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, particularly in exposed areas where the elements can take a toll on traditional materials. Due to its natural durability and resistance to decay, British larch cladding has become a preferred choice for architects and builders across the UK who are looking for a sustainable and long-lasting solution.
While our larch is typically sold in wet-sawn profiles, such as the ever-popular feather-edge, we also provide dried British larch cladding, offering greater versatility and performance. Dried larch cladding is available in a range of profiles that can be tailored to your specific design requirements. This allows for a more stable and refined finish, ensuring minimal movement over time and increased resistance to environmental changes. We offer a wide variety of profile options, from tongue and groove to shiplap and square edge, making it easy to find the perfect match for your project.
At The Larch Cladding Company, we supply dried larch cladding in the UK in two grades to suit different project needs and budgets. Our premium Grade A larch is meticulously selected to provide a relatively unblemished finish, ideal for projects where appearance is critical. For those seeking a more rustic, natural look, our Grade B larch, with its characteristic knots and imperfections, is a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality or durability. This grading system mirrors that used for Siberian larch, ensuring consistency and reliability across the board.
In addition to our traditional British larch cladding, we are proud to offer charred larch cladding, which has gained popularity for its striking aesthetic and enhanced protective properties. The charring process not only gives the wood a rich, dark appearance but also adds an extra layer of weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for both modern and rustic designs. Whether you are looking for a natural finish or something more distinctive, charred larch cladding is a unique option that blends style with functionality.
With our wide range of profiles, grades, and finishes, including the increasingly popular charred larch, we are confident that we can provide the perfect cladding solution for any project. If you are looking for high-quality larch cladding in the UK, you can trust The Larch Cladding Company to deliver products that combine beauty, strength, and sustainability.
– 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.
Timber proudly sourced from responsibly managed forests.
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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.
Yes, we offer British larch cladding to trade customers through our dedicated trade timber supplies service. Our trade service ensures competitive pricing and reliable delivery for larger-scale projects.
Grade A larch cladding is relatively unblemished, with minimal knots and a smooth, uniform appearance. It is perfect for projects where aesthetics are a priority. Grade B larch cladding has a more rustic, knotty character, offering a more affordable option while still providing excellent durability.