Pine tree logs from areas surrounding the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster are entering the lumber supply chain in Europe, say local watchdog organizations, who claim government agencies managing the 18-mile Chernobyl Exclusion Zone around the reactor disregard evidence of clear cutting contaminated pine woods.

The complex geometries of a sculpted wood interior for Raw Restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan required the services of a boat builder .Architect Camiel Weijenberg and his team said, "It was important to create a space that served as a sanctuary from the hectic Taipei scene, evoked by the use of natural materials and soft finishing. The unique feature of the design is the continuous natural wooden structure, which runs throughout the restaurant without obvious columns and structural elements holding it up."

Early pianos were often crafted with cypress, spruce or pine for the soundboard and hardwoods like hickory, beech and maple for pins and bridges. Piano inventor Bartolomeo Cristofori likely used these materials when he created the first piano in 1720.

Timbervest has acquired 13,220 acres of timberland in Georgia, Tennessee and Vermont for its investment group.

ScotiaBank says its Forest Products Index edged up in May 2014 as Western Spruce, Pine and Fir and OSB panel rose, then fell back in June. Lumber and panel buyers exercised caution as housing start growth slowed.