The availability of radiata pine as a sustainable and renewable species makes it the smart and attractive choice for furniture and components.
Comparative tests undertaken by Forest Research (FR) in conjunction with universities in North America and England, have shown conclusively that radiata pine machining properties (e.g. planing, sanding, moulding, turning) compare very favourably with those of most internationally traded softwoods.
In addition it performs well in gluing and finger-jointing because of the even density within growth rings, good permeability and low extractives content.
The full range of interior and exterior stains and oils can be applied to enhance the wood finish, and this can be followed by a clear finish. The absence of high concentrations of extractives prevents any incompatibility with finishes and eliminates the need for special primers.
Furniture Design
The performance and characteristics and wood properties of radiata pine combine to provide a raw material easily adaptable to most furniture styles. Designers and manufacturers accept that its good technical properties and ease of finishing in natural or enhanced colours provide enormous flexibility in creating furniture styles. As a result opportunities for furniture made from radiata pine sawn timber are increasing.
Components
In addition to manufactured furniture, the demand for components either partly processed or fully processed is increasing. These are all kil n dried in new Zealand and protected against moisture pick-up and in-transit damage.
A very large range of products includes blanks, edge glued panels, clear and finger-jointed cutstock for further remanufature, and mouldings, stair parts, door and window parts, and furniture components for assembly.