Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (likely Pinus taeda or Pinus echinata) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but very coarse and uneven; flat-sawn with prominent earlywood/latewood contrast; contains numerous sound and encased knots
Color Description
Currently weathered to a silvery-gray with greenish-tinted areas from copper-based chemical treatments. Original heartwood is reddish-brown with yellowish-white sapwood
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable (enhanced by chemical treatment); high resistance to rot and termites due to pressure treatment, though the wood is prone to checking and splintering over time
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, fencing, boardwalks, landscaping timbers, and structural framing
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $2.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years based on heavy oxidation, presence of surface mildew, deep longitudinal checks, and mechanical wear from foot traffic
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available as plantation-grown timber; not listed by CITES or IUCN
Workability
Easy to cut and screw but prone to splintering. High moisture content in treated wood can lead to shrinkage. Corrosive to standard steel fasteners, requiring galvanized or stainless steel
Notable Features
Often has a chemical scent when freshly cut; contains resin canals; high density for a softwood; distinct growth rings
Finish Recommendations
Solid or semi-transparent oil-based deck stain after thorough cleaning and sanding; needs annual maintenance to prevent further cracking
Identification Confidence
High; identified by the distinctive grain structure, wide growth rings, presence of small knots, and green-gray oxidation typical of treated decking