Larch block house: features and standards

Finishing work using materials that imitate wood is relatively inexpensive (when compared with using real wood), but many still prefer naturalness. The block house made of larch is very popular today, because this material is distinguished by its aesthetics and excellent performance characteristics. This article discusses the standards and distinctive features of such products, the features of the implementation of cladding.

The block house can be used for outdoor decoration or for interior work. Such material looks like a bar in appearance. There are products that resemble rounded logs. This is a panel with expansion slots (multiple or single). Its back is flat.

The block house is made in a specific order. Each of the stages is very important.

• Blanks of the required size are created. Manufacturers cut the log on a special machine.
• The workpieces are placed in special chambers where drying is carried out. The moisture content of the tree after this procedure does not exceed 15%.
• The front sides of the products are milled. The panels are given the desired shape and size. To facilitate fastening, manufacturers cut grooves and ridges in the longitudinal ends.
• At the end of the process, the quality of the products is assessed, sorted and placed in packaging.

To create high-quality building materials, only larch trees growing in areas with a rather harsh climate are suitable.

The main advantages of larch can be highlighted.

• There is a lot of resin in such wood. Thanks to this, it is almost not susceptible to rot and is very resistant to insects. Additionally, it is not at all necessary to treat larch with protective agents, because it is already reliably protected from various external influences.
• Larch is a very spectacular, beautiful wood. It has an attractive texture. Growth rings are very clearly visible on cross sections. Such materials come in different shades: from rich brown to delicate pink. In this case, the surface can be additionally tinted.

• With the help of such wood, you can create a special atmosphere in the room and provide additional comfort. For this reason, a block house made of larch is especially often used for interior decoration work. Such material is characterized by thermal conductivity: it is rarely cold in rooms decorated with larch. Another important positive quality of such materials is a pleasant pine smell.
• This tree is quite fire-resistant, for example, in pine, this figure is much lower.
• Such wood is very durable. At the same time, over time, the strength of the products only increases. If we consider the physical and mechanical properties of such a tree, it can be noted that in this regard it is even better than oak. The fact that larch piles support the famous Venice confirms the remarkable performance of this timber.

Larch contains useful substances that end up in the air and have a positive effect on human health.

Larch also has certain disadvantages, most of which are closely related to its advantages.

Among the disadvantages of such material, several positions can be distinguished.

• Since this wood is very durable, problems can arise if you want to make repairs or change something. You may encounter difficulties in surface treatment.
• One of the distinguishing features of larch is its rather high humidity. The panel can deform to a great extent during the drying process. Because of this, cracks appear on the product.

• Larch logs are distinguished by a very dense structure, for this reason, such products are rather difficult to transport. Transportation difficulties increase the value of the timber. Larch is very expensive.
• Since this tree has a lot of resins, it is difficult to process. Conventional saws deteriorate in the shortest possible time, so you have to use special expensive devices.

Due to the large amount of resin in larch, weak adhesive bonds are obtained.

Modern manufacturers offer a block house made of different varieties of larch. Some popular options are available to consumers.

• "Economy". The presence of minor defects is possible: fallen out knots, blueness, chips, small cracks.
• "Classic". There should be no chips, through cracks, blueness, fallen out knots. However, a small number of knots are allowed.
• "Extra". There are no major or minor defects. Products are selected as carefully as possible.

• "A". There is no mechanical damage, however, resin pockets and knots are allowed (but there should be few such defects).
• "B". There may be defects, knots, but in limited quantities.
• "C". There may be through cracks, not very large resin pockets and knots.

Narrower products are imitation of Euro lining. Such a block house is usually used for interior finishing work. Large panels imitate logs, they are most often chosen for outdoor decoration.

Today, a larch block house is offered by different companies. When choosing a suitable option, you should give preference to reliable and trusted manufacturers. It is worth highlighting a few companies offering block houses made of high quality timber.

• "Alpha profile" is one of the leaders in the Russian market. Previously, this manufacturer offered exclusively siding materials, but now it also specializes in the production of block houses. The price for such panels is quite acceptable, but at the same time they are of very high quality.
• "Les-Ar" also offers high quality products at an affordable price.
• "Forest of Karelia" - a manufacturer that uses trees from northern forests. Such materials are distinguished by a long service life, strength, and excellent quality. For the processing of blanks, the manufacturer uses the latest high-tech equipment. Antiseptics, fire retardants are applied to the finished panels. Products are dried in special chambers.

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase an expensive block house made of natural larch, you can opt for a cheaper imitation of a wooden surface. Such products are offered by the Russian company Deke Exruzhin.Consumers find this manufacturer reliable and has been in business for over ten years.

To determine the optimal panel size, length and width, the required number of products, you need to carry out a calculation. To do this, you should use a calculator, construction tape and take into account the recommendations of professionals.

First, multiply the width of the surface by its height. This will determine the area of ​​the wall. Then you will need to find out the areas of all doors and windows. Then subtract the area of ​​the doors and windows from the area of ​​the wall. This will be the working area.

Focusing on the number of panels per 1 m2 and their dimensions, determine how many products are needed for wall cladding. Carry out a calculation for each surface that you are going to finish.

Before carrying out finishing work, you will need to prepare the base. Remove all existing dirt from the surface, make it as flat as possible. You will also need to remove various protruding elements that may interfere with the installation work - for example, antennas. If any of the base elements are not stable enough, secure them.

Prepare the panels themselves before use. Unpack them and store them for about two days in the place where installation work will be carried out. Place the products on a dry and level surface.

Installation work is carried out in a specific order.

• Provide a vapor barrier. Here you should focus on the type of surface: for example, if the wall is made of brick, you can skip this step.
• Using timber, create a vertical sheathing. Apply antiseptic and fireproof compounds to it.
• Insulation will need to be installed between the lathing bars.
• The insulation should be covered with a moisture and windproof film. This will prevent liquid from entering.
• Carry out the installation of the block house. It is better to do this using self-tapping screws. In this case, it will be necessary to make holes in the panels in advance. Leave small gaps at the top and bottom to provide ventilation.
• It is recommended to apply a primer to the panels and cover them with a wax-based varnish.

A larch block house is well suited for finishing facade and interior walls, it can also be used for ceilings. Such panels are used for a variety of substrates: brick, concrete, and so on. The block house is suitable for both new and old houses.

When choosing suitable panels, study the end part of the materials. If the blockhouse is of high quality, the growth rings are quite tight. This coating will last as long as possible.

It is recommended to apply an antiseptic agent to the panels every 5 years (despite the excellent performance characteristics of such materials).

You can learn how to make a block house with your own hands from the video below.