Pine is a softwood: lighter, easier to cut, nail and finish, and usually cheaper than hardwoods like teak. Those qualities make it popular for light furniture, frames, shelving, battens and packaging.
Where pine works
- Furniture frames and slats
- Shelves and storage units in dry rooms
- Ceiling and wall battens
- Crates and packing frames
- Painted or lacquered pieces where the grain colour is covered
Its limits
Pine dents more easily than hardwoods. It is also less resistant to moisture and pests unless treated. Resin pockets in some pieces can bleed through paint. For outdoor use or high-load parts, consider a harder timber, or ask us for suggestions.
Checks before buying
- Dryness: damp pine warps as it dries
- Straightness along the length
- Knots: sound tight knots are fine for painted work, but loose ones are not
- Dimensions you need, and the tolerance on them
Compare pine with other timbers on the timber and wood overview or read teak wood vs pine wood.