Wood Species Guide
Western Larch
Larix occidentalis
Also called: Larch, Western Tamarack, Hackmatack, Mountain Larch
What Western Larch looks like
Heartwood is a reddish to russet brown, darker and redder than most North American softwoods. The narrow sapwood is pale tan, and the color warms further with age and light.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with crisp, high-contrast growth rings and a medium to coarse texture. The dense latewood bands give flatsawn boards a bold, flame-like pattern.
Working Western Larch: planing, cutting and gluing
Works well with sharp tools, though the hard latewood and soft earlywood can make planing and sanding uneven. Pockets of resin show up now and then and gum up blades. It holds nails and screws well but can split near board ends, so pre-drill. Glues without trouble.
Finishing Western Larch: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oils and penetrating stains well, and a clear finish brings out the reddish color. Wipe resin pockets with mineral spirits or acetone before a film finish. For an epoxy flood coat, seal first so the soft earlywood doesn't release bubbles.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Heartwood is moderately resistant to decay, a step above most firs and pines. It is strong and fairly stable once dry. In Florida, keep it under cover or treat it like any moderately durable softwood: finish all sides and keep it off the ground.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Western larch usually gets sold mixed with Douglas fir as framing lumber, so clear, sorted boards are a special order. Its warm color and bold grain make good rustic tables, beams and flooring. Expect the occasional resin pocket and plan your finish around it. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Western Larch
Construction lumber and glulam beams, flooring, decking, siding, veneer and plywood, and rustic furniture.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Larch dust and resin occasionally cause skin irritation or rashes. Serious reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding; gloves if resin bothers your skin
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Larch has been reported to cause skin irritation and rashes in some people. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Western Larch in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Western Larch listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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