Trade Names
Spruce
Similar Woods
Fir
Origin
Central Europe
Range
Widespread over Central, Northern and Northeastern Europe above latitude 69 °, north of the Pyrenees to Russia and Scandinavia.
Uses
Without a doubt Spruce is one of the most exploited woods and is used for all interior and exterior purposes. Used as engineering, construction and mining wood and in joineries, as well as for overhead line masts and in the production of plywood. Spruce is mainly used in the furniture and door sectors of the veneer industry (country-style furniture of rustic design). Pitch pockets and heart streaks are a problem when slicing.
Properties
It is hard to differentiate between the sapwood and the heartwood. There is no heart coloring. The wood is of a light yellowish color and often almost white without particular markings. Annual rings, however, are very distinct due to the difference between the light early and dark late wood. Spruce is very susceptible to insect attack. The wood is soft and very light-weight.
Machining
Working by hand or machine presents no problem. To get planed surfaces very smooth they must be sanded.
Seasoning
Spruce can be dried easily and quickly without any checking or warping. However, the latter can occur if the wood is stored too long.
Finishing
Surface treatment gives good results with all usual finishes but the resin should be removed first in order not to endanger the acceptance of the surface finish.
Jointing
Glue, screw and nail joints can easily be made and hold well.