FAQ’s
What is Reclaimed Pitch Pine?
In Ireland and Britain when we speak of Pitch Pine we refer to a Pine, that grew to at least 300 years of age and was felled prior to 1900.
In the States these trees are referred to as Old Growth Pine or Heart Pine.
Where did these trees grow?
Primarily in the Eastern United States but also in the Baltics.
Baltic Pitch Pine tends to be harder and have a pinker hue, it can also show more sapwood.
Why is it important the trees have been felled prior to 1900?
It is estimated that all the old slow grown pines that were probably at least 300 years old had been harvested by 1900.
The majority were felled in the mid 19th Century.
How is true Pitch Pine available today?
It is only available reclaimed from old buildings that were built in the 19th Century.
What are the botanical names of the pines that are reclaimed Pitch Pine?
Usually either Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata), Longleaf Pine (Pinus echinata), Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) or Pitch Pine or Norway Pine (Pinus rigida).
Why is Reclaimed Pitch Pine so sought after?
It has proven to be decay resistant as well as been resistant to warping.
The fact that it is a finite resource makes it very valuable.
Is it an environmentally friendly choice?
The fact that it is only available from reclaimed sources makes it extremely environmentally sound.
What is Honduras Pitch Pine?
This is a new timber harvested in the Caribean. Countres of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.
In the United States it is referred to as Caribean Pine and not Pitch Pine.
The botanical names of this Pine are PInus Oocarpa and Pinus Caribaea. It is therefore not the same species as any pines that come under the Reclaimed Pitch Pine banner.
Can Honduras Pitch Pine be used as a substitute for Reclaimed Pitch Pine?
We would say no for the following reasons;
Caribbean Pine is a different species.
It was never traditionally used in old buildings so where reclaimed Pitch Pine has been specified to replicate old building materials it is not a substitute.
Unlike reclaimed Pitch Pine it has not stood the test of time and proven itself to be decay and rot resistant.
What can Reclaimed Pitch Pine be used for?
- To repair old sash windows.
- To make ‘new’ replica windows in churches, castles and other historically important building.
- To repair old doors
- King trusses
- Timber Gutters
- Flooring
- Mouldings, Architrave and Skirting
- Furniture
For all your Reclaimed Pitch Pine requirements please contact;
Kiltra Timber Company
www.kiltratimber.ie
info@kiltra.ie
00353-51-560667