Sitka Spruce
Picea sitchensis • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Extremely straight, tight, and uniform vertical grain. As shown in the sample, this reflects a high-quality quartersawn or master-grade cut with consistent growth ring spacing.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a creamy white to light pinkish yellow. The sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It maintains a high natural luster and can darken slightly to a yellow-gold with age.
Hardness Rating
510 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly Durable / Non-durable. Low resistance to decay and rot if exposed to moisture, though high resistance to splintering.
Common Uses
Musical instrument soundboards (guitars, pianos, violins), aircraft components, masts and spars for boats, wind turbine blades, and high-quality joinery.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest coast of North America, ranging from Northern California to Southern Alaska.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High; $15 to $35 per board foot for instrument-grade (Master Grade) quartersawn stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (0-5 years). The lack of significant UV yellowing or oxidation suggests a fresh, well-maintained sample.
Sustainability Status
Generally stable, though old-growth stands are a conservation concern. FSC certification is common and recommended.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, finishes, and holds nails remarkably well, though it can be prone to 'fuzzy' surfaces if tools are not extremely sharp.
Notable Features
Outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and acoustic properties. It has a slight, pleasant resinous scent and provides a very high velocity of sound transmission.
Finish Recommendations
Thin coats of nitrocellulose lacquer, shellac, or clear polyurethane to preserve acoustic resonance and light color.
Identification Confidence
High. The extremely straight, closely spaced grain lines and creamy luster are definitive characteristics of high-grade Sitka Spruce specifically cut for lutherie purposes.