Larch. What is it good for?

[swb58]

This site is a mine of information for all things woody so I think this is a good place to ask.

I know for a large quantity of Larch timber. Apparently it was used as pit props in the mines but there's not much call for that now, also used on the posh yachts and making fence posts because of it's ability to resist moisture.

Is there a more common or garden use for it or is it best for firewood, though with the amount of sap in it I daresay that use would be debatable.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

You're correct about it being resilient - it's very good for garden furniture and, as you've already identified, fencing.

Regards Mick

 

[bugbear]

This site looks helpful:

http://www.englishwoodlandstimber.co.uk/species/larch/

BugBear

 

[jasonB]

I've had it sawn into 1.25" boards and used it as decking, straight off teh bandsaw mill gives a good slip resistant surface without being too rough.

There is a lot of resin in it so likely to pop and spit on an open fire and a lot of it in a woodburner could tar up the flue but probably OK if burnt with hardwoods as well.

 

[Andrewf]

Tradionally boat skins, still being used as it can be obtained in good wide boards. Higher quality yachts were normally skinned above the water line in a form of mahogany, and below the waterline in larch. Mahogany looks nicer varnished. As other people have said lasts well. My boat was built in 1922 has been well used throughout its life, the hull is still in very good condition.

 

[dickm]

Makes good cladding for buildings - the outer skin of our extension is larch.

 

[swb58]

Thanks for the replies.

It's ability to withstand the elements seems to be one of it's strong(est) points. I suppose that's all to do with the amount of resin in it which is truly amazing when you come across a reservoir of the stuff. I left a couple of chunks on the trailer once and a little river ran out of the timber, down about 2 feet of the trailer bed then pooled on the floor.

Garden furniture . . . . . . . That sounds nice. Cheers.