WHAT ARE LARCH CLADDING BOARDS?
Larch is a scenic wood material. The cellular structure of larch is precise and different from other tree species. Larch does not absorb moisture in the same way as, for example, pine. Larch is very resistant to mechanical wear and tear. A characteristic feature of larch is the strongly developed differences between winter and summer growths. In the core of the trunk, the reddish brown wood alternates with light brown, giving larch a unique visual structure that will caress the eyes of any lover of natural materials. When larch is exposed to the weather, it turns grey over time and changes its structure minimally over a long period of time.
This is why larch decking is suitable as cladding, and not only for wooden buildings. You can use them in houses built with literally any building material. Because larch timber decking is attached to the house using a load-bearing grid, a ventilated gap is created between the timber decking and the building itself. This makes a ventilated facade a safe solution for both masonry and timber houses, because even if there is an increase in humidity somewhere in the wall, the ventilated gap allows the moisture to evaporate from the building.
We will cut the larch decking for your facade to your requirements quickly and, most importantly, cheaply. We buy larch raw material from the surrounding forests, so we can offer you a price that will pleasantly surprise you…
Larch decking for facades is suitable for residential houses and large public buildings as well as for commercial and residential buildings. The timber facade is a protection of the basic structure from environmental influences and is an important design and aesthetic element of the building.
QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF THE LARCH FACADE
The quality of a larch wood facade is determined by the right choice of tree species, the right cladding and professional detailing. The correct integration of the timber is of key importance for the durability of the timber façade cladding. As long as the design principles of protection are respected, as well as the fact that the wooden larch facade needs to be aerated, you do not have to worry about the durability of your facade.
Wood as a basic material for a facade allows for many different types of cladding and the use of different profiles and colors. In combination with stone, glass or metal, its properties are even more emphasized.
TREAT THE LARCH DECKING FOR THE FACADE OR LET IT TURN GREY?
Larch does not need surface treatment in outdoor conditions because it will last about 20 to 30 years without decay without direct contact with the ground. Untreated larch will turn grey in about 2-3 years due to sunlight and moisture. The color changes first from the points that are most exposed to the weather and evens out over a few years, depending on conditions. The greying of the wood can be slowed down by treating the wood with transparent wood preservatives. Exterior cladding made from larch also does not need to be refinished, as the larch material can withstand UV and moisture stresses. Over the years, however, the wood will turn grey. Remember that during greying, the tone of the surface of the larch facade may become uneven. To keep larch surfaces durable and attractive, it is important to inspect them annually for damage. If necessary, washing dirt from the surface of the wood helps. We produce larch facades with visible or concealed joints in different widths and thicknesses according to customer requirements.
WHY USE LARCH DECKING?
Larch decking is milled into various profiles, thicknesses and lengths, and is fitted with a tongue and groove to join the decking lengthways to the surface. They are shaped differently on the face (outer, visual) side. They are used in interiors as larch internal cladding boards, external facade boards or larch floor boards. They can be used to clad ceilings and walls in the interior as well as to create various ceilings, floors and other elements. Externally, they are used on the soffits of buildings (e.g. roof overhangs), on facades, fences and also in the gables of houses.
Larch decking is a highly valued building material used both indoors and outdoors. These boards are made from larch, a coniferous tree known for its hardness and durability. Here is an overview of the key features and uses of larch decking.
Features of larch decking
Durability: larch wood contains natural resins that give it a high resistance to rot and mold, increasing its durability.
Aesthetics: the decking has a beautiful color and a unique texture that is characterized by distinct differences between summer and winter rings. This texture gives the interior and exterior a natural look.
Comfort and acoustics: larch wood contributes to a favorable room climate, reduces echoes and improves acoustics.
Types of larch decking
Interior cladding boards: suitable for ceilings and walls indoors. Larch decking gives a timeless look to a space and is easy to combine with modern elements.
Facade decking: ideal for cladding houses and cottages. These decking boards are weather-resistant and acquire a grey patina over time without losing their texture.
Solid larch flooring is popular for its hardness and durability. Properly installed, the floors can last for generations.
