Since 2014 ROMAN LARCH has been supplying the highest quality timber materials to the UK marketplace. With over 10 years experience in the wood industry and other markets, we supply a wide range of timber products, but we specialise in Siberian Larch.

 

​​All material supplied by ROMAN LARCH is sourced from sustainable forests. We personally control the entire process from Siberia, then to our sawmill, and finally to our Customers. On occasion we may have to source some of our timber products from our partners. But rest assured that all of our partners for the sourcing of wood have undergone rigorous testing and examination to ensure the quality of the materials meet our high standards. 

 

​​When you buy from ROMAN LARCH, you buy directly from a supplier. Meaning that you receive our unassailable prices, exquisite customer service and materials unrivalled in the UK. 

 

 

​​​​WHY SIBERIAN LARCH?

 

​​Siberian Larch is a frost-hardy tree that is native to western Russia. It grows in an extreme temperature range, from -60°C to +40°C. Such a harsh climate combined with its dendrological properties make it one of the most durable trees in the world. It grows very slowly, which is what makes it so dense. Siberian Larch is the sole representative of coniferous tree which is in the hardwood category. The durability of Siberian Larch is comparable to Oak, it also has the same density, however it is more flexible and durable against mechanical impact than it’s counterpart.

 

​​Due to Siberian Larch's unique biological and physico-mechanical properties, it is famous worldwide as one of the most valuable building materials. The longevity of this wood is up to 10 times greater than other coniferous trees even without any chemical treatment. As Larch’s density is so great it makes absorption of chemicals when treated very poor, this is another strength to having Siberian Larch as this does not need to be treated due to it’s aforementioned biological and physico-mechanical properties.

 

You can also ask us for your Siberian Larch to be coloured specially for your needs. We achieve this by this using natural oils, as anything else would ruin the integrity of the material itself. Just ask when you speak to a member of our team!

 

​​Historically, Siberian Larch was used in structures intended for long-term use at significant loads. For many centuries Larch was used for the construction of bridges, port berths, telegraph poles, mine props, wooden structures, ship building and many more things.

 

​​A classic example would be, the construction of the city of Venice in the V-IX century. The city itself was built on Siberian Larch piles which have lasted until this day. They have become as strong as rock through being submerged in the water for so many years. Siberian Larch was also used as the track surface in many velodromes around the world including Manchester Velodrome.

 

​​In Russia, until the middle of XIX century it was prohibited by law to sell Siberian Larch to public for any civil purposes. It was necessary for military construction, ship building, railway construction and building of infrastructure. There were some exceptions granted though, the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, some churches and even the Kremlin. Export was also banned or very limited, so Siberian Larch was relatively unfamiliar to the outside world.

 

​​There is no doubt that Siberian Larch has a particularly pleasing aesthetical side. It can contain up to 12 shades, from almost white colour up to darker reddish colours. Such a difference is explained by a particular tree growing location, soil chemical element composition and geology.

As an example, red shade Larch grows in soil rich in iron. This also explains why red shaded Larch is heavier than lighter shaded ones.

 

​​Siberian Larch with its beautiful texture does not require any additional finishing or treatment. Under the impact of sun, rain, snow and wind, over the years it becomes silvery-grey shaded and gives anything built with it a romantic and antique look.

 

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​​​​MAIN FACTS ABOUT SIBERIAN LARCH

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• ​​Anti-slip properties - when used outdoors, Siberian Larch is not slippery when wet.

• Density - comparable to Oak and Ash. Dried Siberian Larch at 20% humidity is around 730kg/m3.

• Durability - comparable to Oak. Siberian Larch grows slowly in extreme conditions.

• Eco-friendly – it is a natural timber product that does not require any chemical treatment.

• Fire protected - Siberian Larch it difficult to burn due to its density. And as it does not require treatment, the risk of being poisoned is also lowered.

• Flexibility – it is more flexible against mechanical impact than Oak.

• Health friendly - when used indoors, due to the resins it contains, Siberian Larch positively effects people with breathing difficulties.

• Longevity – it lasts up to 10 times longer than any other wood from the coniferous range, even without any treatment!

• Low cost maintenance – as it does not require treatment or any other maintenance.

• Natural beauty - beautiful texture with 12 possible shades. Becomes silvery-grey with years if left untreated.

• Pest protected - naturally protected by it’s resin.

• Price - showing properties equivalent to Oak, it is very fairly priced and available to everyone.

• Rot resistance - Siberian Larch can be placed directly in the water without treatment and will last for hundreds of years.