WoodwoodSoftwood

Spruce (Sitka)

Exceptional stiffness for its very low weight, which is why it is used for aircraft structures and instrument soundboards. A structural softwood with an unusually high strength-to-weight ratio.

Properties

Family
Wood
Category
wood
Species
Picea sitchensis
Density
0.43 g/cm³ · 430 kg/m³

Applicationswhere spruce (sitka) is normally specified

Aircraft structuresInstrument soundboardsMastsSpars

Practical notes

  • Density is for air-dried stock at about 12% moisture content
  • Best strength-to-weight of the common softwoods
  • Poor decay resistance — protect from moisture

Browse