HONDURAS PITCH PINE: B
An ideal softwood for both interior and exterior applications which is available in good specifications.

Production: S/E.

Pinus palustris/rigida
Family: Pinaceae

Other names: Gulf Coast Pitch Pine, Longleaf Pitch Pine (UK).

Distribution: Plantation grown in Honduras.

General Description: The heartwood is orange to reddish-brown in colour and resinous. The growth rings are clearly marked by the contrast between the light earlywood and darker, more dense latewood, giving a coarse texture, especially in rapid grown timber. The weight varies between 660 and 690 kg/m3 (41 - 43lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.67.

Mechanical properties: Honduras Pitch Pine has identical strength properties to Douglas fir. Not suitable for steam bending due to its resin content.

Seasoning: Dries well with little degrade, and small movement in service.

Working properties: The timber has a moderate resistance to cutting edges with machine and hand tools and finishes cleanly. However, the resin can be troublesome in clogging cutters and sawteeth, the use of saws with a long pitch reduces this effect. The timber holds nails and screws firmly and it can be glued without difficulty. Paint and other finishing treatments are fairly satisfactory.

Durability: The timber is moderately durable, and it is susceptible to insect damage. The heartwood is resistant to preservation treatment, but the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: Heavy construction work, lorry and railway wagons, shipbuilding, spars, masts, exterior finish, flooring, dock work, decking etc. Lower density grades are used for joinery, light construction, boxes, crates, pallets etc.

Grade: “Prime Genoas” where heart is required, “Saps” for other clear grade stock.Specification: Square edge; 8ft and longer, average 12ft or better up to 20ft. 6ins and wider, normally in 2ins multiples up to 12 ins wide. Baulks sawn to size up to 20ins x 20ins and 35ft long.

Stockholding: Available to order only. Normally 8/12 weeks from order.