Norra Timber: Pine set for a larger role in the future of construction

Spruce has long been the default choice in the Swedish construction sector. However, interest in pine as a structural timber is now growing – both within the sawmill industry and among construction stakeholders. According to Norra Timber, this shift is about broadening the perception of which timber species can be used in construction and creating greater flexibility at a time when raw material availability is changing.

– It is the strength class that determines performance, not the species itself. Properly graded and strength-classified pine performs just as well as spruce in structural applications, says Erik Högbom, Sales Director for Building Products at Norra Timber.

The industry body Svenskt Trä has also highlighted that pine has significant untapped potential in construction, and several Swedish sawmills are now expanding their product portfolios with pine-based structural products.

Same strength – more options

In Sweden, spruce has traditionally dominated structural timber applications, largely due to convention. However, when timber is graded to strength classes such as C24, both pine and spruce meet the same technical requirements for load-bearing structures. Both species are already used in applications ranging from roof trusses to floor joists.

– Spruce has become the norm more out of habit than technical necessity. By also using pine, the construction industry gains access to equivalent alternatives and a broader supply base, says Erik Högbom.

For builders’ merchants and contractors, this means greater flexibility to plan projects based on availability and demand, rather than relying on a single species.

– We are seeing a clear increase in demand for pine studs. Many customers value the ability to choose between equivalent options, strengthening both supply security and competitiveness in their projects, he adds.

Changing raw material balance driving the shift

This development is also driven by changes in raw material availability. In recent years, spruce supply has been affected by factors such as bark beetle infestations, storm damage and strong demand across Europe, while the availability of pine has increased. As a result, more stakeholders are reassessing how different timber species are utilised.

A broader use of pine can also contribute to more efficient resource utilisation across both forestry and the wood processing industry.

– When both pine and spruce are used in structural applications, we make better use of the forest resource and strengthen the long-term availability of structural timber, says Erik Högbom.

Modern production reshaping perceptions of pine

According to Norra Timber, advances in sawmilling technology, kiln drying and grading processes have also played a key role in changing perceptions of pine as a structural material. Modern quality control systems now deliver a more consistent and predictable product than in the past.

– A lot has changed over the past decade. With today’s production methods and quality control, pine studs are a highly consistent, high-performance product – making pine just as suitable as spruce for structural use, says Erik Högbom.