Cedar lumber collection
Closest Kingma softwood/outdoor path when an exact listing is not available.
View optionBlack Spruce Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species
Black Spruce is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific namePicea mariana
Janka hardness520 lbf
Average dried weight28 lb/ft³
Best fitCrates
Overview
Why choose Black Spruce?
Black Spruce is a softwood lumber species. Found in northern North America. Used for crates, millwork, construction lumber and pulpwood for paper.
Scientific namePicea mariana
DistributionFound in northern North America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.1%, Tangential: 6.8%, Volumetric: 11.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityThe heartwood is rated as slightly resistant down to non-resistant against decay.
Black Spruce colour, grain, and figure
Black Spruce is typically creamy white, with a slight yellow tint.
The texture is fine and even, and the grain is consistently straight.
Working notes
Without knots it is easy to work. It takes glue and finish well, but stain can go on poorly (blotchy and uneven) because of the closed pores.
Picea species have been reported as sensitizers, though serious reactions are rare.
Black Spruce should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Black Spruce
Best projects
Used for crates, millwork, construction lumber and pulpwood for paper.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Black Spruce from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
White Oak lumber collection
A harder outdoor-aware hardwood alternative when the project calls for durability rather than softwood character.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Black Spruce FAQ
What is Black Spruce best used for?
Used for crates, millwork, construction lumber and pulpwood for paper. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Black Spruce beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Black Spruce?
The buying section on this page links to any Black Spruce Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.