Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent growth rings, exhibiting a distinctive knot figure near the lower center portion.
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with paler yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkening to a deeper amber hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5-15 years based on surface oxidation and cut characteristics.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red list, widely available and sustainably harvested through plantation growth.
Common Uses
Construction framing, flooring, heavy-duty decking, utility poles, and rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can gum up saw blades and sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils; requires proper sealing or dewaxed shellac barrier if resin bleeding is a concern.
Notable Features
High resin and pitch content, distinct pine scent, strong contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings.
