RADIATA PINE

The heartwood ranges from pale cream to light yellow-brown with little difference between heartwood and sapwood. Very fine and even textured. Growth rings usually visible but indistinct.

Technical Data

  • Species Name: Radiata Pine

  • Botanical Name: Pinus radiata

  • Density: 800KG/m3 Seasoned: 550KG/m3

  • Janka Hardness Rating: 3.3kN (Seasoned) & 2.1kN (Unseasoned)

  • Workability :

    Radiata pine is easy to work except for the knots, and it nails satisfactorily. Apart from the core, it is easy to dry, and because it dries quickly, it is usually kiln dried directly from being green. During the warmer months it is very susceptible to bluestain. There can be problems with timber that is high in resin content: it can be hard to glue, and knots, resin streaks and latewood can emit enough resin to mar exterior coatings. Timber that is high in resin should be used for structural purposes only. It is not suitable for steam bending as it is hard to obtain a smooth curve. It readily accepts preservatives, which provide protection to Hazard level 6 (the highest level). Radiata pine can be prone to surface checking when exposed uncoated to the weather or when coated only with stain-type finishes, which are less protective against moisture penetration.

  • Uses: Radiata pine can be used in a wide range of applications, including as a domestic and commercial structural timber, flooring, lining, furniture, panels (such as veneer, plywood, particleboard, fibreboard), corestock, brushware, turnery, toys, poles, posts, sleepers, mining timbers (treated), landscaping, pulp and paper.

  • Availability: Radiata pine is native to the central coast of California but is widely planted in Australia and New Zealand. It makes up 28% of Tasmania’s timber plantations and is popular in all types of construction and decorative uses.