Tamarack
Also known as American Larch, Eastern Larch, Hackmatack, Larix laricina.
Larix laricina (Pinaceae) · Northern North America
Tamarack — the American larch — is one of the few native softwoods with real natural durability, which is why it has a long history as posts, boat timbers, and outdoor structure in the North Country. It is a deciduous conifer that drops its needles each fall, and its dense, resinous heartwood holds up to weather and ground contact better than most pines.
It is a tough, honest wood: hard latewood makes it strong but a little demanding to machine, and it holds fasteners well if you pre-drill near the ends. We saw and stock tamarack for customers who want a durable, locally grown softwood for exterior and marine work — ask about timber and post sizes.
Appearance
Color. Yellowish-brown heartwood with narrow pale sapwood.
Grain. Straight.
Texture. Medium, fairly even texture.
Working & finishing
Works reasonably well, though hard latewood bands and knots can be tough on tools and it can split near fasteners; pre-drilling helps.
Drying. Dries slowly with some tendency to check; careful stacking and slow schedules pay off.
Durability
Moderately durable, with better decay resistance than most softwoods — useful outdoors.
Common uses
Looking for Tamarack?
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.