Processing and maintenance
Larch floorboards are milled into a variety of profiles and thicknesses, often tongue and groove for easy installation. Before installation, it is recommended that the timber is acclimatized on site to prevent warping due to moisture. It is also important to treat the wood with a protective coating to increase its resistance to pests and moisture. Larch decking is a quality choice for a wide range of building projects due to its combination of aesthetics, durability and ease of maintenance.
LET THE HEALING EFFECTS OF LARCH WORK ON YOU
Larch resin has been used since time immemorial for coughs and externally for ear infections. “Venetian turpentine” extracted from the wood was used in folk medicine externally for rubbing nerve pain, internally for stomach and intestinal disorders or gallbladder and kidney colic. Crushed bark for external use in the treatment of skin diseases, pine needles boiled in vinegar for toothache.
When the resin from the wood evaporates Larch strengthens our natural defenses and its scent is useful wherever there is a need to disinfect a room. It cleanses and strengthens the respiratory tract, helps with colds, bronchitis and sinusitis.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIBERIAN AND EUROPEAN LARCH?
Siberian Larch and European Larch come from the same scientific classification of the class Conifers, order Pinaceae, family Pinaceae, genus Larch. The second botanical name of a larch always identifies its place of origin – European Larch grows in Europe and Siberian Larch grows mainly in Russia in the Siberian region, but also in Mongolia and China. Thus, it is a tree of the same genus, the same composition of resin resistant to mould, fungi and UV radiation. It is true that Siberian Larch grows in a harsher climate, thus growing more slowly and having better structural properties. It is also true that due to its growth in harsher climates, it has a slightly higher resin content, which makes the wood resistant outdoors to mould, fungi and UV rays breaking down the wood cell of Larch, but no more than 10-15%.
From the above information and our long-term experience, the difference between European Larch and Siberian Larch is about 10-15% in its durability, so you don’t have to worry about using Larch from our Czech forests for your exterior project at a much more reasonable price.
We process and deliver material from European Larch from the Kokořínsko, Křivoklátsko, Brdy and Jeseníky regions, so we are sure that thanks to the quality of the wood from this location with suitable substrate for the growth of these species, quality technological production process and proper storage of finished products, we are able to deliver you the material in the design in which you wish to complete your project.
Today, modern aesthetics and modern lifestyles emphasize individuality. The facade is the only element of a building that definitively creates a decisive first impression. Larch timber decking for the facade is always unique and will enchant anyone who loves wood with its beautiful qualities: its natural variety and lively appearance, its durability, its good structural properties, its ecological attitude and the speed that is made possible during construction. Larch timber decking for facades is gaining a reputation for prestige thanks to all these qualities and also because its aesthetic value is increasingly recognized in modern architectural approaches.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON USES OF LARCH DECKING IN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS?
Larch decking is used for various purposes in the interior due to its excellent properties and aesthetic appearance.
Wall cladding
Interior cladding: Larch decking is often used to clad walls, giving a natural and warm look to the space. Their texture and color create a pleasant atmosphere in living spaces.
Ceiling tiles
Ceilings: these boards are ideal for ceilings, where they provide an aesthetic impression while contributing to the acoustics of the room. The larch wood helps to reduce echo and improves the acoustic properties of the room.
Flooring
Floor boards: solid larch floors are popular for their hardness and durability. They bring a timeless look to interiors and are suitable for heavy duty use, making them ideal for residential and commercial spaces.
Furniture
Furniture Manufacturing: Larch decking is also used to make furniture such as tables, chairs and cabinets. Their strength and attractive appearance give furniture a unique character.
Decorative elements
Various design elements: Larch decking can be used to make decorative elements such as picture frames, shelves or fireplace surrounds, thus increasing the aesthetic value of the interior.
Health benefits
Medicinal effects: larch contains phytoncides, which have a positive effect on health, purify the air and help with respiratory problems. In this way, larch floorboards contribute to a favourable room climate.
These applications show how versatile larch decking can be in interior design, combining aesthetics with functionality and health benefits.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIXING A LARCH FACADE?
When fixing a larch facade, it is important to follow certain requirements and recommendations to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appearance. Here are the main aspects to consider:
Using the right fasteners
Stainless steel: It is recommended to use stainless steel fasteners for fixing larch decking to avoid corrosion and negative reactions with natural substances in the wood. Other types of fasteners, such as electroplated or mechanically galvanized nails, are not recommended.
