Swiss stone pine No. 42

(Pinus cembra)
50 x 160 x 160 mm

Wood defects: knots, rounded edge, missing part in the surface

The photos shown are authentic
The wood is intended for further processing, so some edges may not be exactly perpendicular to each other, or planes parallel to each other.
The stated dimensions are minimal, they can be slightly larger.

Description

Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), widely known as Zirbe in Alpine countries, is a high-altitude pine species native to the Alps and Carpathian Mountains. It grows slowly in harsh mountain conditions and can reach a very old age.

Swiss stone pine wood is lightweight, soft and very easy to work. It has a light to yellowish colour with warmer tones in the heartwood, while prominent knots often contribute to its characteristic appearance. One of its most distinctive features is its pleasant, long-lasting aromatic scent, associated with the resins and aromatic compounds naturally present in the wood.

Thanks to its excellent workability, Swiss stone pine is suitable for woodturning, carving and making small decorative and functional objects. Smaller pieces can be used for wooden jewellery, pendants, figurines, small bowls and boxes, aromatic decorations, ornamental elements and many other small craft projects.

Brief characteristics

• Botanical name: Pinus cembrar
• English name: Swiss stone pine
• Other names: Zirbe, Swiss pine
• Distribution: Alps and Carpathian Mountains
• Colour: light to yellowish, with warmer tones in the heartwood
• Hardness: soft wood
• Weight: lightweight wood
• Workability: very good
• Characteristic features: easy to work, prominent knots, distinctive aromatic scent

Queen of the Alps – Zirbe

Swiss stone pine is inseparably associated with the Alpine landscape. Known as Zirbe, it has a long tradition in Alpine countries and, thanks to its ability to withstand harsh mountain conditions and its longevity, is often referred to as the “Queen of the Alps.” Its wood has been used for centuries for carving, furniture making, furnishing mountain homes and other traditional products.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Swiss stone pine is its aromatic scent. The wood and other parts of the tree contain volatile aromatic compounds, including α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene and other terpenes. These compounds contribute to the characteristic resinous scent for which Zirbe is also valued in the production of various interior and aromatic objects.

In Alpine tradition, the scent of Swiss stone pine is often associated with rest, relaxation and a pleasant atmosphere, which is why the wood is also used in bedrooms and living spaces. Its distinctive scent and long tradition of use throughout the Alpine regions give this wood its unmistakable character.

Safety notice

Some wood species may cause allergic reactions or irritation during processing. Sanding, cutting and other woodworking operations produce fine wood dust, which may be harmful if inhaled.

When working with wood, we therefore recommend using appropriate personal protective equipment, particularly respiratory and eye protection, and ensuring adequate ventilation in the work area.

Another wooden material

You can find other wood for your projects in the Tropical wood or Other wood category.