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Austrian Spruce Softwood

The timber of this species is flexible and durable. Its relative lightness, long length and straightness make it ideal for wooden ladders, oars, roofing timbers and paper pulp. Construction grades are commonly used for non-structural applications such as flooring and cladding, inexpensive furniture, joinery and general carpentry. Top-grade Austria spruce is a premium tonewood prized by luthiers for its acoustic properties; it is a timber of choice for acoustic guitar soundboards.

Appearance

The sapwood of this species is white to pale yellow in colour; the heartwood is brown to reddish brown. Growth rings are prominently marked by the darker, denser summerwood. The texture of Austria spruce is relatively fine, and its grain typically straight.

Common Applications

The timber of this species is flexible and durable. Its relative lightness, long length and straightness make it ideal for telegraph poles, wooden ladders, oars, roofing timbers and paper pulp. Construction grades are commonly used for non-structural applications such as flooring and cladding, inexpensive furniture, joinery and general carpentry. Top-grade Austria spruce is a premium tonewood prized by luthiers for its acoustic properties; it is a timber of choice for acoustic guitar soundboards.

Workability

Austria spruce is easy to work, except for the small tight knots that quickly dull tool edges. The timber glues satisfactorily using standard bonding procedures. However, it can give poor results when being stained due to its closed-pore structure. A sanding sealer, gel stain or toner is recommended when colouring Austria spruce. It is a resinous timber, and its sawdust is reported to cause skin irritation and respiratory problems among some users.