Lath

Lath are thin strips of wood used as a key for lime plaster. Lath provides an ideal background for lime plasters as it can be wetted down which helps the slower drying of the plaster.

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Laths come in both Riven and Sawn options.

• Riven laths are split down the grain and leaves an uneven, textured surface for lime plaster to key to. The unevenness and irregularity is key to its quality and usefulness. Riven laths can be used on ceilings as well as walls.
• Sawn laths are cut from straight grained timber. They have a more uniform profile than Riven laths. Sawn laths can only be used on walls. They can not be used on ceilings.

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Our Riven Laths come in Oak and Chestnut. They come in three lengths,

• 3 foot (150ft per bundle / 50 laths per bundle)
• 3 foot 6 inches (175ft per bundle / 50 laths per bundle)
• 4 foot (200 foot per bundle / 50 laths per bundle)

We allow for 80 linear foot per square metre of coverage but it is advisable to add 10 foot for wastage.

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Our Sawn Laths come in Oak and Larch. These come in the below lengths,

• 4 foot (61 linear metre per bundle)
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Timber laths must be completely saturated when fixed, they will shrink and pull tight as they dry out. It is very important a haired lime plaster is used onto the laths to ensure the nib behind the lath has a good key.

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