Spruce (Picea abies) is uniformly-white with a golden hue and silky luster. It is able to retain its natural color for a long time. The heartwood is not distinct from sapwood. Spruce is straight-grained with thin and regular texture. It is light and soft, but nevertheless has good strength and elasticity properties for its relatively light weight. It is not very susceptible to shrinkage and when dried remains stable. Its low natural durability can be compensated for by applying a protective coat of paint. It is less well suited to impregnation.