SPF (White Spruce / Lodgepole Pine / Alpine Fir)
Picea glauca, Pinus contorta, Abies lasiocarpa • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and tight grain pattern. Surface shows significant 'fuzzing' or planed-down fibers typical of low-density construction lumber.
Color Description
Pale white to yellowish-cream. Minimal distinction between heartwood and sapwood. The wood will darken to a deeper gold or tan with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
420 - 510 lbf (Very Soft to Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insects. Susceptible to rot if exposed to moisture without pressure treatment.
Common Uses
Residential construction, framing, trusses, pallets, crates, and general utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America (Canada and Northern United States)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$0.60 - $1.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (Recent production). The bright, non-oxidized color and factory-milled edges suggest a newer piece of dimensional lumber.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and harvested from managed forests. Not CITES or IUCN listed.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Because it is very soft, it is prone to crushing fibers rather than clean cutting if blades are dull. Glues and nails well.
Notable Features
Mild resinous scent. Low weight and high strength-to-weight ratio for construction purposes. Prone to 'raised grain' when moisture is applied.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sanding sealer or wood conditioner before staining to prevent blotchiness. Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes are common for utility use.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, fuzzy surface texture from rapid kiln drying, and dimensional characteristics are definitive of 'SPF' grade construction softwood.