Selected quality attributes and consumer’s perception towards use of timber from Pinus caribaea thinnings

Abstract

Timber from Pinus caribeaea second thinnings is increasingly being used for various timber applications regardless of the limited information about its quality properties. This study thus aimed at assessing the selected quality attributes (basic density and heartwood percentage) of Pinus caribeaea harvested at second thinning (9 years).100 tree samples were selected by purposive sampling at cores wood Uganda from a compartment ready for second thinning, the heartwood percentage was measured at the butt and the top end basing on the merchantable height of the felled tree. From the sample, 5 healthy trees free from visible defects where purposively selected and were cross cut from three sections: butt end, middle section and the top section. 50 test pieces of 20 by 20 by 15 mm were collected from each section and these were used for measuring the basic density. The consumer‟s perception with use of timber from Pinus caribeaea thinnings was also assessed among timber users in Kampala district whereby 25 furniture workshops and 25 construction enterprises were randomly selected and interviewed. The average basic density of Pinus caribaea thinnings was 417 kg/m3 and the heartwood percentage was 64.8% at the top and 75.9% at the bottom. It was concluded that Pinus caribaea thinnings qualify for light construction and furniture production; it shouldn‟t be used for applications that involve excessive loading. In the study 83% and 68% had a bad perception towards the durability and service performance of Pinus caribaea thinnings respectively. 72.5% complained about the biodeteriotion of timber from Pinus caribaea thinnings and 75% complained about its strength. Therefore it was recommended to always treat wood from thinnings with preservatives and use it in areas that are not exposed to excessive loading