Name |
Western Larch (Larix occidentalis) |
Type |
Softwood. |
Other Names |
Also known as larch, tamarack, western tamarack, hackmatack, Montana larch, and mountain larch. |
Sources |
Grows in British Columbia and northwestern United States. Most important Larch timber species. |
Appearance |
Straight grained with a coarse texture and oily appearance. Reddish brown heartwood and yellowish white sapwood. |
Physical Props |
Moderately heavy and hard with high stiffness, bending and crushing strength, and moderate decay resistance. One of the harder, stronger, and heavier softwoods. Stable in service. |
Working Props |
Works fairly well although stringy grain can cause problems when planing. Turns, routs, and bores well. Glues satisfactorily. Holds nails and screws well but pre-drilling recommended to prevent splitting. Primer recommended for paints and other finishes. |
Uses |
Used for construction lumber, interior finish, sash, flooring, doors, boxes, crates, pallets, casks, veneer, plywood, and glue-laminated beams. Properties are similar to those of Douglas-fir and is often marketed and sold as “Doug fir-Larch”. |