What is macrocarpa timber?

Macrocarpa is a well known decorative softwood timber which is very popular in New Zealand. The appearance is similar to Kauri and quartersawn material has a speckled appearance. The heartwood is golden-brown in colour, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. When freshly cut, macrocarpa has a fragrant spicy odour.

Do you need to treat macrocarpa?

When used outdoors, it is recommended that you choose macrocarpa heartwood (the inner bit) – the sapwood (the living, outer part), needs to be treated to keep insects at bay treatment and cannot be treated for decay.

Is macrocarpa a good wood?

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 50×50 stake will last 10-15 years in the ground. Larger sections will last considerably longer.

Are macrocarpa trees native to NZ?

Large spreading macrocarpas (Cupressus macrocarpa) are a common sight in rural New Zealand, usually growing alongside homesteads and farm buildings. Macrocarpa (also known as Monterey cypress) was brought to New Zealand in the 1860s, and planted for shelter.

Is macrocarpa better than pine?

It’s denser than ordinary pine and contains more resin, so it burns for longer and puts out more heat. Medium-density woods like macrocarpa burn a bit slower and contain more energy. If you have an open fire, avoid macrocarpa as it’s prone to sparking.

What is the best firewood in NZ?

Gum (hardwood) is the best; it’s usually the most expensive and it’s harder. Pine (softwood), means you’re forever topping up the fire – what you save in money you pay for in time and inconvenience. Macrocarpa (softwood) burns for longer than pine but shorter than gum.

Can macrocarpa go in the ground?

Macrocarpa has for many years been used in ground for pergolas, fence posts, garden beds… and has proven to last.

How do you identify macrocarpa wood?

Macrocarpa has yellow-brown heartwood colour, darker in old trees, sapwood 40-50mm, is paler coloured. Air-dry density 475-485 kgm-3, wood is soft with a fragrant, spicy odour. Sapwood colour: pale yellow-brown and little different from the yellow-brown heartwood although wood from old trees tends to be darker.

Is macrocarpa poisonous to humans?

The most poisonous members of the family include the Cupressaceae/Cypress (which includes C. macrocarpa, commonly found in NZ), Pinaceae/Pines and Taxaceae/Yew.

How long will macrocarpa last in the ground?

Under testing macrocarpa has a similar durability to H3. 1 treated pine, in its natural form. It is extremely durable and strong. Untreated macrocarpa, in contact with soil should last between 4-8 years but this can vary due to the nature of environmental factors out of our control.

What is the best firewood to burn in New Zealand?

  • Macrocarpa. Macrocarpa is a low to medium density wood.
  • Douglas Fir. Douglas Fir is a recommended good all round wood.
  • Eucalyptus Species. All of these make extremely good firewood as the wood is so dense that is has prolonged burning time, and high heat out-put.
  • Wattle.
  • Beech.
  • Manuka / kanuka.
  • Radiata Pine.

What is the best firewood to buy?

Hardwoods like oaks, beech, hickory and ash are among the best woods to use as firewood. They last a long time, although they may be harder to ignite than softwoods. If you’re cooking foods over a fire, try using maple, cherry or other fruitwoods to add flavor.

What kind of timber do you use at macrocarpa?

If you are looking for premium quality Macrocarpa timber, whether it be air-dried timber, green sawn timber, slabs, sleepers or firewood., you have come to the right place. At Macrocarpa Supplies we are committed to supplying superior quality Macrocarpa to our customers throughout Canterbury.

Is there a cypress sawmill in New Zealand?

Cypress Sawmill has been supplying New Zealand with expertly milled macrocarpa timber from our mill just north of Auckland since its establishment over 45 years ago. Along with our flagship timber, macrocarpa, we also mill and supply other timbers such as pine and eucalyptus into a variety of end products.

Who are the lumber processors in New Zealand?

A New Zealand based company Lumber Processors Pahiatua Macrocarpa and Pine specialists. Lumber Processors is a NZ family owned company supplying timber to the local market for nearly 50 years.

What kind of timber does New Zealand use?

We are licensed to mill New Zealand’s indigenous, native timber, including kauri, rimu, totara, macropara, pine and more. Our sawmill can recut and machine your existing timber to a smaller size.