Some Characteristics of Brazilian Pine Affecting Its Use for Millwork

A softwood being imported in large quantities is Brazilian araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia (Bert) 0. Kuntze), commonly known as Parana pine. Lumber of this species has many desirable characteristics and has attracted considerable attention because of its use in general mill work and for specialized purposes, such as in picture frames and venetian blinds. However, a tendency to warp has been reported for some pieces. Warping occurs when some boards are planed, ripped, or resawed. The surface-wise bowing and edgewise crooking result from internal stresses along the grain, commonly caused by inherently smaller shrinkage along the grain of normal wood compared with greater longitudinal shrinkage in the abnormal compression wood. Presence of compression wood has resulted in difficulties in kiln-drying Parana pine. The development of a kiln schedule and characteristics which signify the presence of compression wood are outlined. In general, the compression wood is yellow to brown in color rather than the cream white color of normal sapwood and appears to be denser with wider annual rings.

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