Radiata pinet ready & able

ITEW Zealand radiara pine is ll becoming better known in the U.S. as NZ companies name marketing representatives and U.S. co(porations such as International Paper, Weyerhaeuser and Fibrefomr International fomr marketing alliances there.

A general purpose softwood, radiata pine is considered the most important mat€rial for house construction in New Zealand, used in foundations, flooring, wall and roof framing, siding, lining, finishing, exterior and interior joinery and interior fittings as well as fumiture. Comprehensive tials at the New Zealand Forest Research Institute compafe it favorably with North American softwood species. (See cbarts.)

Readily accepting boron salts, CCA, creosote and light organic solvent preservatives, radiata pine lumber treated for ground contact is expected to last at least 30 years, according to New Zealand Forest lndustrie.s Council statistics. In addition, they mainain 'tadiata pine given the correct Eeament can be protected for life - beyond 80 years in some cases."

Availability is one of New Tpaland radiata pine's most important properties. A recent report, "The New Zealand Forestry Sector - An International Prototype for a Sustained Resource Industry," maintains they "can produce about l0Eo of the world's plantation production. New Zealand's planled forest harvest pro- duction is projected to double over the next 15 years to 25 million cubic meters. New Zealand Forest Industries Council has estimated that the country could support 31 additional wodd scale sawmills, four plywood mills and l0 medium density fiberboard mills or two MDF mills and two mechanically based pulp/paper mills.

lGrades & Strength Glasses Gomparison

Story at a Glance

New Zealand radiata pine could be a partial answer to timber shortages production to double in next 15 years compares favorably with U.S. species ... accepts pressure treatment rcadity.