Tamarack
Larix laricina

Description
Tamarack is a softwood species that belongs to the Pinacea family. It has the particularity of loosing its needles in fall, making it easily distinguishable in winter. This tree is found almost everywhere in Canada. Tamarack grows in association with black spruce, balsam fir, aspen and birch, mainly in poorly drained environments that make it a difficult species to harvest. It can reach 25 m in height, 50 cm in diameter and live 150 years. At the age of 30, this resinous species can yield up to 194 m³/ha. Its virtually rot-proof wood is ideal for outdoor use, not only as shingles, but also for patio furniture and decks. It is a very high quality wood that is handsome in appearance. The difference in colour between the tamarack’s earlywood and darker toned latewood creates an attractive striped pattern that makes for eye-catching furniture and finishing lumber.

Colour
Tamarack has yellowish-brown heartwood and somewhat whitish sapwood. Its annual growth rings are fairly easy to see and the transition from earlywood to latewood is abrupt. Outside in harsher weather conditions, the wood changes colour over time and turns silvery grey.

Texture
Tamarack is coarse-textured and often spiral-grained. The wood is more or less oily and somewhat waxy to the touch.

Qualities
The densest softwood in North America, tamarack has excellent dimensional stability and a good modulus of elasticity that is often comparable to that of hardwoods. It is very appreciated in structural applications, particularly for its high resistance to bending and compression. Easy to saw, its processing must take into account the possible presence of cross-grain and resin. Drying is also easy but slow. Nailing and screwing require pilot holes. Tamarack wood has strong mechanical properties with regard to bending and compression. Unlike several other species, it is highly resistant to rot and does not need chemical treatments.

Common applications
Roof shingles. Patio, deck and veranda wood. Bridges, piers and pilings. Posts and pickets. Mouldings and rosettes for indoor and outdoor use. Boats and covering for canoes. Flooring, decking and panelling. Garden furniture.

Standard dimensions available

THICKNESS BY WIDTH (LENGTH)
Imperial system Metric system
Decking 5/4’’ × 6’’ (6’ to 16’)
6/4’’ × 6’’ (6’ to 16’)		 31.8 mm × 152.4 mm (1.83 m to 4.88 m)
38.1 mm × 152.4 mm (1.83 m to 4.88 m)
Flooring 4/4’’ × 4’’ (4’ to 8’)
4/4’’ × 6’’ (4’ to 8’)		 25.4 mm × 101.6 mm (1.22 m to 2.44 m)
25.4 mm × 152.4 mm (1.22 m to 2.44 m)
Mine timbers 6’’ × 6’’ (16’)
8’’ × 8’’ (16’)		 152.4 mm × 152.4 mm (4.88 m)
203.2 mm × 203.2 mm (4.88 m)
Railroad ties 7’’ × 9’’ (6’ to 8’)
4’’ × 6’’ (6’ to 8’)		 177.8 mm × 228.6 mm (1.83 m to 2.44 m)
101.6 mm × 152.4 mm (1.83 m to 2.44 m)
Shingles ¾’’ × 4’’ (10’)
¾’’ × 5’’ (10’)
¾’’ × 6’’ (10’)
¾’’ × 7’’ (10’)		 19.1 mm × 101.6 mm (3.05 m)
19.1 mm × 127.0 mm (3.05 m)
19.1 mm × 152.4 mm (3.05 m)
19.1 mm × 177.8 mm (3.05 m)
Structural elements for bridges 8’’ × 10’’ (40’)
6’’ × 6’’ (12’)
8’’ × 8’’ (12’)		 203.2 mm × 254.0 mm (12.20 m)
152.4 mm × 152.4 mm (3.66 m)
203.2 mm × 203.2 mm (3.66 m)
Glulam beams 2’’ × 3’’ (3’ to 8’) 50.8 mm × 76.2 mm (0.91 m to 2.44 m)
Mouldings 1’’ × 2’’ (6’ to 10’) 25.4 mm × 50.8 mm (1.83 m to 3.05 m)
Wood for boxes and crates 4‘’ × 4’’ (4’)
4’’ × 6’’ (4’)		 101.6 mm × 101.6 mm (1.22 m)
101.6 mm × 152.4 mm (1.22 m)
Edge-glued lumber for trailer beds 2’’ × 3’’ (32’’ to 10’)
2’’ × 4’’ (32’’ to 10’)
2’’ × 6’’ (32’’ to 10’)		 50.8 mm × 76.2 mm (0.81 m to 3.05 m)
50.8 mm × 101.6 mm (0.81 m to 3.05 m)
50.8 mm × 152.4 mm (0.81 m to 3.05 m)
Net dimensions may vary depending on the producer.
Other dimensions produced upon request.

Note: When tamarack is marketed as dimension or structural lumber, its quality is determined by the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) and bears the stamp of the Northern Species group – N. Species, or of the Eastern Hemlock-Tamarack group - Hem-Tam (N) (NLGA 2005, paragraphs 121, 124, 130 and 131).