British Larch Cladding
Premium UK Larch cladding Sourced in Wales
British larch cladding, recognised for its robustness and longevity, is perfectly suited for environments prone to wear and tear, such as exposed areas. While our larch is commonly sold in wet sawn profiles like feather-edge, it can also be processed into dried forms for a variety of cladding profiles. We offer dried British larch cladding in two grades: a relatively unblemished Grade A and a more affordable, knotty Grade B, mirroring the grading system used for Siberian larch.
– British larch sourced in Wales
– From FSC managed forests
– Overall finished widths 70mm / 95mm / 145mm
– Moisture content of 16 – 20%
– Supplied uncoated
We offer a range of timer cladding profiles that can be viewed on our timber cladding profile page.
Installing larch cladding involves several steps to ensure durability and an aesthetically pleasing finish. Larch is a durable, strong softwood that has natural preservatives, making it an excellent choice for exterior cladding. Here’s a short guide on how to install larch cladding:
Tools and Materials Needed
- Larch cladding boards
- Stainless steel nails or screws
- Hammer or screwdriver (depending on your choice of fasteners)
- Saw
- Spirit level
- Breathable waterproof membrane (if required by your application)
- Battens (for creating an air gap behind the cladding)
Preparation
- Measure the area to be clad to determine the amount of larch cladding needed.
- Select the grade and profile of larch cladding according to the desired appearance and functionality.
- Prepare the wall surface, ensuring it is clean, dry, and flat. If you’re applying cladding over insulation or to an uneven surface, you might need to install a frame of horizontal battens fixed to the wall.
Installation Process
- Install a breathable waterproof membrane over the wall or insulation if necessary, starting from the bottom and overlapping sheets by at least 150mm as you move up.
- Fix horizontal battens to the wall if required, spaced to match the cladding profile. Ensure they are level and allow for ventilation at the top and bottom.
- Start installing the cladding from the bottom corner of the wall. Use a spirit level to ensure the first board is perfectly horizontal.
- Fix the cladding boards to the battens using stainless steel nails or screws. It’s crucial to leave a small gap (typically 2mm) between boards to allow for expansion.
- Overlap or join the cladding boards according to the chosen style (e.g., ship-lap, tongue and groove). Make sure any joints between boards are staggered across the wall to enhance strength and appearance.
- Work your way up the wall, ensuring each board is level before fixing it in place. Trim any boards to fit around windows, doors, or corners.
- Larch can be left untreated to weather naturally or treated with a protective or oil to maintain its appearance. Oiling timber in September can be a good practice, especially after it has had a full summer to dry out.
Benefits of British Larch Cladding
Natural Beauty
Larch cladding has a warm and elegant look, thanks to its rich colour and unique grain patterns that give it a timeless and inviting appearance. Larch wood is known for its striking reddish-brown hue, which develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time when exposed to the elements. The distinct effect allows your cladding to grow old with any property whilst keeping it looking good.
Durability
Its natural resistance to decay and insects ensures that larch cladding will stand the test of time, even through the rough winter and rainstorms Wales will throw at it. Larch is naturally resistant to decay and insect infestations, making it a highly durable option for exterior cladding. When well-maintained, larch cladding can last for decades.
Low Maintenance
Larch cladding is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, needing just occasional cleaning and resealing to maintain its look and durability. Such a straightforward maintenance regimen makes larch cladding an attractive choice for a wide range of applications, appealing to those who prioritise both functionality and ease of care in their material selections.
Larch Cladding FAQ
British larch cladding is a popular choice for exterior building applications, known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. It is made from the timber of the larch tree, a conifer native to the UK and parts of Europe, which is valued for its strong and resistant wood. This type of cladding is often used to protect buildings from the elements while providing a natural, rustic appearance.
British larch has a natural resistance to decay and pests, making it a durable option for exterior cladding. Larch cladding can have a lifespan of 40-50 years.
Yes, British larch cladding is considered an environmentally friendly option for several reasons. Larch trees are locally sourced, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Moreover, larch is a renewable resource, and the timber industry in the UK is subject to strict regulations that ensure sustainable forest management practices. Additionally, wood cladding has natural insulation properties, which can improve energy efficiency in buildings and reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.
Treating larch cladding is not strictly necessary because larch has a natural resistance to decay, rot, and pests due to its high resin content. Untreated larch cladding will gradually weather to a silver-grey finish over time, which is often desired for aesthetic reasons. However, if you wish to preserve the original colour of the wood or enhance its durability, especially in harsh weather conditions, you might consider applying a UV protective oil or a suitable wood preservative. Such treatments can help maintain the wood’s appearance and prolong its lifespan.
Yes, larch is an excellent choice for exterior cladding. Its popularity stems from its robust physical properties, including durability, resistance to rot and pests, and the ability to withstand the elements. Larch cladding provides a natural, warm, and aesthetically pleasing look that complements various architectural styles. Additionally, its good dimensional stability makes it less likely to warp or twist, maintaining the integrity of the cladding over time. The combination of these qualities makes larch an ideal wood for exterior cladding applications.
The main differences between British larch and Siberian larch cladding lie in their origin, grain pattern and colour, both are durable timber cladding options for external projects.
Our Reviews
glen britton28 April 2023The service and quality of the timber outstanding
Nick Woodcock8 April 2022Very help and will be ordering soon
Rob Monshin2 April 2021As always fantastic service , timber cut to size perfectly , delivered on time .
Peggy Romer29 October 2020Possibly the most friendly and helpful company I've used. Always kept me up to date and provided useful advice. Will be using them again soon!
Lloyd English14 July 2020Super company to work with. I found Mathew and his team really helpful, and the examples they have of different cladding helps no end when deciding what to go for. Great value and the fact the wood is grown, felled and sawed in Wales proves it truly is a local product. Highly recommend this company.
James Scott-Cook18 December 2019Bought some waney Edge larch cladding from this company good price, good quality did two gable ends with it looks great