Timber specific weight: weight of 1 m³ and table
For this article, we will take pine timber and use it to show an example of calculating the specific weight of pine timber.
It should be noted immediately: two absolutely identical beams by weight do not exist even with identical dimensions, so averaged values are used in calculations. The specific weight of one cubic meter of freshly cut and processed timber is about 830-860 kg. Timber weight strongly depends on moisture level, so wood species and actual material moisture must be considered to refine calculations.
For example, dry pine timber weighs about 500 kg/m³, while raw timber weighs about 830 kg/m³.
The table shows popular sections such as the weight of 100x100 timber and 200x200 timber.
| Material | Specific weight (kg/m³) | Specific weight (t/m³) | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | 860 | 0.86 | 860 |
| Timber size, mm | Specific weight of one beam, kg |
|---|---|
| 200x200x6000 | 209.7 |
| 200x150x6000 | 156.3 |
| 200x100x6000 | 103.6 |
| 150x100x6000 | 77.47 |
| 100x100x6000 | 51.8 |
Timber Specific Weight Calculations
To calculate the weight of one beam, first determine how many timber pieces fit in one cubic meter. Then use the formula: weight of 1 m³ of timber / number of timber pieces in 1 m³ = weight of one beam.
Timber Density
Density is the mass of material per unit volume, in this case kg/m³. Timber density directly depends on its moisture content. For freshly cut and just processed timber, approximate density is about 830 kg/m³.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of timber weigh?
For dry pine timber, a common reference value is about 500 kg/m³, while freshly cut or wet timber is often about 830-860 kg/m³. The exact value depends on wood species and moisture content.
Why can timber of the same size weigh differently?
The main reason is moisture content. Wood species, annual-ring density, knots and actual dimensions after sawing and drying also matter.
How do you calculate the weight of one timber piece?
Multiply the volume of one piece by the accepted density. For example, 100x100x6000 mm timber has a volume of 0.06 m³, so at 860 kg/m³ it weighs about 51.6 kg.