Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the largest and most imposing of the three commercially important spruces growing in British Columbia where it is confined to the coastal forest region. A moisture loving tree, it is most abundant in the northern portion of its range, especially on the rain-swept Queen Charlotte Islands. Sitka spruce grows in pure stands or mixed with Douglas fir, Western red cedar and native hardwoods. Rivalling the Douglas fir in size, Sitka spruce is best known for its tall stem which produces considerable amounts of clear, defect-free wood, making it an important source of high grade Clear and Factory timber in large dimensions.

Clear grades of Sitka Spruce are used in fine interior finishing such as sliding screens (Shoji), joinery, mouldings and trim.

High-quality grades are also used for speciality marine applications like masts, spars and deck beams. Also very popular for ladder stock and industrial equipment that need a high strength-to-weight ratio.

BENEFITS OF USING SITKA SPRUCE:

• Most popular use is for the construction of homes and structural lumber
• Excellent for machinists to shape into furniture and panelling
• Fine, straight grain
• Small tight knots
• Pale color makes for excellent finishing uses
• Kiln-dried spruce remains straight even after years of use