Selected mechanical properties of Scots pine wood from antique churches of Central Poland

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood is the most frequently used building material in old churches of Central Poland. In the article, the density and compressive strength of Scots pine heartwood samples taken from old churches from the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth century were examined. The properties of the old wood were compared with contemporary wood of similar density. The results showed better quality of the ancient wood as compared to modern wood.