European Larch — Identification, Uses and Properties
Larix decidua Mill. (Syn. Larix europaea) Pinaceae
Sawn timber appearance grading According to French standard NF EN 1611-1 (October 1999) and NF EN 1611- A1 (March 2003) Possible grading (on 2 sides): G2-0, G2-1, G2-2, G2-3, G2-4 Possible grading (on 4 sides): G4-0, G4-1, G4-2, G4-3, G4-4 Visual structure grading According to European standard EN 1912 (2012) and associated national standards (see explanatory note), strength classes C18, C20, C22, C24, C27 and C30 can be provided by visual grading. Strength classes C18, C24 and C27 can be provided by visual grading according to French standard NF B 52-001-1 (2011).
Texture: Medium. Grain: Straight. Heartwood is pinkish brown, with reddish brown veins. The grain is usually straight but might be oblique (twisted logs).
SOFTWOOD EUROPE SHINGLES
Botanical Name(s)
Larix decidua Mill. (Syn. Larix europaea)
Local Names
Larche (Germany), Alerce (Spain), Mélèze (France), Larice (Italy), Larch (United Kingdom)
Main End Uses
Shingles · Coffins · Heavy carpentry · Panelling · Glued Laminated · Exterior joinery · Interior joinery · Built-in furniture or mobile item · Flooring · Sliced veneer · Exterior panelling · Cooperage
Reference Colour
Pinkish brown
Sapwood
Clearly demarcated
Notes
Heartwood is pinkish brown, with reddish brown veins. The grain is usually straight but might be oblique (twisted logs).
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Sapwood Thickness
1 to 3 cm cm
Diameter
15.7 to 27.6 in in
Sapwood Thickness
0.4 to 1.2 in in
Density
0.6 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
0.48 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
8.2 %
Fibre Saturation Point
26 %
Thermal Conductivity
0.2 W/m·K
Thermal Conductivity
0.116 BTU/(h·ft·°F)
Lower Heating Value
16,360 MJ/kg
Lower Heating Value
7,034 BTU/lb
Crushing Strength
7,542 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
90 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
13,053 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
11,800 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,711,445 psi
Resistance to Decay
Class 3-4 – moderately to poorly durable
Dry Wood Borers
Class D - durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood)
Termites
Class S - susceptible
Treatability
Class 4 – non-treatable
Use Class
Class 3 - not in ground contact, outside Cross sections of Larix decidua
Against Dry Wood Borers
This wood does not require any preservation treatment
Temporary Humidification
This wood requires appropriate preservation treatment
Notes
This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. Use class 3 only covers wood components without sapwood. According to the European standard NF EN 335 of May 2013, performance length might be modified by conditions in which it is used. Risk Distortion
High risk
Risk Case Hardening
No known specific risk
Risk Checking
Slight risk
Risk Collapse
No known specific risk
Suggested Schedule
Schedule #3 (see explanatory note)
Machining Tools
Tungsten carbide
Suitability Peeling
Not recommended or without interest
Notes
Larch sawing is easy but clogging of saw blades due to resin must be taken into account. Nailing Screwing
Good but pre-boring necessary
Euroclass
C-s1, d0 Grading for wood cladding, according to procedures of the European standard NF EN 14915 (December 2013). Assigned according to procedures of the European standard NF EN 13501-1. Two relevant grading reports No.11/ RC-40 and No.12/RC-44 prepared by the FCBA. Fields of application defined in these two reports.
CITES Status
No trade restrictions
Trade Notes
High altitude species. European Larch is found in the