Larch wood cladding guide

Larch or Larix wood cladding has very specific characteristics and advantages. Larch, a softwood species, stands out for its aesthetic appeal, strength, density, durability and slow growth. Rot-proof for exterior use (and sapwood-free), Larch wood cladding has a tight grain with few knots and an orangey-blonde colour. Fire-resistant and 100% environmentally friendly, it is ideal for facades. In this guide, our expert Yvon Debeaumont answers your questions about Larch cladding.

Characteristics of Larch wood

Larch wood has unique characteristics:

• Distinct yellow to reddish pink sapwood
• Fine, even grain
• Straight wire
• Few knots
• Very tight veining

Larch wood is easily recognised by its close grain, medium to even texture and straight grain. It has red heartwood and very thin whitish sapwood.

Choose certified Larch wood cladding

Certified Larch wood cladding complies with specific labels and European and environmental standards:

• PEFC certification guarantees wood from sustainably managed forests.
• FSC certification attests to production that respects the environment and sustainable forest management.

To find out more about Sivalbp wood cladding certification, go to the certifications section.

Horizontal installation of Larch clapboard cladding, vertical installation of Larch open-joint cladding, angled installation of Larch clapboard cladding: each of these installation techniques requires expert knowledge and skills. The way you install your Larch wood cladding depends on your tastes.

 Advantages of Larch cladding for different uses, exterior or interior cladding

Larch is an ideal softwood for home improvement. The durability and strength of Larch cladding means it can be used both indoors and outdoors:

• Exterior wood cladding in Larch: wooden deck boards, façade with exterior cladding in Larch.
• Interior wood cladding in Larch: carpentry, interior joinery, interior wood panelling.

As a reminder, in the absence of a finish and regular maintenance, any wood species will develop a natural greying. If you want to keep the original look of your Larch wood cladding, follow our advice.

How does Larch cladding age?

When exposed to sunlight and protected from water, the colour of unfinished Larch wood tends to turn red or even black. Under the repeated influence of sunlight and rain, the colour of Larch will turn grey. This natural change has no effect on the mechanical properties or durability of Larch wood. If you don't want your Larch wood cladding to go grey, here's our advice.

How can I prevent Larch cladding from greying?

To prevent Larch wood cladding from greying, use effective and appropriate protection. You should also ensure that the wood cladding is well ventilated.

How do you maintain and protect Larch cladding?

To preserve the original colour of Larch wood cladding, we recommend applying a saturator. This waterproofs, deeply nourishes and protects Larch wood from the elements and the sun.

For optimum protection of your Larch wood cladding, there are several finishes available:

• Saturators, to preserve the original colour of Larch wood cladding and delay the effects of time: a saturator for a matt finish with a dark or grey wood tones.
• Woodstain: a film-forming product for long-lasting protection. To apply a stain to Larch wood cladding, it must be sanded beforehand.

To find out more about the types of finish that can be applied to cladding, take a look at our special report.

Are you thinking of installing Larch wood cladding on the facade of your home or a terrace? Would you like to know the price per m² of Larch clapboard or Larch vertical open-joint cladding? How much does Larch cladding cost? To find out, download our price list for cladding.

Larch wood cladding, Elegance range

To bring out the natural accents of wood, choose our Larch wood cladding from the Elégance range. Wood tones to sublimate the accents and characteristics of Larch.

Larch wood cladding, New Age range

Opting for our New Age range of Larch wood cladding has the advantage of anticipating the ageing of the wood. With our range of grey wood tones, your wood cladding will develop evenly over time.

Authentic Larch wood cladding

The Authentic range of Larch wood cladding reveals wood in its purest form: unfinished, Larch wood is sublime.

Discover our range of Larch cladding products. Sivalbp is here to advise and support you at every stage of your project. Contact our experts!