Round wood poles are sourced from a variety of tree species. In South Africa, two commonly utilized types for construction purposes are eucalyptus gum poles (hardwood) and pine poles (softwood). Naturally, these two species possess distinct characteristics owing to their unique wood compositions. However, when determining the optimal choice for your project, it is crucial to consider their contrasting qualities.
Should you use a pine or gum pole for your project? What are the specific differences between these two building materials? We delve into the world of timber origins, types, pricing and, sizing to help you make the right decision when you purchase your timber.
In short: Gum Poles are generally always used for Construction and building purposes. On the other hand, Pine poles are mostly used to cut planks and other timber moldings to be used in homes and buildings.
Eucalyptus (Gum) and Pine trees are not indigenous to South Africa. Eucalyptus trees originate from Australia, and have been imported and cultivated in South Africa since the 1800s. Additionally, Pine trees originated in Europe and Meditteranean areas and have been around for over 370 years.
Let’s compare the two to give you a better idea of what you need.
Wood type: Hardwood vs. Softwood
as mentioned above, Gum trees are hardwood trees, while Pine is softwood trees. So, what does this mean? Let’s break it down for you.
Quick Facts and Comparison between these round wood poles:
Hardwood (Eucalyptus Pole)
- Comes from angiosperm trees that are not monocots. (Flowering trees)
- Trees are most commonly broad-leaved.
- Majority of hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods.
- Hardwoods shed their leaves over autumn and winter.
- Hardwood has a slower growth rate
- Prominent grain due to vessel elements (Resembles pores under microscope) that transport water throughout tree.
Softwood (Pine Pole)
- Comes from gymnosperm trees. (Flowerless trees))
- Usually have needles and cones.
- Lower density than most hardwoods.
- Evergreen (Does not loose it’s leaves or needles over specific seasons.)
- Faster growth rate when compared to hardwoods.
- Lighter grain due to lack of “pores”. (In softwoods, medullary rays and tracheids transport water and produce sap.)
As a result of the above-mentioned differences between softwoods and hardwoods, the pricing, sizes and all other related factors varies greatly between a gum pole and a pine poles. Let’s look at how it is influenced:
Pricing Comparison between these two species of round wood poles
As can be expected, pricing differs significantly between these two species of round wood poles. Generally speaking, hardwoods tends to be more pricy than common softwoods. This is due to the fact that hardwoods last longer and are higher quality for long-term projects when compared to softwoods.
This holds true for all timber products like Decking, Flooring, Fencing and other hardwood products.
Gum Pole Pricing
Gum Pole’s pricing heavily depends on the specs of the products you are buying, the quantity you are buying and the delivery.
In this post, we will mainly focus on retail pricing (not wholesale pricing) for standard gum pole sizes, excluding delivery.
| Gum Pole Price | Eucalyptus Pole Sizes (mm) |
| R99.50 – R191.00 | Bundle of 10 Lathes (3.6m – 4.5m) |
| R5.50 – R22.50 | 32-49 diameter |
| R12.50 – R250.50 | 50-75 diameter |
| R25.00 – R412.50 | 75-99 diameter |
| R40.00 – R1386.50 | 100 – 124 diameter |
| R55.00 – R1840.00 | 125 – 149 diameter |
| R77.00 – R2358.00 | 150 – 174 diameter |
| R102.00 – R2939.50 | 175 – 199 diameter |
| R130.00 – R3585 | 200 – 224 diameter |
Pine Pole Pricing
Pine Poles are most often sold “raw” and need to be processed to be able to use it for various applications. Additionally, the poles are not suitable for any type of construction unless specified by the manufacturer. These poles are mainly used to create planks, moldings, and other timber products to be used in buildings. Pricing displayed below is an average market standard at the time of writing articles. Please note that Sabie Poles do not manufacture or supply Pine Poles.
| Pine Pole Price | Pine Poles Sizes (mm) |
| R51.00 – R84.00 | 50 diameter |
| R80.00 – R162.00 | 75 diameter |
| R92.00 – R186.50 | 90 diameter |
| R111.00 – R443.00 | 100 diameter |
| R168.00 – R675.00 | 125 diameter |
| R243.00 – R971.00 | 150 diameter |
| R374.00 – R1707.00 | 180 diameter |
| R64.00 – R126.00 | 100 diameter (Split) |
Timber Sizes and Lengths Comparison
Timber sizes and lengths greatly depend on the type of wood and the supplier or manufacturer that you are buying from. Let’s look at some of the sizing and length comparisons for these two types of timber poles:
| Size (Diameter) | Length (m) | Different Cuts | |
| Gum Poles | 20mm – 224mm | 1.2m – 14m | Round Square-Cut Half-Cut & Quarter Rounds (Split) Custom Cuts available @ Sabie Poles |
| Pine Poles | 50mm – 180mm | 1.5m – 6m | Round Half Cut (Split) |
As can be seen above, Gum Poles are more diverse. Different cuts and sizes are more readily available in the South African marketplace. Eucalyptus Gum Poles are stronger and more resistant to rotting and decay. Therefore, they are more versatile and the go-to for many construction and agricultural projects.
End-Use purposes comparison (Gum Poles vs. Pine Pole)
| Eucalyptus Poles | Construction Uses – Support Beams – Decking & Flooring – Log Homes and more Agricultural Uses – Fencing – Building Enclosures Domestic Uses – Gardening (Raised beds etc) – Jungle Gyms and Swings Miscellaneous – Raised walkways, piers and jetties – Transmission Poles – Retaining walls and more… |
| Pine Poles | – Not Suitable for Construction Purposes – Fencing – Transmission Poles (If heavily treated) – Flooring (Internal) – Gardening – Creating Timber Moldings and more… |
While Pine poles can be used for many of the same purposes, the majority of people and companies prefer using Gum Poles. This is due to the fact that Gum Poles naturally last longer, are sturdier and more weather-resistant than pine.
CCA Tanalised Pressure Treatment for round wood poles
Whether you are deciding to go with Pine or Eucalyptus (Gum) for your project, it is of the utmost importance that yoou get CCA Tanalised Treated Timber. CCA helps to protect the timber against natural deteriorating factors like:
- Weathering
- Insect Attacks
- Rot
- Decay
Hardwoods are naturally more resistant to these deteriorating factors (generally), therefore, having hardwood that is treated with premium quality CCA can offer a minimum guarantee of 25 years of use for your purpose.
Furthermore, CCA is specifically formulated to allow treatment of wood for it’s intended purpose. Therefore, you can rest assured that your timber has the best protection on the market.
Environmental Impact these two species of round wood poles
At Sabie Poles, we are passionate about sustainable forestry. Therefore, we highly encourage the use of properly treated CCA Gum Poles. Gum poles have been proven to last at least 25 years, however, many poles and structures have been intact and used for well over the guaranteed 25 years.
Why does this matter? It is simple. When you build a structure that lasts and has minimal upkeep, you will not have to keep buying additional timber to fix-up and replace rotting or degrading timber in the existing frame. Therefore, the upkeep of the home wil not require additional trees to be cut down.
The longer your completed building/project can stand without needing upgrades, the less trees need to be cut down. As simple as that.
We are so passionate about the subject that we have pledged to plant one tree for every pole sold from our pole yard.
We encourage every person to think about the environment and long-term goals when making these decisions. Contact us for any additional information on our timber products.
