Larch:

Below you will find information about some of the timber I use in the making of Chairs, and other furniture. (some of it may not be avalable in your area.)

Larch:

• "Larix decidua"

Other Names:

• None

Sources:

• Europe, particularly mountainous areas.

Tree Characteristics:

• The tree grows to an approximate height of 150ft and produces a straight cylindrical trunk with a diameter of about 3ft 3in.
• Larch shed their needles in winter.

Characteristics of the wood:

• Toughter than most softwoods, it is a straight grained resinous timber of uniform texture, but can contain hard knots that loosen after seasoning.
• Heartwood is orange-red in colour, with narrow light coloured sapwood.
• It is a relatively durable wood for exterior use.

Workability:

• Can be worked relatively easily with hand and machine tools, but knots can blunt cutting edges.

Average dried weight:

• 37lb/cuft.

Finishing:

• Sands well, though the harder latewood grain may be left proud of the surface.
• It takes paint and varnish satisfactorily.

Common uses:

• Joinery (including door and window frames, flooring,and staircases),
• Pit props,
• Boat planking,
• Posts,
• Fencing.