A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea, a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the Family Pinaceae, found in the northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of the earth. Spruces are large trees, from 20–60 metres tall when mature, and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form.
Spruce wood is used for many purposes, ranging from general construction work and crates to highly specialised uses in wooden aircraft.
Because this species has no insect or decay resistance qualities after logging, it is generally recommended for construction purposes as indoor use only (ex. indoor drywall framing). Spruce wood, when left outside cannot be expected to last more than 12–18 months depending on the type of climate it is exposed to.
Spruce is one of the most important woods for paper uses, as it has long wood fibres which bind together to make strong paper. The fibres are thin walled and collapse to thin bands upon drying. Spruces are commonly used in mechanical pulping as they are easily bleached. Spruces are cultivated over vast areas as pulpwood.
Country of origin | Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia |
Diameters | 6-18 cm; 20+ cm |
Lengths | 2.5 m; 2.9 m; 3.0 m; 3.6 m; 4.8 m |
Grades | A, B, C |
Country of origin | Germany |
Diameters | 14+ cm; 20+ cm |
Lengths | 5.7 m; 11.5 m |
Grades | B, C |