White Spruce
Picea glauca
Also known as: Canadian Spruce, Skunk Spruce, Cat Spruce
White Spruce is a major commercial softwood of the North American boreal forest, used extensively for pulp and construction. It is also valued for musical instrument soundboards, offering good resonance at a lower cost than Sitka or Norway spruce.
Botanical Profile
Picea glauca is an evergreen conifer native to northern North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland. It typically reaches 15-30 meters in height with a narrow conical crown. The species thrives in cold climates and forms extensive boreal forests.
Physical Properties
Heartwood is cream to pale yellowish-white. Sapwood is similar. Density averages 425 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 380 lbf. Fine, even texture with usually straight grain. Low to moderate shrinkage.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - soft wood
Gluing Advice
Excellent gluing properties
Finishing
Good - takes stain and finish well
Steam Bending
Moderate - can steam bend
Historical Context
White Spruce has been a staple of the North American lumber and pulp industries since the 19th century. It is used for construction lumber, paper production, and as a tonewood alternative to Sitka spruce.
Technical Specs
Cream to pale yellowish-white heartwood; sapwood similar, not clearly demarcated
Sustainable - abundant across boreal North America