WHY SIBERIAN LARCH

High Density – Siberian Larch has an average density of 41 lbs/ft3. Higher densities make it more difficult for decaying organisms to penetrate the wood. Other than Ipe, Siberian Larch is denser than all the other most commonly used decking materials.

Grows in a Harsh Climate – The climate in which Siberian Larch grows is defined as extreme continental, meaning short hot summers and long cold winters. The area in Siberia in which our larch is grown has an average temperature in January of 5 degrees Fahrenheit and in July it is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in short growing seasons and therefore a larger percentage of latewood and a very tight grain. Latewood is denser and mechanically stronger than the earlywood. This higher proportion of latewood equates into a more naturally durable wood.

Large Content of Heartwood – In a scientific study on the properties of Siberian Larch, it was concluded that larch trees are composed of 75-90% heartwood in their natural existence. Heartwood is denser, less permeable, and more durable than the surrounding sapwood. It is not typical for other species to posses this large of a percentage of heartwood. Even more impressive, the product we receive from Siberia is 97% heartwood.

Hard Wood – The hardness of wood, which is highly correlated with density, is generally defined as resistance to indentation. Fewer dents and abrasions mean fewer places for water and fungi to penetrate the wood. Not only will harder wood have a positive effect on durability, but it will also help the deck to maintain a better appearance. Siberian Larch has a hardness of 1,100 lbs/in2 as measured by the Janka Scale. Once again this outperforms most of the conventional decking materials.

High Resin and Extractive Content – These resins and chemical deposits act as a natural antiseptic which is very unappealing to insects. Although Western Red Cedar and Redwood are very soft, they have in the past had a reputation of being good woods for outdoor applications. This is because they contain extractives that are toxic to decaying fungi. The chemical composition of wood can significantly affect its natural durability. This holds especially true for Siberian Larch. The resins and extractives in larch are credited the most for creating this high resistance to decay and rot. The primary extractive in Siberian Larch is arabinoglactan which is toxic to fungi. Arabinoglactan content in larch wood comes in at a high 10-15%.