Fastening and spacing
Maximum spacing: Decking should be secured to each post or subfloor with nails or screws placed no more than 60 cm apart. Each piece of decking should be fixed separately, allowing the wood to move naturally due to changes in moisture content.
Depth and size of fixings
Fixing depth: The fasteners should penetrate a minimum of 3 cm into the underlying timber or cladding. The size of the screws or nails should match the thickness of the cladding.
Mounting method
Ventilated facade: Facades should be installed in such a way that a ventilated gap is created between the cladding and the structure, which helps to remove moisture. This reduces the risk of rot and extends the life of the timber.
Wood acclimatization
Before installation: the timber should be acclimatized to the surrounding conditions, which means leaving it under the roof and protecting it from moisture. This will minimize the risk of warping after installation.
This will minimize the risk of damage to the timber, which will minimize the risk of damage to the installation.
Treating the cuts: When trimming decking, it is important to treat the cut ends with a surface protection to prevent moisture penetration.
These factors are key to the successful installation of a larch facade and will help ensure its aesthetic appearance and durability over time.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LARCH DECKING OVER OTHER TYPES OF WOOD?
Larch decking offers several advantages over other types of wood that make it an attractive choice for a variety of building and design projects.
High durability
Rot resistance: Larch contains natural resins that provide it with excellent biological resistance. This means that larch decking does not require additional chemical treatments and is ideal for damp environments such as bathrooms and saunas.
High water resistance: larch has a low hygroscopicity, which means it retains its strength and does not lose its properties when in contact with water.
Aesthetic properties
Attractive appearance: larch wood is characterized by its beautiful texture and color variations, which contribute to the aesthetics of the interior and exterior. Its natural look is easy to combine with different materials such as glass or ceramics.
Ecological and health benefits
Natural phytoncides: these substances contained in larch have a positive effect on health, strengthening the immune system and improving respiratory function, especially in humid environments.
Durability and maintenance
Long life: Larch decking is known for its durability and resistance to mechanical wear and tear. With proper maintenance, they can last for generations.
Easy maintenance: due to its resistance to weather and biological pests, larch decking requires less maintenance than some other woods, such as pine, which often needs additional protection.
Comparison with other wood species
Strength and stability: Larch is stronger than many other softwoods (such as pine) and has better dimensional stability, which is important for outdoor applications.
Affordability: Compared to some hardwoods, larch offers value for money, making it an affordable choice for a wide range of projects.
These advantages make larch decking an ideal choice for a variety of applications, from interior paneling to exterior construction.
WHAT ARE THE AESTHETIC VARIANTS OF LARCH DECKING?
Larch decking is characterized by a wide range of aesthetic variations that allow it to be used in a variety of architectural and design projects. Here are some of the main aesthetic variations of larch decking:
Profile types
Classic profiles: these decking boards have a standard shape, often with a tongue and groove for easy installation. They are suitable for both interior cladding and facades.
Design profiles: there are variants without the V-groove, which offer a smoother look and a more modern aesthetic. These profiles are suitable for minimalist interiors and exteriors.
Bevelled profiles: these decking boards have bevelled edges, which adds an interesting visual effect and is ideal for outdoor decking and patios.
Colour variations
Natural shades: Larch wood features a beautiful color palette that includes reddish brown to light brown tones. This variety gives the space a warm and natural look.
Patina: When exposed to the weather, larch wood gradually turns grey, which can be a desirable effect for rustic or natural designs.
Texture and structure
Visible summer rings: larch has distinct differences between winter and summer rings, which contribute to its unique texture. This texture is attractive to lovers of natural materials.
Smooth vs. rough surfaces: Decks can be finished in smooth or rough surfaces depending on the desired look and function (e.g. non-slip decking).
Use indoors and outdoors
Interior cladding: larch decking is ideal for ceilings, walls and floors, where it brings warmth and elegance to living spaces.
Facades and outdoor applications: Larch decking is a great choice for exterior applications due to its weather resistance, where it can be used as an attractive cladding for buildings or as part of terraces.
These aesthetic variations of larch decking allow for a wide range of design options, with each variation bringing a unique character and style to the space.
