Radiata Pine
Pinus radiata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a wide, prominent cathedral figure and distinct latewood bands. Texture is medium and uniform.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light yellowish-brown to tan; sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white and often very wide. It tends to darken or yellow with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated. High sapwood content makes it prone to moisture absorption.
Common Uses
Construction lumber, millwork, mouldings, joinery, furniture, plywood, and utility poles (when treated).
Geographic Origin
Native to a small area of Coastal California; widely grown in plantations in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently processed modern plantation timber, likely kiln-dried (KD) within the last 12-24 months based on the lack of oxidation and clean mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification. Extremely sustainable due to rapid growth cycles in plantation settings.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though it can be prone to resin bleed and requires sharp blades to avoid fuzzy grain.
Notable Features
Faint resinous odor when worked. It is relatively lightweight and high in resin content, which can cause 'pitch pockets' or clogged sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains reasonably well but a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness. Polyurethane or lacquer are standard finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide growth rings, distinct cathedral grain on the face, and characteristic creamy-yellow color are consistent with commercial-grade Radiata Pine.