | Good, with the same resin caveat |
So Douglas fir is slightly stiffer, which you notice over spans. Larch compensates with a higher resin content, which gives the wood a little extra protection from within. For both: in ground contact they fall short — set them on footings or anchors, as described in durable wood for outdoors.
What you use them for
Largely the same list — which makes the choice mainly a matter of appearance and availability.
| Use | Larch | Douglas fir |
|---|---|---|
| Building structures | Beams, posts, cladding, roof structures | Beams, posts, window frames, roof structures |
| Interior | Floors, stairs, wall panelling, furniture | Furniture, floors, stairs, wall panelling |
| Outdoor structures | Garden sheds, fences, decks, pergolas | Garden sheds, fences, decks, pergolas |
We build in Douglas fir — garden benches, garden sets, outdoor kitchens and planters — mainly because of that even weathering and the slightly higher stiffness. Take a look at the Douglas fir garden benches or the complete Douglas fir range.
Frequently asked questions
Which of the two lasts longer?
They are both in durability class 3 and last about as long above ground — eight to fifteen years, often longer. You make the real difference with the design: ventilation and drainage matter more than the choice of species.
What is the visible difference?
The knots: larch has larger, more prominent knots, Douglas fir smaller and less conspicuous ones. And Douglas fir weathers more evenly, whereas larch often turns grey with brown patches.
Which is stronger?
Douglas fir is slightly stiffer — a modulus of elasticity of about 12,000 against 10,800 N/mm². In practice you notice this over spans: Douglas fir sags less readily.
How do they compare with hardwood?
Both are softwoods and therefore less durable than most hardwoods, but also lighter and more affordable. The full trade-off is set out in Douglas fir or hardwood.
More comparisons
We put the most common dilemmas side by side for you.
Have a question about your project? Just ask — we're happy to help.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Larix decidua — Philipp Zinger, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pseudotsuga menziesii — Philipp Zinger, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Larix decidua, Carinthia (Austria) — Johann Jaritz, CC BY-SA 4.0
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