Strength-Graded Framing You Can Rely On
Structural pine is Radiata Pine that has been graded for its load-bearing performance. The most common grading system is MGP (Machine Graded Pine), with MGP10, MGP12 and MGP15 indicating increasing strength and stiffness — the higher the number, the more load the timber can carry and the stiffer it is. Pine can also be supplied to F-grades (such as F5 and F7). Machine grading assesses each piece for compressive and structural strength as well as stiffness, giving consistent, predictable performance across a parcel — a critical requirement for framing that must meet engineering and building-code expectations. Because the grade tells the builder and engineer exactly what the timber can do, structural pine can be specified precisely for joists, bearers, studs and rafters. It is important to note that while MGP-graded material can often be substituted for F-graded material of equivalent properties, F-graded material should not be used where MGP material has specifically been specified, and vice versa, without checking equivalence. For termite-prone areas, structural pine is available with appropriate treatment (for example, H2 blue-treated framing for interior use).
Why Choose Structural Pine
Grade Guide
MGP10
Common general framing grade — studs, plates, common joists and rafters
MGP12
Higher strength & stiffness — joists, bearers and longer spans
MGP15
Highest common MGP grade — demanding structural applications
F-grades
F5, F7 etc. — alternative strength grading (check equivalence to MGP)
Treatment
Available treated (e.g. H2) for termite-prone areas
Typical uses
Wall frames, studs, plates, floor joists, bearers, rafters, trusses
Where Structural Pine Performs Best
Wall framing — studs, top and bottom plates, noggings and lintels.
Floor framing — joists and bearers.
Roof framing — rafters, ceiling joists and truss members.
Residential new builds, extensions and renovations.
Light commercial and multi-unit framing.
General load-bearing construction where a graded timber is required.
Working With Structural Pine
Always frame to the grade and size specified by your engineer or building designer — the MGP or F-grade marked on the timber confirms its structural rating, and substituting grades without checking equivalence can compromise the structure. Store framing timber flat, off the ground and protected from the weather before use to prevent moisture pick-up and distortion. Use appropriate fixings and framing connectors, and follow standard framing practice for spacing, bracing and tie-down. In termite-prone areas, use treated structural pine (or an approved termite management system) for the relevant members, and re-seal any cut surfaces of treated timber with a suitable preservative. Keep framing dry during construction and ensure the completed structure is detailed to shed water and ventilate, so the timber remains within its intended service conditions.
Get Your Free QuoteSustainable & Ethically Sourced
JVS Timber supplies structural pine from certified producers, machine-graded to recognised Australian standards for strength and stiffness. Plantation-grown Radiata Pine is renewable and consistently available, making it a responsible choice for the high volumes used in framing. Our team can help match the right grade and size to your engineering specification.
Get Your Free QuoteStructural Pine Sizes & Availability
JVS Timber supplies structural Radiata Pine in the full range of common framing sections — studs, plates, joists, bearers, rafters and lintels — in machine-graded strengths such as MGP10 and MGP12, with higher grades and treated structural options available on request. We can supply the precise sections, grades and lengths called up on your engineering or frame-and-truss documentation, in quantities from a single bundle through to full house lots and multi-stage developments. Tell us your member sizes, grades and lengths along with your delivery location, and our team will confirm current stock and competitive trade pricing, delivered Australia-wide. If you need treated structural pine for termite-prone or exposed conditions, just let us know and we will quote the appropriate product.
Get Your Free QuoteStructural Pine — Frequently Asked Questions
MGP stands for Machine Graded Pine, and the number indicates strength and stiffness — the higher the number, the stronger and stiffer the timber. MGP10 is a common general framing grade, while MGP12 and MGP15 are used for higher loads and longer spans. Always frame to the grade specified for your project.