Why Pine is taking over from Spruce

Changing supplies see Pine replace Spruce in UK structural timber.

For years, Spruce has been the go-to species for structural timber in the UK. But a shift is underway that’s seeing Pine (European Redwood) move to take a larger section of the construction timber market due to environmental challenges, market pressures, and evolving forestry practices.

Spruce has enjoyed a long-standing preference due to its light appearance and relatively uniform texture. But bark beetle infestations have left Spruce resources depleted, causing sawmillers to have to harvest more Pine. Unlike Spruce, Pine is more drought-resistant, grows well in poorer soils, and is less vulnerable to the bark beetle.

Pine vs Spruce: what’s the difference?

From a strength classification, both Pine and Spruce meet the same structural grades. However, there are differences in appearance, handling, and treatment performance, that merchants should be aware of:

Density and weight: Pine is denser than Spruce, with an average density of 510kg/m3 compared to Spruce’s 470kg/m3. This means pine is around 40 kg/m3 heavier on average – a significant difference when handling large volumes.

Knots and visual characteristics: Spruce has fewer and smaller knots, contributing to its clean, uniform look. Pine has more frequent and larger live knots that may affect the visual appeal, depending on where it is to be used, but will not compromise structural integrity.

Blue stain and surface mould: Pine is more susceptible to blue stain – a harmless bacterial infection that causes surface discolouration. While this does not impact strength or grading, it can affect visual acceptance. Pine is also more prone to surface mould in high humidity, making good storage and stock management essential.

A major advantage of Pine is its suitability for preservative treatment – especially for use with outdoor and ground-contact applications. In this regard, Pine has significant edge, since kiln-dried Spruce is relatively impermeable and can struggle to absorb preservatives. TR26 suppliers are committing to ensuring clearly labelled, separate packs for Pine (redwood) and Spruce (Whitewood), so that builders and merchants know exactly what they are stocking and selling.

While Pine is gaining ground, it’s unlikely to completely displace Spruce. Instead, the future lies in a well-managed mix and understanding the unique characteristics of both species across a wide range of applications.