Siberian Larch Charred Timber Cladding Corner – Deep Charred

Larch L-angle Cladding Board

Larch sits in a sweet spot most softwoods can’t reach — durable enough for serious exterior work, characterful enough to anchor a contemporary facade. It’s the most weather-resistant of the common European softwoods, with a higher resin content than pine or spruce and a density that puts it closer to a light hardwood than a typical softwood. Boards arrive in a warm reddish-brown with attractive grain figure, and weather to a soft silver-grey if left untreated. Sourced from sustainably managed European forests and stocked in our yard for delivery across Ireland.

Why Larch?

Larch earns its reputation honestly. Durability Class 3, with a service life of 20 years and beyond — significantly longer than pine or spruce in the same exterior conditions, thanks to its higher density (around 590 kg/m³) and natural resin content. The grain is tight and straight with characterful knots that give finished surfaces a real presence rather than a sterile uniformity. Larch is the softwood specified when a project wants the warmth of timber and the weather resistance of something denser, without stepping up to hardwood prices. It’s a workhorse species that quietly outperforms its peers.

Installation guidance

Larch is straightforward to install for any competent contractor. Use stainless-steel ringshank nails or screws to avoid corrosion staining; pre-drill near board ends to prevent splitting. Resin pockets may bleed slightly on freshly cut surfaces — this is normal, stops as the timber dries, and can be wiped off with white spirit if it occurs in a visible location. Some surface checking is normal as larch acclimatises to outdoor conditions and adds to the timber’s character.

Finishing & maintenance

You have two good options with Larch, and there’s no wrong answer. The natural route — leaving the timber untreated to silver evenly over twelve to eighteen months — is the lowest-effort path forward and is the look most contemporary projects design for. The preserved route — keeping that warm reddish-brown tone — takes a little more attention but rewards you with a facade that holds its character. If you choose to oil, use a UV-protective oil designed for softwoods (we stock the right ones — ask us if you’re unsure which to pair with your boards). Apply within the first few months of installation and refresh every two or three years. Avoid film-forming paint and varnish, which crack as the timber moves with the seasons. Periodic cleaning with a soft brush is all that’s needed.