Pine trees could be the most abundant tree species in the world. Using and patronizing pine wood furniture is environmentally sustainable because it does not threaten the extinction of this species. Some companies manufacturing it label themselves as "Carbon Neutral" because they support and maintain tree plantations that help absorb ozone-depleting gases.
Pines are endemic in the northern hemisphere and the tropical regions just above the equator. Nevertheless, some pine trees are found across the border of the southern hemisphere, specifically in Sumatra. Today, pine trees have become an invasive species in the southern hemisphere after massive plantations are established in the Latin America region, in Africa, and down beyond the equator until New Zealand and the Australian continent.
A pine tree could grow as tall as 80 meters (average is 15-45 meters height) and could live in thousands of years. The oldest known standing tree is the Pinus longaeva, popularly known as the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, found in Utah and eastern California. Scientist estimated that one of these trees, codename "Methuselah", is probably 4,700 years old and maybe the longest living creature in the face of the planet today.
Solid pine is high on demand because it could be used in a wide variety of furniture styles. It could be shaped in variety of forms and engraved intricately due to its fine and soft grain. Pinewood needs kiln drying to avoid warping and splitting, a normal tendency when exposed to severe temperature change. It is also a soft wood and thus vulnerable to scratches. That is why pinewood products are varnish-coated or waxed to protect its delicate surface.
Color, texture and grain of pinewood are highly diverse. It is almost impossible to find an exact match of wood color and pattern even if these are taken from two standing trees that grew side by side. As the tree gets older, the color of its wood turns deeper.
