Siberian larch PAR battens are a versatile solution
Siberian Larch PAR battens are a fantastic option if you want to build slatted fencing or are planning to clad a shed, pergola or even your house. The battens have a beautiful planed finish, so they are smooth to the touch. Siberian Larch battens have a wonderful colouring and an attractive wood grain.
Siberian Larch is a very popular timber choice for its appearance and durability. It is used widely by Designers and Architects and is considered one of the best timbers for exterior use. Siberian Larch add a long lasting, contemporary look to any project. Due to the high density the Siberian Larch is hard wearing and resistant to decay and rot – perfect for exposed elevations. The shapes and patterns of the grain are very aesthetically pleasing and provide real character. The colour is normally honey, straw to light brown. It looks particularly good when stained with Cedar oil as this enhances the timbers colour or it can be left to naturally age to silver grey. The colouring can be protected and enhanced using a UV protection oil or can be allowed to naturally age to a handsome silver grey.
Siberian Larch originates from Siberia where the weather is extremely cold. The trees are very slow growing making the timber dense and tight grained with minimal knots. These characteristics make Larch perfect for external cladding, fencing as well as other features like joinery, decking, and flooring.
Siberian Larch is not as vulnerable to knocks, scrapes and scratches. This is an important aspect for fencing or flooring as it will mean your boundary will be robust and stand the test of time. You can expect your Larch to last between 30 and 50 years. If you compare this to standard treated softwood fencing you can see that Siberian Larch really is a great option.
Please note that the Siberian Larch does sometimes develop shakes or small splits as the wood dries out, this does not in any way effect the strength or durability of the wood. This is just a natural characteristic of Siberian Larch. Our Siberian Larch planed battens are very popular and they outsell every other product on our website!
Other Siberian Larch PAR battens
Wood type: | Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) |
Batten treatment: | None |
Density: | In dry state approx. 628 kg m³ |
Lifespan: | Proven life expectancy of 50+ years |
Quality class: | B Grade |
Humidity: | Dried up to approx 16-18% (+/- 2%) |
Purpose: | Outdoor use |
Other uses: | Decking, Cladding, fencing, joinery, flooring |
Dimensions (mm): | 20 x 45 / 70 mm |
Origin: | Sustainable forests of Northern Russia (Siberia) |
Available length: | From 2 to 4 m |
Appearance: | The wood come in a warm mix of colours, from light yellow brown through to golden browns with a strong grain, similar to pine. Depending on the grading, the boards may contain a few dark knots. |
Weathering: | When the boards weather, the color changes to beautifully consistent silver gray, which is highly desirable in many projects. |
Insect attack: | Resistant |
Treatability class: | Resistant |
Movement class: | High (A 145mm board can vary 3-4mm over the year.) |
Impact resistance: | High |
Scratches and abrasion: | Resistant |
Fire treatment: | Possible by impregnation. Can be treated to achieve fire classification: Euroclass B-s1,d0 |
Working characteristics: | Good workability. Receives fixings satisfactorily. |
Extracts: | Siberian larch is more likely to contain resin than oil or tannin. The resin is fixed by firing and does not tend to bleed out. Larch is fairly consistent and non-reactive and, as such, becomes relatively evenly weatherproof. |
When to fix: | Ideally autumn / winter months. |
How to fix: | Face fixation with stainless steel ring thigh nails. Pre-drilling recommended. |
Siberian Larch wood is naturally durable (Class 3 according to BS EN 350-2) – and therefore ideal for outdoor purposes – due to a combination of factors:
- The chemical composition of the wood creates a high resistance to rot and decay, which makes Siberian Larch one of the hardest and most durable softwoods.
- High density – this means that it is more difficult for decaying organisms to penetrate the wood.
- Long lifespan – lifespan of approx. 50-100 years with correct detailing and general outdoor exposure. Better durability properties can only be achieved with Accoya wood.
The natural durability of Siberian Larch means that no treatment of the wood is required and any coatings applied are for aesthetic purposes only.
Due to the high percentage of heartwood (75-90%) and the minimal proportion of sapwood, Siberian Larch is an extremely dense timber, which is classified by BS EN 350-2 as approximately 630 kg / m3 with a moisture content of 18%. As such, it is not easily damaged, making it ideal for highly exposed elevations, or applications where there is a likelihood of damage such as bumps or scratches.
The extreme continental climate in Siberia (Russia) produces a high proportion of late wood, which provides enhanced dimensional stability and enables a smoother machine finish.
In addition, our Siberian Larch is kiln-dried to around 16-18% (+/- 2%), the optimal moisture content for outdoor use. This moisture level is retained until delivery on site, so your Siberian Larch wood can be installed immediately. The benefit of kiln drying Siberian Larch, as opposed to air drying it, is that the timber dries uniformly and therefore achieves optimum stability.
Improved dimensional stability performance can be achieved by using narrower widths, for example 45mm or 70mm.
Our Siberian larch decking, cladding, PAR and sawn timber are available in various lengths, from 2m up to 4m. The standard board dimension is approx. 150mm, as this is traditionally the most commonly produced width. However, we also offer a range of other widths: 45mm, 55mm, 70mm, 95mm, 120mm and 145mm. The narrower board widths offer a number of advantages, including a wider choice of design options and improved dimensional stability. As an added benefit, narrower board widths are generally rated well beyond their specification.
PAR battens are supplied per linear metre based on random stock lengths at the time of order picking. Other sizes may be available on request.
Siberian larch timber quick tips
Sort your lengths. Make sure you’ve set them all up. We recommend ordering 10% more to cover waste material.
Siberian larch is very hard and dense wood. Use professional equipment for best results.
We recommend using only high quality stainless steel screws to avoid corrosion and stains on the wood.
OSMO wood protection offers effective multiple protection against UV rays and harsh environmental conditions.