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. For example, the highest specific weight is found in untouched, growing pine. This is because a tree needs a large amount of moisture to grow. At the same time, moisture is both a useful substance and a carrier of other, no less useful, vitamins and minerals. The amount of moisture depends entirely on the pine variety, harvesting season and location. Moisture indicators of “living” pine can vary from 29% to 81%. The lowest value is, accordingly, 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
Can the density of pine be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for pine in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of pine differ from the table?
The actual weight of pine depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of pine from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of pine is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.