Frequently Asked Questions

What is the wood density of South Pine’s timber?

Our timber is primarily sourced from the high density region of Nelson which also has the highest average tree age in New Zealand. New Zealand pine exhibits variations in wood density related to the locality in which it is grown, genetic make-up, silvicultural treatment, the part of the tree from which the wood comes and age at harvest. Density is correlated to important qualities such as timber strength, machining and finishing properties. New Zealand pine wood density is well suited for high value re-manufacturing.

What is New Zealand pine’s strength properties?

New Zealand pine’s strength and stiffness properties generally cover the range of commonly used structural softwoods.

Comparison of Strength Properties

SPECIES	SPECIFIC GRAVITY	MODULUS: RUPTURE (KG/CM²)	MODULUS: ELASTICITY (KG/CM²)	COMPRESSION STRENGTH (KG/CM²)	SHEAR STRENGTH (KG/CM²)
New Zealand Pine (high density sites)	0.50	1000	117 000	440	115
Englemann spruce	0.35	650	91 000	310	85
Siberian larch	0.48	950	128 000	500	100
Douglas fir (coast)	0.48	870	137 000	520	80
Douglas fir (interior north)	0.48	920	125 000	490	106
Douglas fir (south)	0.46	840	105 000	440	106
Lauan	–	800	114 000	410	86

Source: New Zealand Forest Research Institute

Is South Pine’s timber cut from plantation forests?

Yes. New Zealand is a world leader in plantation forest management and the pine estate is managed on a sustained yield basis. Nelson is New Zealand’s second largest export region for forest/wood products.

What are the machining properties of New Zealand pine?

The superior machining properties and its ease of moulding, turning, planing, joining and furniture manufacture are strong features of New Zealand pine.Comprehensive trials conducted at NZFRI, in the United Kingdom and by the University of California have shown that New Zealand pine compares very favourably with softwood species commonly used in Europe, North America and Asia for higher value products.

Comparison of Machining Properties

	Turning	Shaping	Sanding	Planing & Moulding	Gluing	Cross cutting	Dimensional stability
New Zealand pine (South Pine)	3.9	4.4	4.2	4.8	4.1	3.8	4.1
Nyatoh	3.4	4.3	4.3	4.6	3.8	2.6	3.7
Rubberwood	4.2	4.2	4.5	3.7	5.3	3.1	4.0
Ramin	4.3	4.7	4.6	4.6	3.7	2.9	2.5
Merkus pine	–	4.6	4.4	4.5	4.4	4	4.0
Jelutong	4.4	4.8	4.4	4.8	2.5	4	3.8
White Seraya	3.7	3.8	3.3	4.4	3.1	2.2	3.9

Source: New Zealand Forest Research Institute

Does South Pine kiln dry its timber?

Yes. South Pine as a “NZ Dri Licencee” prides itself on producing high quality stress free and consistently dried New Zealand Pine. We have 7 kilns: 2 x conventional kilns (80°C – 90°C, 3 to 5 days drying time),1 x high temperature kiln (105°C – 130°C, 12-36 hours), and 3 x medium temperature kilns (80°C – 105°C, 2 to 4 days) 1 x Continuous drying Kiln

Does South Pine preservative treat our timber?

When timber is tanalised it is resistant to fungal degrade and insect attack. New Zealand pine’s sapwood is extremely permeable to preservatives, permitting total penetration rarely achieved with other softwood species. South Pine uses Tanalith CCA in H3 (exposed to weather) and H4 (ground contact/landscaping). Products include post, palings, decking, framing etc.

Does South Pine use anti-sapstain/ bluestain treatment?

Yes. South Pine uses Hylite Clear (liquid fungicide and anti-sapstain).

Is New Zealand pine easy to stain?

Our pine is an extremely versatile wood and and readily accepts the many stains that are available with extremely good penetration and consistency.

How is the timber transported?

South Pine’s domestic timber is transported through out New Zealand in full truck and Trailer loads (FTL). The majority of South Pine’s export timber is shipped in 40-ft containers and the balance is shipped break-bulk. Transit times range from 1-4 weeks.

How many m³ fill a 40 ft container?

Approximately 38 – 42m³, depending on dimensions and lengths required.

What lengths does South Pines supply?

South Pine supplies domestic timber in select length packets ranging from 3.6 to 6.0 m dependent on the product. South Pine supplies export timber in random length packets from 2.4 to 6.0 m (heavy 4.2 – 6.0 unless agreed otherwise).

What size timber does South Pine produce?

Standard thickness produced is 50mm and arising from this South pine produces 25 and 40 mm. The widths vary between grades. Please refer to our South Pine products page.

What are South Pine’s general terms of payment?

Irrevocable letter of credit payable on sight of documents or TT payment prior to shipment in US dollars.

Can South Pine dress or gauge its timber?

Yes. We produce a range of timbers with different finishers, including dressed 4 sides, tongue and groove, decking, rougher headed and gauged structural framing.

How much timber does South Pine export?

Over 25% of our production is exported to countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan.