Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Shortleaf)
Pinus palustris (Longleaf) or Pinus echinata (Shortleaf) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, prominent cathedral grain on the flat-sawn face; coarse texture with very distinct dark latewood bands showing a high contrast against the lighter earlywood.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown to orange coloration; sapwood is yellowish-white. It typically darkens with age and exposure to UV light toward a deeper honey-gold or amber.
Hardness Rating
690-870 lbf (Soft to Medium, depending on specific species subspecies)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood contains natural resins that offer some resistance to decay, but it is not as rot-resistant as Cedar or Redwood.
Common Uses
Construction framing, flooring, decking, heavy timber work, utility poles, and furniture (especially rustic or country styles).
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $2.50 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
The board shows signs of modern milling but moderate oxidation; likely 5 to 10 years old if reclaimed or stored in a workshop environment.
Sustainability Status
Generally abundant and sustainable; frequently plantation-grown; not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can clog sandpaper and gum up saw blades; takes nails and screws well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous 'turpentine' scent when cut; high contrast between earlywood and latewood makes it visually striking; high density for a softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, however, a sanding sealer or shellac dewaxed barrier is recommended to prevent resin bleed; oil-based polyurethanes highlight the warm tones best.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands and yellowish-orange hue on the flat-sawn face are quintessential characteristics of Southern Yellow Pine.