Part of a larger group of tree species known as softwoods, in the wood industry, Spruce-pine-fir refers to Canadian woods of similar characteristics that have been grouped for production and marketing. Mainly used to make dimensional lumber for home building and panel (such as plywood and oriented strand board [OSB]), the SPF species have moderate strength, are worked easily, take paint readily, and hold nails well. They are white to pale yellow in color. There are two types of SPF woods:
The lodgepole pine forests of British Columbia, particularly in the Interior are currently suffering from a massive infestation of the mountain pine beetle.
Western SPF is the primary deliverable species of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange lumber contract.
In many cases SPF is used in contrast to other species of wood used for different purposes, such as southern yellow pine (SYP) or poplar.