Larch poles sold by the meter
These are the costs for each meter of log, diameter at the mid point, bark still on:
100 mm = £5.50
160 mm = £12
220 mm = £21
280 mm = £30.70
Prices for larch with bark sprayed off:
100 mm = £7.15
160 mm = £15.60
220 mm = £27.30
280 mm = £39.91
Collection from our workshop at BS32JT, delivery is available but is priced depending on your location.
For all enquiries please call Tom on 07971 985 310 or email us at info@roundwooddesign.co.uk
Why larch?
Larch offers a rare balance of durability, strength, and visual warmth, making it one of the most dependable species for roundpole timber framing. It performs well structurally, resists decay, and weathers gracefully, all while being widely available and relatively affordable. In both practical and aesthetic terms, it’s an excellent choice for anyone building with roundwood.
Durability and Natural Rot Resistance
Larch is one of the most naturally durable softwoods found in Europe. Thanks to its high resin content, it resists moisture, decay, and fungal attack far better than most conifers. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor or semi-exposed structures such as cabins, barns, and shelters, where longevity without chemical treatment is important. While it’s not quite as rot-proof as hardwoods like oak or sweet chestnut, it offers an impressive level of durability for a softwood, especially given its relative affordability and wide availability.
Strength
Structurally, larch stands out as one of the strongest and stiffest softwoods. Its high modulus of elasticity and bending strength allow it to carry substantial loads and span wide distances without excessive deflection. The wood’s density and toughness also mean that it resists crushing at joints — a valuable quality in roundpole joinery, where compression strength is essential. In short, larch combines lightness with real mechanical integrity, making it both practical and reliable for timber framing.
Aesthetic Qualities
Aesthetically, larch has a rich and characterful appearance that suits the organic nature of roundpole construction. The heartwood ranges from warm golden-brown to a deeper reddish tone, and the grain is fine and expressive without being fussy. When exposed to the elements, larch weathers beautifully, taking on a silvery-grey patina that enhances its natural texture rather than diminishing it. This combination of strength and beauty makes it a favourite among framers who value the visual honesty and tactile quality of natural wood.
Our spraying process
From an ecological standpoint, the main factor to consider is water use. Stripping bark in this way can consume a significant amount of water if done from a mains supply, which is why we’ve integrated a closed-loop, rain-fed system into our yard. All of the water used for cleaning poles is drawn from a 6,000-litre rainwater collection tank, which gathers runoff from nearby roofs and hardstanding areas. By working from this stored supply, we eliminate the need for mains water and make the process almost entirely self-sufficient and sustainable.
Because the water is simply directed at the bark and not mixed with any additives, it can safely return to the ground through natural drainage. The bark itself, once loosened, breaks down quickly as organic matter, so there’s no harmful waste stream to manage. Compared to other methods — such as mechanical debarking machines that consume fuel and produce coarse waste — pressure-washing with rainwater represents a low-energy, low-emission approach that complements the ecological ethos of roundwood building.
To remove bark efficiently from freshly felled poles, we use a Kranzle Quadro 11/140 TST three-phase pressure washer, which delivers enough power to lift bark cleanly without damaging the wood beneath. Manual debarking with drawknives or spuds can be slow and physically demanding, particularly on resinous or fibrous species like larch, but the high-pressure water jet from the Kranzle gets under the cambium layer and peels the bark away with precision. It works especially well when the timber is still green and the sapwood moist, allowing the bark to separate easily, even around knots and irregular sections where hand tools often struggle. For larger batches of poles — such as those destined for timber frames, cabins, or fencing — this method dramatically reduces labour time while producing a clean, natural finish that preserves the integrity of the wood.
Unlike mechanical debarking tools or drawknives, which can gouge or score the wood if handled carelessly, a pressure washer preserves the natural surface of the pole. It removes only the bark and cambium layer, leaving the underlying wood intact and smooth. This is especially valued in roundpole framing, where the tactile, natural character of the timber is part of the aesthetic. It also means less sanding or cleanup later on.
