Radiata Pine (often marketed as Monterey Pine or New Zealand Pine)
Pinus radiata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a medium-to-even texture; features large, distinct knots and sweeping 'cathedral' patterns common in flat-sawn boards. The sample displays circular knots and some resin streaks.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light brown to yellowish; however, this sample has a medium-to-dark brown pigmented stain. The sapwood is typically pale yellow to white. Under the stain, the wood has a low natural luster and will darken/amber over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; highly susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated or kept dry.
Common Uses
Low-to-mid-range furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, construction lumber, plywood, and wooden pallets.
Geographic Origin
Native to coastal California; extensively grown in plantations in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $4.50 per board foot (varies by grade and region)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 10-15 years); the surface shows modern machine sanding and a contemporary uniform stain typical of mass-produced furniture.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; widely available from FSC certified plantations and is the most planted pine in the world.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, it is prone to 'blotching' when staining due to uneven density. Knots can be hard and may cause minor tearout or tool deflection.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high sap content can sometimes bleed through paint if not sealed with a shellac-based primer.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a pre-stain wood conditioner to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for protection on furniture surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the knot structure, wide growth rings, and characteristic response to the dark stain are classic indicators of Radiata/Plantation Pine used in commercial furniture.