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.

Key points to remember

• Origin and durability: Larch mainly comes from Scandinavian, Russian, and European forests, where it grows slowly in a harsh climate. Naturally durable, it is weather-resistant and can last up to 50 years in use class 3.2 (excluding sapwood). 
• Aesthetic characteristics: This wood has a fine grain, straight grain, and tight grain pattern, with a color ranging from yellow to reddish pink. It is also known for its dimensional stability, especially when heat treated.
• Applications and certifications: Larch is suitable for cladding, structures, and framing. It is PEFC certified, guaranteeing sustainable forest management.
• Maintenance and aging: Over time, larch develops a natural gray patina, without altering its performance. It is recommended to install it away from the ground and to keep it well ventilated to preserve its longevity.
• Budget: The price of larch cladding varies between 85 and 120 € per square meter (excluding installation), depending on thickness, finish, and heat treatment.

Larch wood cladding combines durability, aesthetics, and performance, making it a preferred choice for covering your facades. Its use not only provides effective protection against the elements, but also brings warmth and elegance to your buildings. Discover below the main characteristics and advantages that make larch a benchmark material for exterior 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.

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.

Discover our selection of Sivalbp larch wood cladding, designed to meet all your aesthetic and technical requirements. Each range offers unique characteristics to enhance your facades while guaranteeing durability and quality.

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.

Larch wood cladding is an excellent choice for those looking for a material that is attractive, durable, and environmentally friendly. Its natural resistance to weathering, slow growth, and European origin make it a reliable option for exterior facades. Whether used in new construction or renovation projects, larch offers a high-performance and elegant solution.

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your cladding, it is essential to follow best practices for installation and maintenance, including ensuring adequate ventilation and applying appropriate treatments. By choosing larch, you are opting for a material that combines tradition and modernity, while contributing to the preservation of our natural resources.

Sivalbp is here to advise and support you every step of the way. Do you have a larch cladding project? Contact our experts!

Sivalbp is here to advise and support you at every stage of your project. A project with larch cladding ? Contact our experts!