Common exterior uses

Spruce-pine-fir's strength, light weight, ease of handling and good working properties have made it a popular wood for framing applications in all types of construction. Strong, stiff and stable, SPF is well-known and highly regarded not only in North America, but also in Europe and Japan. Readily available in a wide range of sizes and lengths, including finger jointed lengths up to 12 metres, it is an extremely versatile lumber for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings. SPF is a particular favourite with house builders, who appreciate its high structural performance as well as its pine appearance. The prefabrication industry is also a major user of SPF because of the wood's strength, dimensional stability and superior gluing properties. Manufacturers of modular houses, trusses and other structural components, regularly specify kiln-dried SPF as a wood they can rely on for consistent quality and ready availability in precise dimensions.

Appearances and properties

In contrast with other commercial softwoods, SPF is a distinctly white wood, with very little colour variation between springwood and summerwood. The wood has a bright, clean appearance, ranging in colour from white to pale yellow, with a pine straight grain and smooth texture. SPF has a high strength to weight ratio and is well known for its outstanding working properties. It takes and holds nails exceptionally well and is easily worked with hand power tools. It has good gluing, painting and staining properties. Lumber of this species group is seasoned uniformly in dry kilns to a moisture content of 19 percent or less. Kiln drying inhibits natural staining of the wood, improves its strength and stiffness, enhances its appearance, and also increases its resistance to decay and attack by insects. The drying process also improves the wood's dimensional stability, finishing qualities and thermal resistance while at the same time reducing shrinkage, warping and checking in storage.