* Radiata Pine

Radiata Pine is classed as a medium-density softwood. Radiata pine clearwood (wood that is free of defects such as knots, holes or other blemishes) is one of the world's best clearwoods. The wood is pale yellow-brown and is generally straight grained with prominent growth rings. The wood machines and polishes well, with good nail holding and gluing ability, and resistance to nail splitting

Cultivation

Australia

Australia has large P. radiata plantations (though they are less than 1% of the total forested area); so much so that many Australians are concerned by the resulting loss of native wildlife habitat. A few native animals, however, thrive on them, notably the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo which, although deprived of much of its natural diet by massive habitat alteration through clearing for agriculture, feeds on P. radiataseeds. They are also the most common tree used for Christmas trees in Australia.

Chile

P. radiata has also been introduced to the Valdivian temperate rain forests, where vast plantations have been planted for timber, again displacing the native forests^[7].

New Zealand

The Monterey Pine was first introduced into New Zealand in the 1859^[8][9] and today 89% of the country's plantation forests are of this species.^[10] This includes the Kaingaroa Forest on the central plateau of the North Island which is the largest planted forest in the world. In some areas it is considered an invasive species (termed a wilding conifer) where it has escaped from plantations.

United States

The Monterey Pine is widely used in private gardens and public landscapes in temperate California, and similar climates around the world. It is a fast-growing tree, adaptable to a broad range of soil types and climates, though does not tolerate temperatures below about -15°C. Its fast growth makes it ideal for landscapes and forestry; in a good situation, P. radiata can reach its full height in 40 years or so.

Detail of bark on a Pinus radiata tree

Needles and spikes on a branch

Pinus radiata Pine cone on forest floor

Monterey Pine plantation, Australia

 

Hotel Foyer, Grand Hyatt, Dubai, use Radiata Pine.

DESCRIPTION

Radiata pine heartwood is an even, light brown to chestnut brown colour, the sapwood is creamy white. Resin canals are present as fine brown lines in the latewood part of the growth rings, especially on radial surfaces, and these can be a handy means of identification.  Texture is fine but uneven.

The contrast in colour and texture between early and latewood bands (growth rings) in flat-sawn timber is relatively moderate compared with other pines and conifer species. The veneer has a moderate-to-high lustre. Common features in most Pinus species, including radiata pine, are: knots, cone stem holes and pine-needle flecks.

Radiata pine is a versatile and readily available timber, suitable for a wide variety of end-use applications. It produces wood that is very acceptable to the construction industry. The bark is rich in tannins and suitable for use in the manufacture of adhesives; it also contains some wax, which may have possible use in water repellents. It is suitable for framing, industrial uses, posts, cladding, decking, interior finishes and trims, and everyday furniture.

Radiata does not begin to form heartwood until it is about 15 years old and forms it at the rate of one ring every two years. Most of the wood, therefore, is easy-to-dry and easy-to-treat sapwood. This is an advantage over many Northern Hemisphere conifers, which are largely heartwood.

Botanical name: Pinus radiata

Other common names:

Radiata pine, Monterey pine, Pinus insignis

STRENGTH

Radiata pine is a versatile and readily available timber, suitable for a wide variety of end-use applications.

DURABILITY

Low level treatment such as boron is recommended to future-proof against insect attack in areas completely protected from moisture, such as furniture and the framing of internal walls of buildings. The timber is easily treated for all Hazard Class applications.

FINISHES

Radiata pine is easily processed, dried and treated, and will take staining and coating. It is used in conjunction with a range of structural adhesives.

WORKING PROPERTIES

Tests have confirmed that radiata pine machines well for most applications and compares favourably with a variety of other internationally traded timbers.

APPEARANCE

The heartwood of radiata pine is an even light brown to chestnut brown in colour, the sapwood is creamy white.