Handling & safety. Wood dust may irritate; typical precautions
Properties
| Latin name | Picea glauca |
|---|---|
| Species type | Softwood |
| Origin | Boreal North America (Alaska to Newfoundland; south into northern US mountains) |
| Density | 450 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | 1,200 N |
| Modulus of rupture | 37.2 MPa |
| Elastic modulus | 6.8 GPa |
| Crushing strength | 16.4 MPa |
| Specific gravity | 0.41 |
| Porosity | Non-porous (softwood) |
| Tangential shrinkage | 7.2% |
| Radial shrinkage | 3.8% |
| Volumetric shrinkage | 11% |
| T/R ratio | 1.9 |
| Durability (EN 350) | Class 5 |
Density and mechanical properties are typical values at around 12% moisture content. Shrinkage figures represent total dimensional change from fibre saturation to oven dry. Individual boards vary.
Description
Anatomy
- Porosity: Non-porous
- Vessel Arrangement: N/A (softwood)
- Vessel Description: N/A (softwood)
- Parenchyma: Low; typical softwood structure
- Rays: Fine rays typical of spruces
Durability
- Durability Class: Class 5 — Perishable
Slightly resistant to non-resistant; treat for exterior use
Odor
No characteristic odor (needles can have odor when crushed; lumber typically mild)
Uses & Availability
Common Uses
Construction lumber, studs/joists, pulp/paper, millwork, soundboards (selected stock)
Pricing & Availability
Widely available as dimension lumber (often in SPF mixes); generally economical
Conservation
- CITES Status: Unlisted
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
Lookalikes & Substitutes
Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, Norway spruce, SPF mixes
Additional Sources
The Wood Database; USDA species accounts; Forest Products Laboratory references; MatWeb (summary values)
Working the timber
Easy to work; can splinter; sharp tools recommended; stains can blotch—use conditioner/sealer
Finishing & gluing
Paints well; for stains, use pre-conditioner/gel stains for even color
Generally glues well