Rimu

Scientific Name: Dacrydium cupressinum
Other names: Red Pine, New Zealand Red Pine

Rimu is a superior building wood, and was commonly used by early colonists in constructing houses, cabinets and furniture. Rimu is sourced from sustainably managed resources, strictly monitored and audited by MAF. and when available, used for flooring, interior joinery, cabinetmaking and furniture

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Distribution

Rimu is indigenous to New Zealand, where it grows in both North and South Islands, with the largest concentration found on the west coast of the South Island.

 

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Texture

Rimu typically has a fine, even texture. The grain is generally straight.

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Appearance

Rimu heartwood is known for its beautiful rich reddish-brown to yellow-brown with irregular dark streaks, often featuring a slight sheen. The sapwood is pale brown and even in colour. There is often an intermediate zone of varied light brown coloured wood creating an interesting shade of colour and grain.

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Properties

Rimu is a medium density softwood with the heartwood being moderately durable, with good strength and elasticity. It’s easy to work with both hand and machine tools, glues well and is an excellent finishing timber. Care to be taken when nailing, can split.

Application

Rimu is highly prized for interior applications, such as flooring, panelling, mouldings and fine furniture, thanks to its stunning visual appeal. Heartwood can be also be used for external joinery particularly in house construction. However, for outdoor applications, it must be properly treated to resist decay.

Where is Rumu grown?

Rimu is indigenous to New Zealand, where it grows in both North and South Islands, with the largest concentration found on the west coast of the South Island.