All species / Western Larch

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)

Framing, flooring, boatbuilding and heavy furniture; hard for a softwood, and durable.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)1,870,000 psi

Specific gravity (12% MC)0.52

Janka hardness830 lbf

Average dried weight36.0 lb/ft³

Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)4.5%

Shrinkage, tangential9.1%

Shrinkage, volumetric14.0%

Movement classLively — plan real allowances

Stiffness & hardness: USDA Wood Handbook (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: USDA Wood Handbook. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — Western Larch

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf	15 lb/ft	25 lb/ft	35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep	36 in	30 in	27 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep	48 in	41 in	36 in

Quick sag check — Western Larch

Span (in)

Depth (in)

Thickness (in)

Total load (lb)

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — Western Larch

Width across grain (in)

Cut

From MC (%)

To MC (%)

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.