Wood is an important natural resource in New Zealand, and the country has a significant forestry industry. New Zealand’s forests are primarily made up of pine trees, which were planted for commercial purposes in the mid-20th century.
The forestry industry contributes significantly to the New Zealand economy, with wood and paper exports valued at over NZD 6 billion in 2020. The industry employs around 20,000 people and is a major source of income for many rural communities.
New Zealand has a sustainable approach to forestry, with strict regulations in place to ensure that forests are managed in an environmentally responsible way. Forests are planted, harvested, and replanted in a continuous cycle, ensuring that the resource is managed for future generations.
In addition to its use in the forestry industry, wood is also used in construction and as a fuel source. Wood-fired boilers and furnaces are commonly used in New Zealand homes and businesses, particularly in rural areas where there may be limited access to other fuel sources.
Buy timber in New Zealand
Timber is an important natural resource in New Zealand, and the forestry industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The New Zealand government has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable forestry management practices to ensure the long-term viability of the industry and protect the environment.
New Zealand has approximately 1.7 million hectares of plantation forest, which produces around 25 million cubic meters of logs each year. Radiata pine is the predominant species of tree grown in New Zealand for timber, and it is well suited to the country’s climate and soil conditions.
The forestry industry in New Zealand is vertically integrated, with companies involved in all stages of the production process, from planting and growing trees to milling and exporting timber products. The industry is a major employer, providing jobs for around 20,000 people across the country.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in using timber as a sustainable and low-carbon building material. New Zealand has been at the forefront of this trend, with a number of innovative timber buildings constructed using engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). The use of timber in construction is seen as a way to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and create a more sustainable built environment.
new zealand timber types
There are several types of timber that are commonly found in New Zealand, including:
- Radiata Pine: This is the most common type of timber in New Zealand and accounts for approximately 90% of all plantation forests. Radiata Pine is a softwood that is easy to work with and is used for a wide range of applications, including construction, furniture, and packaging.
- Douglas Fir: Douglas Fir is a softwood that is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used for construction, including framing, decking, and cladding.
- Macrocarpa: Macrocarpa is a durable softwood that is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and panelling. It has a distinctive grain pattern and a warm, reddish-brown colour.
- Totara: Totara is a hardwood that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. It is commonly used for outdoor applications such as decking, fencing, and retaining walls.
- Rimu: Rimu is a hardwood that is prized for its rich, reddish-brown colour and distinctive grain pattern. It is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and decorative panelling.
- Kauri: Kauri is a slow-growing hardwood that is highly valued for its strength and durability. It has a golden-yellow colour and a distinctive grain pattern. Kauri was once widespread throughout New Zealand but is now rare and protected. It is used for high-end furniture, flooring, and decorative panelling.
lumber in new zealand
Lumber, also known as timber, is an important product of the forestry industry in New Zealand. The country produces a significant amount of lumber, which is used for a wide range of applications both domestically and internationally.
The most commonly produced lumber in New Zealand is radiata pine, which accounts for around 90% of the country’s plantation forests. Radiata pine is a softwood that is easy to work with and is used for a wide range of applications, including construction, furniture, and packaging.
Other types of lumber produced in New Zealand include Douglas fir, macrocarpa, totara, rimu, and kauri. These woods are typically harder and more durable than radiata pine and are used for applications where strength and durability are important, such as in construction, furniture, and outdoor structures.
New Zealand’s lumber industry is vertically integrated, with companies involved in all stages of the production process, from planting and growing trees to milling and exporting timber products. The industry is a major employer, providing jobs for around 20,000 people across the country.
timber sizes new zealand
The standard sizes of timber in New Zealand are defined by the New Zealand Building Code and are based on the metric system. The most commonly used sizes for construction purposes are:
- 90mm x 45mm: This is a common size for timber framing, such as for walls and roofs.
- 140mm x 45mm: This is a common size for larger timber framing, such as for floor joists.
- 190mm x 45mm: This is a common size for larger timber framing, such as for floor joists and beams.
- 240mm x 45mm: This is a common size for larger timber framing, such as for roof beams and lintels.
290mm x 45mm: This is a common size for larger timber framing, such as for roof beams and lintels.
These sizes are available in both rough sawn and dressed (smooth) finishes. Other sizes and dimensions of timber are also available for specific applications, such as for flooring, decking, and fencing. It is important to consult with a professional to determine the appropriate size and type of timber for your specific project.
Is New Zealand wood good?
New Zealand wood is generally of good quality, particularly the radiata pine species that is commonly grown in the country’s plantations. Radiata pine is a fast-growing softwood that is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including construction, furniture, and paper production.
The New Zealand forestry industry has invested heavily in research and development to improve the quality and consistency of its wood products. As a result, New Zealand wood is often sought after for its high quality and reliability.
In addition, New Zealand has a sustainable approach to forestry, which means that wood products are produced in an environmentally responsible way. Forests are carefully managed and harvested to ensure that the resource is preserved for future generations.
Overall, New Zealand wood is considered to be of good quality, and the country’s forestry industry is highly regarded for its sustainable practices and commitment to producing high-quality wood products.
