Norfolk Island Pine
Scientific name: Araucaria heterophylla
Overview
Norfolk Island Pine is a distinctive Pacific conifer species native to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Widely recognized for its symmetrical growth form and ornamental appearance, the species is also valued for its workable timber and historical maritime significance.
The wood is typically pale cream to light yellow brown with a straight grain and fine uniform texture. Norfolk Island Pine is relatively lightweight and easy to work, making it suitable for interior woodworking, cabinetry, carving, and general utility applications.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood and timber cluster, Norfolk Island Pine represents one of the most recognizable Pacific conifer species and an important member of the Araucaria group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Norfolk Island Pine
- Scientific Name: Araucaria heterophylla
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Norfolk Island & South Pacific)
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–8 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 30 lbs/ft³ (480 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 380 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light yellow brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Norfolk Island Pine is identified by its pale coloration, straight grain, and smooth uniform texture. The wood generally displays a clean and consistent appearance with minimal visible figure.
Finished surfaces often develop a soft natural luster and refined appearance suitable for interior woodworking applications.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to light yellow coloration
- Straight grain structure
- Fine and even texture
- Lightweight feel
- Clean and uniform appearance
- Minimal visible figure
- Smooth finished surfaces
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Norfolk Island Pine is considered easy to work and performs well in lightweight woodworking and decorative applications. The species machines cleanly and finishes smoothly.
- Machines easily with sharp tools
- Good carving and turning properties
- Accepts stains and finishes effectively
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Good gluing performance
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Lightweight and easy to shape
- Suitable for interior woodworking applications
Safety Note
Wood dust from Norfolk Island Pine may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Norfolk Island Pine common uses including:
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Furniture
- Wood carving
- Turned objects
- Boat interiors
- Decorative woodworking
- Paneling
- Craft woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Norfolk Island Pine has long been associated with maritime history throughout the Pacific region. Early European explorers recognized the species for its tall straight trunks and considered it a potential source of ship masts.
Today, the species is more widely recognized as an ornamental tree planted throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Commercial lumber production remains relatively limited compared to major plantation softwoods, though the species continues to be valued for specialty woodworking and regional applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
New Zealand Kauri – A historically important Pacific conifer valued for large size, workability, and architectural use.
Pacific Kauri – Another Araucaria-related Pacific region conifer recognized for utility and construction applications.
Kahikatea – A lightweight New Zealand conifer valued for interior woodworking and clean uniform appearance.
Related Guides
Wood Families & Trade Groups
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Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained
Understand the structural and botanical differences between hardwood and softwood species used in woodworking.
Labeling and Cataloging Wood
Learn how collectors organize, identify, and document wood samples within a growing collection.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Norfolk Island Pine samples are appreciated for their historical significance, pale coloration, and connection to Pacific maritime history. Well-prepared samples typically display clean straight grain and smooth fine texture.
The species is especially important within Pacific conifer collections because of its iconic status throughout Oceania and its relationship to other Araucaria species.
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Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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• 80-Piece Threaded Insert Nuts and Furniture Screw Set for creating strong, reusable threaded connections in woodworking, furniture building, and shop projects
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• Power Tool Organizer with Charging Station for organizing cordless drills, batteries, chargers, and other power tools while keeping your workshop neat and efficient
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