Siberian larch is a great exterior softwood timber due to its durability and beautiful pale yellow-golden hues, however, the government ban on Russian Siberian larch for use as cladding and decking, etc will continue for some time due to the Russia/Ukraine war. It is illegal for companies in the UK to obtain and sell this timber unless the stock had landed in the UK or Europe prior to March 2022 with a paper trail as proof. Therefore, any stock still remaining on the ground is close to being depleted.
*The above project uses our British Grown Larch Softwood Cladding.
Fear not, as there are plenty of alternative options available to you and QTD has all of those alternatives and finishes for you to discover that are great contenders to Siberians Larch’s performance and look, including British-grown Larch, British-grown Coastal Redwood (Sequoia), British-grown Douglas Fir, and ThermoWood softwood Radiata Pine (Clear grade).
Read on to discover why these materials are great options.
Our British Grown Larch is sourced from sustainable forests. An indigenous species that grows in Britain is very popular on commercial and residential builds due to its stunning characteristics and natural durability. Our British Grown Larch will usually endure a lifespan of 30+ years if it is only occasionally wet, and around 15 years if the timber is frequently wet. Our AtelierClad® brushed grain range provides extended durability and stability in a variety of finishes and is perfect for all of the above timbers. We offer competitive pricing, short lead times, and free collections from our yard on all of our British Grown timber. Sourced and grown in managed Scottish woodland estates, with an FSC certification you are not only supporting our business but the environment and forests around you.
Price per M2 from: £45.00
*Prices will vary depending on board width. Ex Vat.
Sequoia has a straight grain with a fine to coarse texture. The material ranges from light cherry-red to dark reddish-brown and is very durable and resistant to most insects and fungi. It is used regularly for interior and exterior cladding. Sequoia is sourced from Wales and West England as it suits our climate and grows rapidly, which makes it a great option if you are working to a short lead time.
Price per M2 from: £49.00
*Prices will vary depending on board width. Ex Vat.
Our UK Grown Douglas Fir is known as one of the finest softwood timbers’ grown in the UK with a superior strength-to-weight ratio, with the highest strength rating compared to other untreated softwoods. With reddish-brown heartwood and cream-colored sapwood, this species is suitable for many uses. From heavy-duty framing to cladding and landscaping. UK Grown Douglas Fir is naturally durable. We offer competitive pricing across all of our cladding and decking ranges whilst also making an extra effort to support local forests.
Price per M2 from: £45.00
*Prices will vary depending on board width. Ex Vat.
The all-familiar pine softwood tree has been the main woodcraft for centuries. The Radiata Pine tree is grown primarily in managed plantations in the cold climates of New Zealand where slower growth yields higher quality. The trees are grown close together which encourages the tree to grow straight as it competes for sunlight. This also reduces the tree's tendency to put out branches lower down which means reduced knot content hence the meaning of a clear grade. Pines are among the most commercially important tree species valued for their timber and wood pulp throughout the world. Radiata Pine wood is a softwood widely used in high-value carpentry items such as furniture, window frames, panelling, floors, and roofing.
Radiata Pine has a natural look and with its light colour and smooth texture, it is the preferred choice for nature lovers. The ThermoWood production process brings increased stability and class 1 durability to this species which grows in the cold climates of New Zealand.
Price per M2 from: £55.00
*Prices will vary depending on board width. Ex Vat.
We hope this has helped you to find a replacement for Siberian larch, and we would be more than happy to discuss in more detail the many alternatives for your project. From decking, cladding, and interior projects whatever timber you are in the process of looking for, we are here to help. Being the experts in our field we pride ourselves in ensuring we keep our customers informed and up to date with all things timber to help empower them to find the perfect material for their project.
Get in touch now for a call with our technician by calling 0118 373 2211, completing our contact us form or booking a showroom visit or calling at a time that suits you here.