Of the approximately 100 species of pine trees, the “maritime pine”, or “Pin de Landes” in French, is the heavyweight, at least in Europe. The tree (Pinus maritima) is native to the region around Bordeaux, i.e. the “Landes” region, where it is cultivated intensively. Other heavy pine species are found in the main and southern part of the USA and in Central America.
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. Distinctive striped or faded pattern. Resin galls are not uncommon, and branches are significantly larger than those of Central European or even Nordic pine. Wood with a pleasant terpene scent. Decorative.
Density at u=12% is approx. 0.50 t/m³. The shrinkage from the fresh state to u=12% is specified as 6.7% tangential and 3.7% radial. Moderate 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 given 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.
Construction timber, stairs, furniture wood, floorboards, packaging materials, plywood.
GOTTWALD 1970: Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers
CTFT (1986): Fiches Techniques sur des Resineux Francais
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
