Norfolk Island Pine Wood Guide 2026
Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island Pine is a striking tropical conifer native to the small Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. While most commonly known as a decorative houseplant in North America, mature trees on their native island produce a workable softwood used in turning, craft projects, and light construction. The wood has a distinctive symmetrical branch pattern that creates unique knot patterns prized by turners and artisan woodworkers.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 32 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: Norfolk Island (Australia), New Zealand, Hawaii (planted)
- Price: ~$15 per board foot
- Common uses include Turning, craft wood, light furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Uniform medium texture.
Workability: Very easy to work with hand and machine tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Stains and finishes well with moderate effort.
Color change: Very little color change over time.
Insect resistance: Susceptible to most decay and insects.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Norfolk Island Pine. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths usually available from 3 to 10 inches. | Random lengths typically ranging from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths usually available from 3 to 10 inches. | Random lengths typically ranging from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths usually available from 3 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths usually available from 3 to 10 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
Availability notes: Primarily limited to ornamental markets or salvaged stock.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Pale cream to light straw with subtle pinkish tones; minimal heartwood distinction
Grain: Straight grain with distinctive regularly spaced whorl knots from symmetrical branching; medium texture
Common Uses
- Turning
- craft wood
- light furniture
- veneer
- plywood (in native range)
- ornamental plantings
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Star Pine, Triangle Tree, Living Christmas Tree
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 600 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from Norfolk Island (Australia), New Zealand, Hawaii (planted)
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Norfolk Island Pine is unavailable or over budget.
- White Pine380 lbf Janka
- Parana Pine
- Araucaria
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