Macrocarpa Specifications

Please refer to our macrocarpa products page for a list of the macrocarpa we specialise in.

Cupressus Macrocarpa
Family : Cupressaceae
Country of Origin : United States of America
Wood Type : Softwood

Macrocarpa's natural habitat is limited to the peninsular of Point Lobos, near Monterey, in Southern California, also the home of Radiata Pine. It was introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s and was planted mainly as shelter belts but occasionally as plantations.

The timber is a low to medium density softwood (485 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content) and has a large amount of heartwood which is a golden-brown honey colour. Macrocarpa is a moderately stiff, strong timber similar to New Zealand-grown Douglas Fir; it is a difficult timber to kiln dry with cell collapse and internal checking the main problems.

Macrocarpa clears are very similar to Kauri in character, and machines and turns well owing to its fine texture.

Durability

Macrocarpa is one of the most naturally durable exotic softwoods grown in New Zealand, and is resistant to insect and borer attack in its sawn form.

Its heartwood is rated moderately durable, which means a 50x50 stake will last 10-15 years in the ground. Larger sections will last considerably longer. Outside and above the ground macrocarpa is equivalent to H3 pine in durability. Inside where the timber is not subject to the elements, it will last virtually indefinitely.

Macrocarpa, when dry, will accept a variety of paints, oils, two pot resins, and varnishes.

Technical Details of Macrocarpa

Density	485 kg\m3 at 12% moisture content (medium density softwood)
Shrinkage from green to 12% moisture content	Tangential Direction	3.3%
	Radial Direction	1.6%
Strength at 12% moisture content	Modulus of Rupture	74 MPa
	Modulus of Elasticity	7.9 GPa

End Uses for Macrocarpa

Macrocarpa is a suitable timber for:

• Pergolas
• Landscaping
• Exposed rafters and beams
• T & G panelling and sarking
• Flooring overlays
• Feature gates and fencing
• Slabs for kitchens & bar tops
• Shop fittings signs tables
• Boat building
• Cabinet making
• Wood turning and carving
• Fence battens
• Stairways and balustrades
• Laminating
• Picture framing
• Tree stakes

Please refer to our macrocarpa products page for a list of the macrocarpa we specialise in.