When it comes to cladding options for your building project, British larch cladding is a popular choice that offers both aesthetic appeal, durability and environmental benefits. This versatile wood material has gained recognition for its eco-friendly properties and the woodland aesthetic it can add to any structure. In today’s blog, we will look into everything you need to know about Welsh Larch cladding.
What is British Larch Cladding?
Welsh larch cladding refers to a type of building cladding made from the wood of larch trees that are grown, harvested, and processed in Wales. Cladding itself is a material that is attached to the exterior of buildings to provide protection and insulation from the environment, and to enhance the appearance of the structure. Larch timber is a popular choice for cladding due to its natural properties and benefits.
Properties of Welsh Larch
Durability: Larch timber is known for its strong and durable nature, making it resistant to decay and rot when properly treated and maintained. This makes it an excellent choice for exterior cladding, as it can withstand harsh weather conditions and has a long lifespan.
Aesthetic Appeal: Larch has a distinctive appearance, with a warm golden to reddish-brown colour and a bold grain pattern. Over time, if left untreated, it weathers to a silver-grey color, which is often sought after for its natural and rustic look.
Sustainability: Sourcing larch from Wales for projects within the region promotes the use of local resources, which reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Additionally, larch trees are often harvested from sustainably managed forests, which helps to ensure the long-term health and viability of woodland areas.
Versatility: Welsh larch can be used in a variety of architectural styles and settings, from traditional to contemporary designs. It can be treated with stains or finishes to preserve its original colour or to meet specific design requirements.
Insulation Properties: Wood naturally has good insulation properties, and larch cladding can help to improve the thermal efficiency of buildings, reducing the need for heating and cooling and thereby lowering energy consumption.
Advantages of British Larch Cladding Over Imported Larch Cladding
Using locally sourced Welsh larch cladding can offer several benefits over imported larch cladding, especially from an environmental, economic, and performance perspective. Here’s why someone might prefer Welsh larch cladding:
Lower Carbon Footprint
Transporting cladding materials over long distances significantly increases carbon emissions. By choosing Welsh larch, those in or near Wales can drastically reduce the transportation distance, thereby minimising the carbon footprint associated with their construction project.
Sustainable Forestry Practices
Local sourcing often comes with greater transparency regarding forestry practices. Welsh forestry operations adhere to sustainable practices that ensure the health and longevity of forests, which might be more closely regulated than in other regions.
Support for the Local Economy
Purchasing Welsh larch cladding supports the local economy by keeping money within the community and supporting local jobs in forestry and milling operations.
Potentially Lower Costs
While not always the case, locally sourced materials can be less expensive due to the reduced transportation and importation costs. However, this can vary based on specific circumstances and market dynamics.
Aesthetic Preferences
Welsh larch may offer unique aesthetic characteristics that are preferred by some for local architectural styles, blending more naturally with the surrounding environment or heritage buildings.
Quality and Traceability
Local sourcing often allows for better traceability of materials, meaning that builders and architects can have a clearer understanding of the wood’s origin, quality, and treatment processes.
Where Do We Get Our Larch Cladding From?
Our commitment to environmental responsibility is exemplified by our careful selection of Larch, which is sourced as locally as possible, primarily from sustainable forests located in North and Mid Wales. Unlike some competitors, we do not offer Siberian Larch as part of our product range.
Furthermore, we take pride in our dedication to sustainable practices, as evidenced by our possession of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for all the timber we provide. This certification underscores our commitment to ensuring that our timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests, promoting the preservation of natural ecosystems and the well-being of our planet.
Our Final Thoughts on British Larch Cladding
Welsh Larch cladding offers a perfect blend of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability for your building project. Its natural beauty, resistance to decay, and eco-friendly sourcing make it an excellent choice for both traditional and contemporary architectural designs. With proper installation and minimal maintenance, Welsh larch cladding can enhance the appeal and longevity of any structure/building.
Are You Considering Larch Cladding For Your Property?
If you’re considering British Larch cladding for your project, The Larch Cladding Company is here to assist you. We provide high-quality Welsh Larch cladding timber and expert guidance. Contact us today at 07392 978020 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your cladding needs.