Wood Type
Softwood
Introduction
“Scots pine” and “European redwood” are the trade names generally used in the UK & Ireland to differentiate between homegrown and imported Pinus sylvestris.
The Tree
The tree is generally 30m high with a diameter of about 1m but larger trees may be found on favourable sites.
The Timber
The sapwood is creamy-white to yellow in colour, narrow, especially in northern environments, becoming wider in the southern areas, and the heartwood is pale yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, resinous, and usually distinct from the sapwood. The growth rings are clearly marked by the denser late-wood. The weight of dried timber is about 510 kg/m³.
Drying
The timber dries rapidly, and without undue degrade, but owing to its tendency to develop sap stain, it should either be anti-stain dipped, or dried quickly after conversion.
Working Qualities
Medium – In general, the timber works easily and well with both hand and machine tools, but ease of working and quality of finish is dependent upon the size, and number of knots, and degree of resin present. The wood is capable of a smooth, clean finish, and can be glued, stained, varnished and painted satisfactorily, and takes nails and screws well.
Strength
For its weight, the timber is strong and moderately hard.
Treatability
Extremely difficult, Easy (sapwood)
Moisture Movement
Medium
Density
510kg/m3
Texture
Medium
Use(s)
Joinery – Interior, Furniture, Structural use, Decking, Joinery – Exterior, Mouldings, Flooring, Cladding
Colour(s)
White / Cream
Availability
Readily available at timber merchant
Sample
