Common Name(s): Radiata Pine, Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine
Scientific Name: Pinus radiata
Distribution: Native to central and southern coastal California; also widely planted throughout the southern hemisphere
Tree Size: 80-100 ft (24-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 32 lbs/ft3 (515 kg/m3)
Basic Specific Gravity: .41
Janka Hardness: 710 lbf (3,150 N)
Rupture Strength: 11,480 lbf/in2 (79,170 kPa)
Elastic Strength: 1,458,000 lbf/in2 (10,060 MPa)
Crushing Strength: 6,030 lbf/in2 (41.6 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 3.4%, Tangential: 6.7%, Volumetric: 10.7%, T/R Ratio: 2.0


Color/Appearance:
Heartwood is light brown, wide sapwood is a paler yellowish white, and is distinct from the heartwood. Radiata Pine lumber is plantation-grown, and generally has very wide growth rings and is knot-free.

Grain/Texture:
Straight grained with a medium, even texture.

Endgrain:
Medium-large resin canals, very numerous and evenly distributed, mostly solitary; earlywood to latewood transition gradual (with very wide growth rings), color contrast moderate to low; tracheid diameter medium-large.
 
Durability:
The heartwood is rated as non-durable to perishable in regards to decay resistance. The sapwood is readily treated with preservatives and is used in exterior applications.
Workability: Radiata Pine works well with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well.
Scent: Radiata Pine has a faint, resinous odor while being worked.

Safety:
Working with pine has been reported to cause allergic skin reactions and/or asthma in some people. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability:
Radiata Pine is grown almost exclusively on plantations—most notably in Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. Prices should be moderate for an imported lumber, though most likely more expensive than domestic pines/softwoods.

Comments:
In the southern hemisphere, where pines are to a large extent absent, Radiata Pine is the most commonly planted and cultivated pine. It is valued on plantations for its fast growth and utility as both a source of construction lumber as well as wood pulp in the paper industry.
Some common uses for Radiata Pine include: veneer, plywood, pulpwood, boxes/crates, and construction lumber.