Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Loblolly Pine)
Pinus palustris / Pinus taeda · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690-870 lbf (Soft to Medium, exceptionally hard for a softwood)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; prone to rot if exposed to moisture unless pressure-treated or high in resin content
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight, plain-sawn displaying prominent, wide annual growth rings with distinct earlywood to latewood transition
Color & Appearance
Pale yellowish-white earlywood with darker, reddish-brown latewood bands; darkens over time with exposure to light to a warm golden-amber
Hardness (Janka)
690-870 lbf (Soft to Medium, exceptionally hard for a softwood)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; prone to rot if exposed to moisture unless pressure-treated or high in resin content
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $1.50 - $3.00 per board foot for select grade dimensional lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut modern stock (under 5 years old), likely clear structural or craft lumber from managed softwood plantations
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely managed in commercial timber plantations across the American South; FSC certified options available
Common Uses
Construction framing, dimensional lumber, structural beams, plywood, flooring, millwork, and general woodworking projects
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and power tools; cuts cleanly, though high pitch or resin content can occasionally clog saw blades or sandpaper
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains well, though a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness between earlywood and latewood; finishes nicely with polyurethane, varnish, shellac, or paint
Notable Features
Distinct pine resin odor when freshly cut; prominent bands of dense latewood providing structural strength; light weight
