Bulk and specific weight of 1 m³ of pine depending on its moisture content
In construction work involving lumber from coniferous trees, correct calculations of the specific weight of pine wood are very important. Unlike many other building materials, this variety does not have a single specific weight, which somewhat complicates the selection process. The reason is that pine wood, like any wood, is a natural porous material. Accordingly, the specific weight of pine changes depending on the pine grade and the percentage of moisture content.
As stated above, the main parameter affecting the bulk weight of pine is moisture content. The highest value is usually found in fresh, still-growing wood because water participates in sap movement and transports dissolved nutrients. The amount of moisture depends on pine species and grade, harvesting season, growing conditions and subsequent drying. Moisture indicators of “living” pine can vary from 29% to 81%. The lowest value is found in dried pine, since its moisture content in this state tends toward zero.
Table of the weight of 1 m³ of pine depending on its moisture content.
It is very difficult to determine the percentage of moisture using improvised means. Yet this is a very important indicator for determining such a parameter as the specific weight of a cubic meter of pine. Usually, these procedures are carried out in specialized technological laboratories.
The easiest way when buying the material is to clarify the moisture content with the manufacturer. After that, using the table below, you can find the weight of a cubic meter of pine at moisture content from 1% to 100% and the density of the material:
| Pine moisture percentage | Specific weight (kg/m³) | Density (g/cm³) |
| Standard, from 10 to 12 % | 500 - 505 | 0.5 - 0.505 |
| 1 - 5 % | 480 | 0.48 |
| 12 % | 505 | 0.505 |
| 15 % | 510 | 0.51 |
| 20 % | 520 | 0.52 |
| 25 % | 540 | 0.54 |
| 30 % | 550 | 0.55 |
| 40 % | 590 | 0.59 |
| 50 % | 640 | 0.64 |
| 60 % | 680 | 0.68 |
| 70 % | 720 | 0.72 |
| 78 - 90 % | 750 - 820 | 0.75 - 0.82 |
| 80 % | 760 | 0.76 |
| 100 % | 850 | 0.85 |
Practical significance and importance.
Among coniferous building materials, moist, air-dried, dry and green pine are valued. However, these terms do not provide a definite exact moisture value, so it is extremely important to know precise figures. For example, requirements for the use of air-dried pine are not defined by legislative acts. However, when performing certain types of work, GOST standards establish moisture norms, for example:
- when manufacturing structures and products intended for placement in an open area, wood with moisture content from 11 to 14% is used;
- for manufacturing residential-type structures and products, wood with moisture content from 8 to 10% is used;
- for parquet - wood with moisture content from 6 to 8%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of pine weigh?
At a standard moisture content of 10-12%, 1 m³ of pine weighs about 500-505 kg. Dry pine is lighter, while at high moisture content the weight can rise to about 750-850 kg/m³.
Why does pine weight depend on moisture content?
Wood has a porous structure and absorbs water. The more moisture is held in the cells and pores, the greater the mass of the same volume of pine lumber.
What does 100% wood moisture content mean?
Wood moisture content is calculated as the ratio of water mass to oven-dry wood mass. So 100% moisture content does not mean the whole volume is water; it means the water mass is roughly equal to the dry wood substance mass.