SPF (spruce-pine-fir)
Also called: spruce-pine-fir, S-P-F
SPF (spruce-pine-fir) is a group of light-colored, low-density softwood species sold together as one lumber group, mainly from Canada and the northern US. It is light, easy to nail and common in softwood pallets.
In depth: Pallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specify
In Canadian lumber grading, SPF combines species with similar properties, chiefly the spruces (white, black, red, Engelmann), lodgepole and jack pine, and balsam and alpine fir. The Uniform Standard and PDS use a broader class 13 labeled SPF that also includes eastern white pine, ponderosa pine, eastern hemlock and others.
Typical values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PDS species class | 13 (low-density group) |
| Weight, PDS example 48 × 40 | 45 lb (20 kg) green, 30 lb (14 kg) at 12% MC |
| Weight per board foot | About 3.2 lb green, 2.2 lb at 12% MC (from the same example) |
| Common stringer | 2×4: 1-1/2 × 3-1/2 in (38 × 89 mm) |
The weights come from one published PDS sheet and are indicative only.
Why it matters
SPF is lighter than southern yellow pine or hardwood, so SPF pallets are lighter to handle and ship, but they need larger parts for the same strength. The Uniform Standard's repair rules limit low-density classes 7, 13 and 14 to interior deckboards. Annularly threaded nails are generally recommended for this density range.
On a spec sheet
Species class "SPF", grade (for example "Standard &BTR"), share of the mix, and moisture content. Because class 13 is broad, a buyer who needs a specific species should name it.
Related
- GlossarySoftwood (pallet lumber)Softwood is lumber from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce and fir. Softwood pallets are lighter and more uniform than hardwood pallets, and they are the norm in Europe and much of the western and southern US.
- GlossarySouthern yellow pine (SYP)Southern yellow pine (SYP) is a group of pine species from the southeastern US (mainly loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and slash pine). It is one of the densest and strongest softwoods used for pallets.
- GlossaryLumber grade (pallet lumber)A lumber grade is a quality class that limits defects such as knots, wane, splits and decay in pallet parts. PDS uses Select, Premium, Standard, Utility and Economy, often as '&BTR' mixes such as Standard & Better.
- GuidesPallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specifyMost North American pallets are made from mixed Eastern hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar and others) or softwoods such as Southern yellow pine and SPF. Density drives strength, stiffness, nail holding and weight. Specify a species class or group plus a grade rather than a single species.
- ComparisonsHardwood vs softwood pallets: strength, weight and costChoose hardwood (oak, mixed eastern hardwoods) for heavy loads, rough handling and many trips: it is dense, stiff and holds nails well but is heavier. Choose softwood (southern yellow pine, SPF) for lighter, more uniform, often kiln-dried pallets. Regional supply often decides.
More in Materials
- GlossaryBark (on pallet lumber)Bark is the outer layer of a tree trunk. ISPM 15 requires wood packaging to be made from debarked wood, allowing only small remnants: pieces under 3 cm wide of any length, or wider pieces with a surface area under 50 cm².
- GlossaryCant (pallet lumber)A cant is a log that has been sawn flat on two or four sides. In the pallet industry it usually means the low-grade center of a hardwood log, left after grade lumber is cut from the outside, which is resawn into pallet parts.
- GlossaryComposite block (pallet)A composite block is a pallet block made from wood chips, particles or fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. It does not split like solid wood and, as processed wood, is exempt from ISPM 15 on its own.
- GlossaryCorrugated fiberboard (pallets and slip sheets)Corrugated fiberboard is a board made of a fluted paper medium glued between flat paper liners. It is used for boxes, and in pallet work for corrugated paper pallets, slip sheets, tier sheets and pallet runners.
- GlossaryCut stock (pallet components)Cut stock is lumber already sawn to the finished thickness, width and length of pallet parts, such as 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboards, ready for nailing. It is also called pallet stock or shook.
- GlossaryDouglas-fir (pallet lumber)Douglas-fir is a dense, strong softwood from western North America, also grown in Europe. It is species class 11 (Douglas-fir–larch) in the Uniform Standard and PDS, and class 33 in the European species list.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 226 words.