Comparison table of Construction Spruce Timber vs ThermoWood Pine vs Pine vs Larch
Presenting a clear comparison table of Construction Spruce Timber vs ThermoWood Pine vs Pine vs Larch, suitable for your notes, drafts and calculations. Hopefully this will help you to choose the right product for your project.
✅ Key Insights
- ThermoWood Pine offers superior durability and moisture resistance due to thermal modification.
- Spruce is lightweight and ideal for framing but requires treatment outdoors.
- Standard Pine is similar to spruce in strength but slightly denser.
- Larch is naturally durable and denser, making it ideal for exposed exterior applications.
| Property | Construction Spruce Timber | ThermoWood Pine | Pine (Standard) | Larch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Picea abies (Norway Spruce) | Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) | Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) | Larix decidua / Larix sibirica |
| Density (12% MC) | 430–470 kg/m³ | 480–500 kg/m³ | 510–550 kg/m³ | 590–650 kg/m³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~11,000 N/mm² | ~9,500 N/mm² | ~10,000 N/mm² | ~13,000 N/mm² |
| Bending Strength | 50–80 N/mm² | 40–80 N/mm² | 50–80 N/mm² | 80–100 N/mm² |
| Durability Class | 4 (low, untreated) | 2 (high, thermally modified) | 4 (low, untreated) | 3–4 (moderate, untreated) |
| Moisture Content | ~12–18% (kiln dried) | ~4–6% (thermally modified) | ~12–20% (kiln dried) | ~16–18% (air dried) |
| Dimensional Stability | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Workability | Excellent | Good (slightly brittle edges) | Excellent | Good (resinous) |
| Appearance | Pale cream, fine grain | Browned due to treatment, stable tone | Pale yellowish, occasional knots | Golden-red to reddish brown, visible grain |
| Main Uses | Structural framing, joists, studs, interior joinery | Cladding, decking, exterior joinery | General construction, joinery, furniture | Cladding, decking, beams, exterior joinery |
| Treatment Needs | Requires treatment for outdoor use | No additional treatment needed | Requires treatment for outdoor use | Naturally durable (may need treatment to reduce weathering) |
| Typical Lifespan | 15–25 years (treated) | 30+ years | 15–25 years (treated) | 30–50 years untreated external |