Properties of Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce (Picea Sitchensis) is a coastal British Columbia (BC) species and the largest of the spruce species indigenous to BC.  It grows in pure stands or in forests mixed with Douglas fir and Western red cedar. 

Sitka spruce has been used in building airplane and boat framework because, although the wood is light in weight and color, it is stronger than steel pound for pound.

The wood varies in color from yellowish-white to pale silvery brown with a hint of red.  The annual rings show very little difference in color between spring and summerwood giving it a very soft and attractive appearance.  It has long fibers, even grain, uniform texture, and high quality.  Even though the wood is relatively light (about 27 lbs per cubic foot) and fairly soft, it is stronger, tougher and remarkably more resilient than other woods of similar weight. A lot of the logs cut from Sitka spruce are free of knots and result in a high percentage of clear grades used in specialty marine applications such as masts, spares, and deck beams. 

Its clear grain and softness makes it desirable for use on interior trimmings such as moldings and joinery.  It machines and planes well, holds fasteners securely, has good gluing properties, and takes paint and stain finishes very well.  Once seasoned, Sitka spruce does not warp or twist.  The excellent acoustical properties created by the long fibers make it a popular choice of musical instruments such as pianos, guitars and violins.

Sitka spruce is one of the largest trees found in BC, ranging from 8 – 10 feet (2.4 – 3m) in diameter and up to 180 feet (55m) tall.  The tree trunk is primarily only slightly tapered and clear of branches for 40 – 80 feet.  As a result, it is a tree that yields a lot of clear high-grade lumber in logs cut from the lower parts of the trunk.

The wood occasionally contains resin pockets and seams but it is still considered a specialty wood suitable for most building needs.  It is favored over all other woods for airplane construction, sounding boards, and is the choice of many a craftsman when selecting wood for more exacting items such as oars, paddles, and kitchen cabinets.  It is both odorless and tasteless.

Historically, Canadian aboriginal people used the roots from Sitka spruce for making water-tight hats, baskets, ropes, and vines.  Young shoots were used as a source of vitamin C, and softened pitch was used to waterproof boats, fishing gear, and also as an effective medicine for burns and other skin ailments.