Canadian Larch Cladding

Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade Cladding

This product is a special order item. Please speak to us concerning your needs.

Overview

Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade is a durable softwood cladding renowned for its natural character, strength and distinctive appearance. Sourced from sustainably managed Canadian forests, this grade celebrates the timber's natural features, making it an excellent choice for projects where an authentic, rustic aesthetic is desired.

Unlike appearance grades where knots and colour variation are kept to a minimum, Sawfalling Grade embraces the natural characteristics of the timber, including sound knots, grain variation and occasional mineral streaking. These features give every board its own unique identity while delivering a robust and long-lasting external cladding solution.

Appearance

Canadian Larch has an attractive colour ranging from pale golden brown through to reddish-brown heartwood, with lighter sapwood creating natural variation.

Sawfalling Grade typically includes:

• Pronounced grain patterns.
• Sound live knots.
• Natural colour variation.
• Occasional resin pockets.
• Characterful markings unique to each board.

These natural features create a warm, traditional appearance that is equally suited to rural, agricultural and contemporary architectural projects.

What to Expect if Left Untreated

Canadian Larch does not require preservative treatment for external cladding when correctly detailed and installed.

If left untreated:

• The timber gradually weathers from warm golden-brown tones to a beautiful silver-grey patina.
• UV exposure naturally lightens the surface colour.
• Small surface checks may develop as the timber acclimatises to seasonal moisture changes.
• Resin may occasionally appear during warmer weather, particularly during the first few years.

These characteristics are completely natural and are generally considered part of the timber's appeal.

Recommended Treatments

Treatment is optional and largely depends on the desired appearance.

To retain the natural golden colour

We recommend:

• Osmo UV Protection Oil
• Sansin SDF
• Teknos Exterior Wood Coatings
• Remmers Exterior Timber Coatings
• Sikkens Cetol System

These coatings help slow UV weathering and maintain the timber's natural colour.

For a naturally weathered finish

No treatment is necessary.

Many architects deliberately leave Canadian Larch untreated to allow it to develop a uniform silver-grey appearance over time. Pre-grey coatings are also available where an even weathered finish is preferred from installation.

Durability

Canadian Larch offers good natural durability for above-ground external cladding applications.

Durability Class: Class 3 – Moderately Durable

When installed in accordance with recognised rainscreen cladding principles and provided with adequate ventilation, Canadian Larch offers an expected above-ground service life of 30 years or more.

Correct detailing is essential to maximise performance and longevity.

Density & Weight

Approximate Density:

590–650kg/m³

Canadian Larch is heavier than many softwoods, giving it a solid, robust feel.

Benefits include:

• Excellent impact resistance.
• Strong fixing performance.
• High structural strength.
• Suitable for larger profile cladding systems.

Stability

Canadian Larch offers good stability, although—as with all naturally durable softwoods—it will experience seasonal movement.

Correct installation practices, including expansion gaps and ventilated cavity construction, are essential.

When properly installed, Canadian Larch provides reliable long-term performance.

Recommended Fixings

Canadian Larch contains natural extractives which can react with ordinary steel fixings.

For this reason, always use:

? A2 Stainless Steel screws or nails for inland projects.

? A4 Stainless Steel fixings for coastal or highly exposed environments.

? Stainless steel ring-shank nails or cladding screws.

Pre-drilling is recommended near board ends to minimise splitting and achieve the best finish.

Typical Applications

Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade is ideal for:

• Contemporary homes
• Barn conversions
• Agricultural buildings
• Garden rooms
• Garden offices
• Rural developments
• Commercial buildings
• Holiday lodges
• Feature façades
• Soffits and fascias

Advantages

• Attractive natural grain.
• Characterful appearance.
• Strong and durable.
• Excellent structural performance.
• Naturally weathers to an attractive silver-grey finish.
• Sustainably sourced.
• Suitable for both modern and traditional architecture.
• Excellent value for money.

Things to Consider

Sawfalling Grade is selected for its natural appearance rather than a uniform finish.

Customers should expect:

• Knots.
• Colour variation.
• Resin pockets.
• Surface checking.
• Natural movement associated with solid timber.

These features are considered part of the product's character and should not be regarded as defects.

Good to Know

Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade is ideal for customers who want a more natural and characterful appearance than premium appearance grades.

Compared with Thermowood Ayous:

• More pronounced grain and knots.
• Greater natural variation.
• Heavier and stronger.
• More rustic aesthetic.
• Excellent value for larger projects.

Compared with Douglas Fir:

• Generally denser.
• More prominent natural features.
• Similar weathering characteristics.
• Often chosen for agricultural, rural and contemporary architectural projects where character is a key design feature.

Sustainability

Canadian Larch is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is commonly available with FSC® or PEFC certification. Its durability, strength and long service life make it a sustainable choice for external cladding applications.

Lanlee Performance Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Canadian Larch need treating?

No. Canadian Larch can be used untreated for external cladding. Applying a UV-resistant coating is recommended only if you wish to retain the original golden-brown colour.

Will Canadian Larch turn grey?

Yes. Left untreated, it will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina. This is a normal characteristic of the timber and is highly desirable for many architectural projects.

Why does Sawfalling Grade contain knots and colour variation?

Sawfalling Grade is intentionally selected to showcase the timber's natural beauty. Knots, grain variation, resin pockets and colour differences are expected and contribute to the unique character of each installation.

Is Canadian Larch environmentally friendly?

Yes. Canadian Larch is a renewable timber resource and is widely available from responsibly managed forests certified under FSC® or PEFC schemes.

Lanlee Recommendation

Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade is an excellent choice for customers who appreciate the natural beauty and individuality of timber. Its combination of strength, durability and authentic character makes it particularly suited to contemporary homes, barn conversions, garden buildings and rural developments.

If you're looking for a premium cladding that embraces the natural features of timber rather than hiding them, Canadian Larch Sawfalling Grade offers outstanding value and a timeless appearance that will continue to mature beautifully for decades.