Features of larch timber
Larch is a Siberian coniferous tree, which in its strength is in no way inferior to cedar. Deciduous timber has found wide application in the construction of houses, as well as baths and outbuildings. Buildings made of this material last for several decades and attract with their stylish look.
Advantages and disadvantages
Larch is very popular in construction due to the increased strength of this material, resistance to chips, bending, compression and tension. According to this indicator, larch surpasses all other conifers, including cedar, by 40-60% and is close to oak.
Wood is characterized by high fire resistance parameters. This is one of the few building materials that does not rot under the influence of moisture, does not shrink, does not swell, and is not affected by mold and fungus. Moreover, the material becomes even stronger and more durable.
Larch is environmentally friendly. It does not emit toxic substances, therefore it is absolutely safe for people and pets. Moreover, thanks to resins, it has a positive effect on the microclimate. It is no coincidence that larch is often used for the construction of eco-houses.
The material has an attractive texture and is available in a wide variety of wood patterns and shades. Growth rings are clearly visible on all sections (transverse, radial and tangential). Larch buildings are not afraid of strong winds or frosts. Bars made of this tree are technologically advanced, they can have two or three faces. The finished structure does not differ from a classic log structure in appearance, while the internal walls remain smooth and adapted to all finishes.
Thanks to all its advantages, larch can be used for the construction of buildings in all climatic regions. The only drawback of the material is the high price. And since larch does not grow everywhere and is supplied to the central regions of Russia from afar, then impressive transportation costs are added to the cost price.
In addition, the high density of the material necessitates the use of specialized tools, and this also increases the overall construction budget.
How to distinguish from pine timber?
People who have no experience with wood can find it difficult to visually distinguish larch from ordinary pine. These breeds look similar. Nevertheless, knowing the distinctive parameters of each building material, you can easily determine the breed.
- Smell. Pine has a more prominent coniferous aroma. In larch, it is rather thin, barely perceptible.
- Tint. Fresh larch planks are usually dark; under the sun's rays, the wood acquires a reddish tint. Pine is always light, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation it becomes yellowish.
- Weight. Larch is much more massive. If you take workpieces of the same size, you can immediately feel the difference in weight.
- Strength. If you run a pointed object over the larch, no marks will remain. Pine is less durable, so scratches immediately appear on it.
- Fire resistance. If we compare both types of materials in terms of fire resistance, then pine is less suitable for cladding.
Both deciduous and pine beams are resistant to decay, therefore they are successfully used for interior decoration. However, differences in technical and operational parameters determine the peculiarities of their application.So, for outdoor and floor cladding, it is better to purchase durable larch.
Pine is more plastic, easier to handle, so it is mainly used for wall and ceiling decoration.
Species overview
Profiled
Larch profiled timber is obtained by milling and further planing. Only solid wood is used for production, so the material is of high quality and durability. Sawing such beams is not easy. The cost of building houses from profiled logs is as expensive as a premium construction.
Trimmed
Such a bar is usually used when it is necessary to erect a particularly strong structure. This type of building material is dry after artificial drying or has natural moisture. In addition, depending on the processing option, it is subdivided into planed and non-planed. The first option is more expensive, but its use completely eliminates the appearance of cracks, and it looks much neater.
Glued
Manufacturing technology of laminated veneer lumber involves forced drying of sawn timber, due to which it acquires high resistance to UV radiation and water. The dried slats are held together with a special glue that does not emit toxic fumes. Finished products have a flat surface and their appearance is in no way inferior to other types of timber, since the natural shade and texture of wood is fully preserved here. Thanks to a special production technology, glued laminated timber has a minimum percentage of defects when used in unfavorable conditions. Under the influence of high temperatures, frost and precipitation, it retains its integrity, the structure does not undergo either cracking or warping.
Dimensions (edit)
The typical length of the timber is 6 meters, for an individual order it is possible to make beams from 2 to 9 meters long, the size of glued sawn timber can be up to 18 meters. Thickness usually varies from 100 to 250 mm in 25 m increments. Width is 100-275 mm. Most manufacturers offer bars with parameters 100x100, 200x200, 150x150, 100x150, 50x100, 80x80, 60x60, 50x70, 100x200.
In residential construction, products with a cross section of 150 mm are usually used. Such a building has the ability to retain heat, but at the same time does not create an excessive load on the foundation. The most popular are:
- 100x150x6000;
- 200x200x6000;
- 100x200x6000;
- 100x100x6000;
- 150x150x4000.
Products with a section of 50x50 mm are called half-beams. Most often, users buy 50x50x3000 and 50x50x2000. You can also find a bar in stores - this is a type of bar. It represents thin logs, sawn and processed from all sides. On a cut, they can have a rectangular or square shape, less often curly.
The length of such bars varies from 3000 to 6000 mm. The difference between these lumber comes down to size - the bars are usually made with a thickness of less than 100 mm. In accordance with the regulations, their width should not exceed the thickness by more than two times. The most demanded products are 50x50, 40x40, 30x70, 20x40.
Popular manufacturers
For the construction of houses, you should choose only the highest quality timber, otherwise the structure will be short-lived. To prevent this from happening, you should give preference to reliable manufacturers.
- Les Moroi. The company specializes in the production of building materials, including hardwood lumber. Users are offered several varieties - rounded, glued, bench and non-planed timber. Glued laminated timber of this brand is made using a non-toxic and strong adhesive composition, this ensures the most tight adhesion of the lamellas. As a result, the structural strength is in no way inferior to profiled products.
Such products serve for several decades, they are not afraid of precipitation and temperature changes.
- "UfaStroySnab". The company offers high quality beams, the strength and density of which are confirmed by certificates. After manufacturing, all the bars undergo a scrupulous examination, during which flaws and defects are identified and eliminated - only natural materials with a beautiful texture go on sale. The structure of such a bar provides maximum thermal protection and sound insulation. Lumber from this manufacturer has a long service life.
- "SnabGroup". Offers beams made from solid logs. Materials of this brand are widely used in the construction, finishing and manufacturing sectors. Its use allows you to achieve significant savings in repair and finishing work.
- "Pilomarket". The company owns its own production workshop and sells goods "from the manufacturer", therefore it has the opportunity to offer goods at affordable prices. The peculiarity of the work of "Pilomarket" is the prompt delivery of goods to any region of Russia.
- "StroyPostavka". The company offers deciduous timber with a section of 150x150, 100x150 or 150x200. The technology of sawing is used in the manufacture, this allows to ensure the safety of the decorative type of larch.
Applications
Technologies for the production of larch beams make it possible to widely use the material in capital construction and interior cladding of premises. The beam is used for installation:
- parquet;
- window frames and doorways;
- steps;
- supporting structures;
- gazebos;
- furniture.
For each sphere, certain types of timber are suitable. So, wood products 100x150 are in demand when arranging roofing structures, terraces and frame structures, as well as floors. Such products are durable and tough, while serving for a long time.
The bar 150x150 is suitable for the construction of wooden structures. The material has good noise insulation, strength and durability. A 150x200 timber is indispensable for the construction of baths and other outbuildings of one or two floors.
Inside houses made of this material, a pleasant pine aroma and a cozy atmosphere invariably reign.
How to choose a larch timber, see the video.
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