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What is Larch?
Larch, or larch wood, is one of the hardest and most durable softwood species in Europe. This wood is known for its striking reddish-brown heartwood and white-yellow sapwood, and is often used for both indoor and outdoor applications. In this article, we discuss the origin, properties, applications, and technical specifications of Larch.
Origin
The genus Larix belongs to the family of Pinaceae and includes about ten species. These trees grow exclusively in the northern hemisphere, in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Larch in Europe:
- Larix decidua Mill., mainly from the Alps, Poland, the Sudetes in the Czech Republic, and the Tatra in Slovakia.
- Larix kaempferi (Lambert) Carr., also known as Japanese larch, has been introduced to Europe and offers greater resistance to diseases such as canker.
Larch in Asia:
- Larix kaempferi (Lambert) Carr., Larix leptolepis from Japan
- Larix potaninii Batal. from Western China
- Larix sibirica Ledeb. from Eastern Siberia and the eastern regions of Manchuria
Larch in North America:
- Larix occidentalis Nutt. from the American states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia
- Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch. from Eastern and Northern Canada and the northeastern U.S.
Appearance and Structure
Larch grows quickly and contributes to biodiversity with its light canopy, which is beneficial for the development of undergrowth. The tree can help protect against erosion and rockfall in mountainous areas.
| Property | Larch |
|---|---|
| Height | 30 meters |
| Lifespan | 150-200 years |
| Trunk diameter | 1 meter |
Color and Grain
Larch has a striking color and grain:
- Heartwood: Reddish-brown, darkens with exposure to light.
- Sapwood: White-yellow, narrow in trees from mountainous areas.
- Grain: Distinct growth rings with a fine to medium texture and a beautiful flame pattern on the surface.
Density and Durability
Larch is the densest softwood in Europe and is classified as medium-weight and medium-hard. The density varies depending on the growth location:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | >750 kg/m³ |
| Durability class (heartwood) | III |
| Durability class (sapwood) | V |
Drying and Moisture Content
Larch dries easily but must be dried slowly at a high temperature (75 °C) to prevent cracking and loose knots. The wood has a strong and lasting resin scent after drying.
Processing and Finishing
Larch is easy to work with, both machine and hand tools. Pre-drilling is recommended as the wood can split easily. It sands well, but be cautious of hard and loose knots. The wood must be well degreased before applying paint, varnish, or other finishing layers.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average volumetric mass | 600 kg/m³ |
| Radial shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.6% |
| Tangential shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.9% |
| Movement (60-30% r.h.) | 1.5% |
| Bending strength | 94 N/mm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 10,600-14,500 N/mm² |
| Compressive strength (parallel to fibers) | 54 N/mm² |
| Tensile strength (parallel to fibers) | 101 N/mm² |
| Shear strength | 9.9 N/mm² |
Commercial Dimensions
| Thickness x Width | Available Lengths |
|---|---|
| 19 mm x 75/100/125/150/175/200/225 mm | On request in various lengths |
| 25 mm x 100/125/150/175/200/225 mm | 180 cm and longer |
| 32 mm x 100/125/150/175 mm | |
| 38 mm x 100/125/150/175/200 mm | |
| 50 mm x 100/125/175/200/225 mm | |
| 63 mm x 125/150/175/200/225 mm | |
| 75 mm x 150/200/225 mm | |
| 95 mm x 95 mm | |
| 98 mm x 98 mm |
Applications
Larch is used for various applications:
- Indoors: Stairs, floors, paneling, furniture, decoration
- Outdoors: Windows, doors, cladding, roofing
- Construction: Posts, beams, bridges, chalets
- Industry: Shipbuilding, hydraulic works, barrels and tubs, veneer, glued laminated timber, chemical pulp for cardboard production
Conclusion
Larch is a versatile wood species with a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors. Its durability and beautiful appearance make it an excellent choice for construction and furniture projects. Whether for interior design or sturdy outdoor applications, Larch offers the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality.