Siberian Larch
Also known as Russian Larch, Larix sibirica.
Larix sibirica (Pinaceae) · Siberia and northern Russia
Siberian Larch is the workhorse exterior softwood of northern Europe, and it has earned that reputation. Grown slowly in a hard climate, it comes out dense and resinous, with tight growth rings that give it far better weather resistance than most softwoods.
It is a favorite for rainscreen siding and cladding — left to silver naturally or oiled to hold its warm reddish tone. It is harder on tools than pine and likes to be pre-drilled, but in exchange you get a stable, long-lived board at a fraction of tropical hardwood cost. We bring it in kiln-dried; ask us about profiles and lengths.
Appearance
Color. Pale straw to a warm reddish-brown heartwood with narrow lighter sapwood.
Grain. Straight, with pronounced growth rings.
Texture. Fine, even texture with a resinous feel.
Working & finishing
Dense latewood bands and resin make it harder on tooling than most softwoods; keep cutters sharp and pre-drill near board ends to avoid splitting. Takes oil finishes well.
Drying. Dries slowly and can check or twist if rushed — careful stacking and a slow schedule pay off.
Durability
Moderately durable — the dense, resinous heartwood holds up well to weather, which is why it is a staple exterior cladding wood across northern Europe.
Common uses
Looking for Siberian Larch?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.