Pitch-Pine

Names and distribution:

Of the approximately 100 species of pine, the “pitch pine” or Honduras pine is the heavyweight. The tree(Pinus caribea) is native to Central America and the Caribbean, where it is harvested exclusively from natural stands. Other heavy pine species are found in southern France and in the southern USA (Red Pine).

Wooden picture:

Sapwood and heartwood clearly differentiated in color and hardness; sapwood yellowish white, heartwood fresh reddish yellow to strong reddish brown, darkening to a uniform reddish brown age tone under the influence of light. With distinctive striped or faded pattern. Resin galls are not uncommon, significantly larger knots than in Central European or even Nordic pine, partly knotless, partly with healthy knots in the trade. Wood with a pleasant terpene scent. Decorative.

Properties:

Density at u=12% is 0.65 (0.52-0.90)t/m³ – depending on the growth site. The shrinkage from the fresh state to u=12% is specified as 6.7% tangential and 3.7% radial. Low shrinkage and good staying power after drying. Easy and clean to machine, resulting in uniformly smooth surfaces, polishing and staining can be impaired by high resin content.
The Brinell hardness is specified as 26, the modulus of elasticity as approx. 11,900 ^N/mm2. Favorable strength and elasticity properties in relation to weight. Pine sapwood is not naturally weather-resistant and tends to turn blue very quickly (!). The heartwood is classified in durability class 3.

Use:

Stairs, floorboards, facade cladding.