SPF (White Spruce / Lodgepole Pine / Alpine Fir)
Picea glauca, Pinus contorta, Abies lasiocarpa · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Northern North America (Canada and Northern United States)
- Hardness
- 420 - 510 lbf (Very Soft to Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insects. Susceptible to rot if exposed to moisture without pressure treatment.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and tight grain pattern. Surface shows significant 'fuzzing' or planed-down fibers typical of low-density construction lumber.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
420 - 510 lbf (Very Soft to Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insects. Susceptible to rot if exposed to moisture without pressure treatment.
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.
Common Uses
Residential construction, framing, trusses, pallets, crates, and general utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America (Canada and Northern United States)
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.
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.
Notable Features
Mild resinous scent. Low weight and high strength-to-weight ratio for construction purposes. Prone to 'raised grain' when moisture is applied.
