Norfolk Island Pine

Specs

Common Names

Norfolk Island pine

Scientific Name

Araucaria heterophylla

Origin

Endemic to Norfolk Island (also planted as an ornamental tree)

Appearance

Heartwood is light brown, sometimes with a yellow or red hue. Paler sapwood isn’t clearly defined. Sometimes afflicted with blue/gray fungal staining, particularly if not dried properly. (In certain applications this staining is considered decorative, particularly when the wood also features contrasting reddish knots.) Grain is usually straight, with a fine to medium uniform texture. Moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

31 lbs/ft3 (495 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

650 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

11,730 lbf/in2 (80.9 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,723,000 lbf/in2 (11.89 GPa)

Crushing Strength

6,420 lbf/in2 (44.3 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 3.5%, Tangential: 5.3%

Workability

Clear sections of wood are easy to work with hand and machine tools. Sections with knots can be problematic and result in tearout or uneven sanding due to the difference in density of the two regions. Glues, finishes, and turns well.