Pine, European

Names and distribution:

Of the approximately 100 species in the genus of pines, the “common pine” is the most widespread species in Europe. The tree (Pinus sylvsitris) is widespread throughout Germany, from the southern edge of the Alps to Scotland and from Brittany to St. Petersburg and the Urals. Other pine species can also be found on other continents, in Africa, Australia and America. The species are not always easy to distinguish from each other in the wood.

Wooden picture:

Sapwood and heartwood contrasting in color; sapwood yellowish white, heartwood freshly reddish yellow, darkening to a subtle reddish brown with age under the influence of light. With distinctive striped or faded pattern. Occasional resin galls, significantly larger branches than in spruce, partly healthily overgrown, partly with black knots. Fresh wood with a pleasant terpene scent. Decorative.

Properties:

Density at u=12% is 0.52 (0.33-0.89)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. Little 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 19, the modulus of elasticity as approx. 11,500 ^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:

Building and construction timber, stairs, furniture wood, windows and doors, floorboards, packaging materials, poles.