Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Zealand pine’s strength properties?

New Zealand pine’s strength and stiffness properties generally cover the range of commonly used structural softwoods.

Comparison of Strength Properties

SPECIES	SPECIFIC GRAVITY	MODULUS: RUPTURE (KG/CM²)	MODULUS: ELASTICITY (KG/CM²)	COMPRESSION STRENGTH (KG/CM²)	SHEAR STRENGTH (KG/CM²)
New Zealand Pine (high density sites)	0.50	1000	117 000	440	115
Englemann spruce	0.35	650	91 000	310	85
Siberian larch	0.48	950	128 000	500	100
Douglas fir (coast)	0.48	870	137 000	520	80
Douglas fir (interior north)	0.48	920	125 000	490	106
Douglas fir (south)	0.46	840	105 000	440	106
Lauan	–	800	114 000	410	86

Source: New Zealand Forest Research Institute

Is McAlpines’ timber cut from plantation forests?

Yes. New Zealand is a world leader in plantation forest management and the pine estate is managed on a sustained yield basis.

What are the machining properties of New Zealand pine?

The superior machining properties and its ease of moulding, turning, planing, joining and furniture manufacture are strong features of New Zealand pine.Comprehensive trials conducted at NZFRI, in the United Kingdom and by the University of California have shown that New Zealand pine compares very favourably with softwood species commonly used in Europe, North America and Asia for higher value products.

Comparison of Machining Properties

	Turning	Shaping	Sanding	Planing & Moulding	Gluing	Cross cutting	Dimensional stability
New Zealand pine (McAlpines)	3.9	4.4	4.2	4.8	4.1	3.8	4.1
Nyatoh	3.4	4.3	4.3	4.6	3.8	2.6	3.7
Rubberwood	4.2	4.2	4.5	3.7	5.3	3.1	4.0
Ramin	4.3	4.7	4.6	4.6	3.7	2.9	2.5
Merkus pine	–	4.6	4.4	4.5	4.4	4	4.0
Jelutong	4.4	4.8	4.4	4.8	2.5	4	3.8
White Seraya	3.7	3.8	3.3	4.4	3.1	2.2	3.9

Source: New Zealand Forest Research Institute

Does McAlpines kiln dry its timber?

Yes. Both McAlpines sites hold a “NZ Dri Licencee”. We take price in producing high quality, stress free, consistently dried, New Zealand Pine. We have eight high temperature kilns across the two sites and can dry all our production.

Does McAlpines preservative treat our timber?

When timber is tantalised it is resistant to fungal degrade and insect attack. New Zealand pine’s sapwood is extremely permeable to preservatives, permitting total penetration rarely achieved with other softwood species. McAlpines uses Tanalith CCA in H3 (exposed to weather) and H4 (ground contact/landscaping). Products include post, palings, decking, framing etc.

Does McAlpines use anti-sapstain/ bluestain treatment?

Yes. McAlpines uses Hylite Clear (liquid fungicide and anti-sapstain).

Is New Zealand pine easy to stain?

Our pine is an extremely versatile wood and and readily accepts the many stains that are available with extremely good penetration and consistency.

How is the timber transported?

McAlpines’ domestic timber is transported through out New Zealand in full truck and trailer loads (FTL). The majority of McAlpines’ export timber is shipped in 40-ft containers and the balance is shipped break-bulk. Transit times range from 1-4 weeks.

How many m³ fill a 40 ft container?

Approximately 38 – 42m³, depending on dimensions and lengths required.

What lengths does McAlpines supply?

McAlpines supplies domestic timber in select length packets ranging from 3.6 to 6.0 m dependent on the product. McAlpines supplies export timber in random length packets from 2.4 to 6.0 m (heavy 4.2 – 6.0 unless agreed otherwise).

What size timber does McAlpines produce?

Standard thickness produced is 50mm and arising from this McAlpines produces 25 and 40 mm. The widths vary between grades. Please refer to our McAlpines’ products page.

What are McAlpines’ general terms of payment?

Irrevocable letter of credit payable on sight of documents or TT payment prior to shipment in US dollars.

Can McAlpines dress or gauge its timber?

Yes. We produce a range of timbers with different finished, including dressed 4 sides, tongue and groove, decking, rougher headed and gauged structural framing.

How much timber does McAlpines export?

Over 25% of our production is exported to countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan. We also supply treated construction products for the resort construction market in South East Asia and the Indian Ocean.