Pine, Jack
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeA medium-sized tree, it reaches a height of about 24m on good sites, but is more usually about 15m tall with a diameter of 0.3m.
The TimberA timber of the hard-pine class, with a sapwood yellowish in colour and about 38mm wide, and a heartwood varying in colour from pale brown to reddish-brown. It is not unlike European redwood (P. sylvestris) in appearance, but is more resinous, brittle, and coarser in texture, and is inclined to knotty. The wood weighs about 500 kg/m3 when dried.
DryingGenerally dries without difficulty, but material from trees grown in open forest is inclined to warp owing to the higher incidence of knots and disturbed grain.
StrengthSimilar to that of European redwood.
Working QualitiesMedium - Works reasonably well and a good finish can be obtained provided cutters are kept sharpened. As the tree is small, it produces little clear timber and accordingly, the generally knotty quality of the wood influences the quality of the finish. It can be screwed and nailed satisfactorily, and takes stains, polish and paint quite well, although the resinous nature of the wood may make this difficult at times.
Latin NamePinus banksiana
Also known asJack pine, princess pine (Canada)
Wood TypeSoftwood
TreatabilityEasily treated
MoistureMedium
TextureMedium
OriginCanada, USA
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
