Pine wood
Contents |
Introduction
Pine is a coniferous wood that can be found in a variety of locations in the Northern Hemisphere. It is one of the most popular woods used in manufacturing and carpentry and can be found in many homes around the world in the form of flooring, windows, furniture and so on.
There are more than 126 classified species of pine, under the Pinus genus.
Distribution of pine
Pine trees are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and can be found in northern, eastern and central Europe, as well as America, Mexico and mid and southern Canada.
In Germany, pine trees occupy the second highest proportion of wooded areas, with only spruce commanding more space.
Many of these regions host native species of pine tree, with some species only being found in one particular area. For example, Sumatran pine can be found crossing the equator, whereas many Canadian pine species can be found around east of the Rocky Mountains, Mackenzie River, and Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
Description of pine
Pine trees can reach up to 260 ft in height and can live for up to 1,000 years, with some species exceeding even that. The Pinus Longaeva or Great Basin bristlecone pine is one of the longest living pines in the world. A tree of this species can be found in the White Mountains of California, that is estimated to be over 4,900 years old.
The bark of a pine tree is usually quite thick and dense, but there are some species which have thinner, flakier bark.
All pines appear to grow successfully in soil which is primarily acidic, with some thriving on calcium-rich soils, too. They require exceptional drainage, and some even flourish after forest fires, requiring the fire to rejuvenate their seedlings. There are also some species of pine, such as mountain pine and bristlecone pine which thrive in higher altitudes, which is why it is often possible to see pine trees lining mountainsides.
Uses of pine
As an extremely popular choice of material for many carpenters around the world, there are a variety of ways in which pine wood is used.
Paper is often made using the pulp of the pine tree, and it is also widely used in carpentry for furniture due to its fine, smooth grain. The knots which are produced in pine wood are usually small and neat, and make a beautiful addition to the wood; they are chosen to give the furniture a clean, rustic look.
Although it is classed as a soft wood, pine is one of the strongest softwoods on the planet, with many carpenters and manufacturers preferring to use it over the softer spruce for creating furniture.
See also: Pine leaves.
--G&S Specialist Timber 09:11, 07 Feb 2017 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 11 things you didn't know about wood.
- Ancient Woodland.
- Bamboo.
- Cedar.
- Chip carving.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Definition of tree for planning purposes.
- Engineered bamboo.
- European Union Timber Regulation.
- Forests.
- Forest ownership.
- Forest Stewardship Council.
- Lime wood.
- Oak wood properties.
- Pine leaves.
- Plywood.
- Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
- Properties of mahogany.
- Softwood.
- The Scientific Properties of Wood.
- Timber.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Tree preservation order.
- Tree rights.
- Types of timber.
- Walnut.
- Wood ash.
Featured articles and news
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.