Canadian Larch Cladding

Canadian larch typically lasts between 30 and 50 years, depending on how well you take care of it. It’s a naturally durable softwood with a durability of class 3, making it ideal for external use.

However, many factors affect its lifespan, such as installation, exposure, and treatment. To get as much life out of it as you can, use proper installation techniques or hire a professional if you’re not equipped for the job. 

Regular maintenance and treatment will also prolong its life. If you invest in high-quality Canadian larch, it could even last 50+ years.

Larch is a great option for external cladding, as long as it’s kept elevated, away from direct contact with the ground. 

While both larch and cedar are good options, larch is dense and tough, offering great natural resistance to rot and decay. It is also less expensive than Canadian Western red cedar.

However, many people opt for larch simply due to its longer lifespan of up to 60 years and greater stability. For this reason, it’s a common choice for outdoor installations, such as garden fences and structures. 

Although larch also offers a long lifespan, the boards are full of character, making it perfect for decorative purposes, like garden sheds and pergolas. Plus, it can be cheaper for larger projects.

Of course! One of the best things about Canadian larch is that it’s easily customisable, since it takes well to paint and stain. 

When painting Canadian larch cladding, opt for breathable, microporous exterior stains or opaque paints designed for timber cladding rather than standard masonry paint. The paint will grip better and won’t chip or stain easily from wear and tear.

Before painting, make sure that the boards are dry and free from mill glaze or dust. Once the paint is applied, add a few thin coats and expect to top it up every few years.

We always advise adding a protective coating to your larch boards before installing them to get the most use possible out of your boards. 

While it has a naturally high resin/tannin content and doesn’t necessarily need treating to perform well, we advise it if you want to slow down colour fading and protect against harsh weather. 

Left to weather, it will gradually turn a silver-grey while remaining structurally sound. At B&F Specialist Timber, we offer a factory coating service so boards arrive ready to fit. Factory finishing gives you a more consistent film build and helps seal all edges, which is hard to achieve on-site.

Our Canadian larch cladding starts at around £4.40 per linear metre, which works out at roughly £47–48 per m² depending on profile and width. 

Prices will vary with length, profile, order size and any coating service you add, but we keep our prices competitive to offer you the best value for your money. That’s why many builders choose us for large projects to stay within budget while enjoying high-quality materials.

We advise making sure your battens are properly spaced out when installing them to account for expansion and contraction. Use stainless steel fixings to secure them in place; these resist rot and decay, protecting your boards from disrepair and the structure from collapsing. 

Most applications will require at least two screws per batten, fixing them through the thickest section rather than the edge.

• Build a suitable backing: Maintain a ventilated cavity behind the cladding and use a breathable membrane over the substrate.
• Pre-drill the boards: Using a drill and a suitable bit, pre-drill near the end of the boards to reduce splitting when installing the screws.
• Space out the boards: Leave a consistent gap between each of the boards (around 2-4 mm) and follow a consistent batten pattern, whether horizontal or vertical. 
• Install the fixings: Drill the boards into place with stainless steel screws. Keep the fixings at least 20–25mm in from the edges of the boards.
• Protect board ends: Seal cut ends with an appropriate end-grain sealer, especially if you’re using a coating system.
• Elevate the boards off the ground: Keep the first board at least 150–200mm above paving or soil to prevent splashback and water damage.

Yes! Since it’s naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, it can handle the conditions of UK weather and common garden pests.

Besides cladding, Canadian larch is commonly used for decking, fencing, and outdoor structures because it offers good strength-to-weight, so boards feel reassuringly solid when walked on.

All of our Canadian larch is sourced from sustainably managed forests, so you’re also supporting eco-friendly practices when you buy from us.

Fresh Canadian larch has warm golden-brown tones, with colour that can range from pale, almost whitish boards through to richer reddish-brown pieces. 

If left untreated, the boards will fade to a silvery-grey colour due to constant exposure to sun and rain. Many people like this natural weathered appearance, especially on contemporary extensions and garden buildings.

However, you can avoid this fading by applying a UV-resistant protective coating, so the boards retain their natural colour for longer.