HOW DURABLE ARE LARCH DECKING BOARDS?
Slower growth than other conifers results in narrow annual rings with a distance between rings of only between 1-1.5 mm. In addition, there is a clear distinction between heartwood and sapwood and the proportion of heartwood can often be more than 90%. Heartwood is inherently durable and European larch wood is therefore often used as a substitute for pressure-impregnated wood.
Larch is left-handed throughout its growth, unlike spruce and pine, which are first left-handed and then right-handed. This means that larch twists more, which places greater demands on the fixing of the larch facade.
The knots are black-brown and pockets of resin may appear in the wood.
LARCH DECKING AND ITS PROCESSING AND PROTECTION?
Due to the large proportion of heartwood, larch has a greater durability than pine and spruce, without achieving the same durability as pressure-impregnated pine. This is particularly pronounced where the timber is in direct contact with soil or brick/concrete. In these areas, pressure-impregnated wood must be used to achieve acceptable durability.
Larch can be pressure impregnated and this should always be done when the timber will be in direct contact with soil or brick/concrete. However, pressure impregnation is only in the outer sapwood and therefore the protective effect is limited.
All timber must be protected as far as possible by ‘structural protection’, which means that you plan and build so that the timber is ventilated and water is drained away to allow the material to dry out.
Wood is a natural material and will eventually turn grey. It is a good idea to protect the wood in dry conditions with suitable wood preservatives – either varnish or transparent wood preservatives. However, it is important to know that larch facades are difficult to treat with water-based wood preservatives.
Solid larch floorboards are among the most popular. You will always have an original piece of solid wood at home, which adds timelessness to the interior and can also be combined with modern elements. If you are aware of the strength and uniqueness of larch wood, and don’t just see it as wood with good properties, this flooring is for you.
Larch floorboards stand out for their unique pattern, hardness and durability. Think of flooring as an investment that, when installed correctly, will last for generations.
HOW DO LARCH DECKING BOARDS DIFFER IN QUALITY?
Larch decking varies in different qualities, which affects its appearance, properties and suitability for specific applications. Here are the main differences between the different qualities of larch decking:
We supply larch floorboards in a number of variations:
Quality grades
Quality A
Description: This category includes decking with a minimum of small healthy knots and no significant color variations.
Use: Suitable for interior tiling and flooring where aesthetics are emphasized.
Quality B
Description: This grade contains more color variety and more bunches than grade A.
Use: Ideal for areas where a natural look is desired, such as cottages or rustic interiors.
A/B quality
Description: A mix of both previous qualities, comprising both premium decking and those with minor imperfections.
Appearance: combines the benefits of both qualities and offers a balanced appearance.
Use: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from interior cladding to exterior facades.
Rustic quality
Description: This variant is characterized by greater color variety and distinctive large knots.
Appearance: It gives the wood an authentic and natural look that is very attractive to lovers of natural materials.
Use: A great choice for outdoor cladding and high traffic areas where a rustic style is important.
Other factors affecting quality
Origin of wood: we supply material exclusively from European larch from the Kokořínsko and Křivoklátsko area, so we are sure that due to the quality of the origin of the wood from this area with suitable substrate for the growth of these trees, quality technological production process and proper storage of finished products, we are able to supply you with the material in the design in which you wish to complete your project.
Workmanship: the quality of the wood processing and technological procedures also play a key role in the final quality of the decking. Proper drying and storage of the wood contribute to its stability and durability.
These variations in the quality of larch decking allow customers to choose the material according to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring optimal results in a variety of building projects.
Solid larch flooring is supplied exclusively tailored to the customer’s specific needs in 15mm, 19mm, 24mm and 27mm thicknesses.
The moisture content of larch flooring is 9-12%, 16-18% for exterior use. Individual decking boards can be supplied sealed and finely sanded at an additional cost. At the customer’s request we apply a surface treatment such as UV varnish or natural oil. You can also choose a brushed or unbrushed finish. You can choose from several color-toned varnishes and oils. Machine-applied surfaces guarantee a high quality finish.
At the customer’s request, we can also produce solid larch flooring or tiles of atypical dimensions of the rustic type from 30mm thick and 210mm to 300mm wide.
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