Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris / Pinus taeda · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of North America.
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Non-durable depending on heartwood content; moderate resistance to rot and weathering.
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent growth ring contrast, exhibiting both flat-sawn cathedral patterns and vertical grain orientations.
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellowish sapwood, displaying notable color variation between earlywood and latewood bands.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Non-durable depending on heartwood content; moderate resistance to rot and weathering.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and whether reclaimed.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Mid-to-late 20th century, indicated by the sanding residue and surface wear patterns typical of ongoing flooring restoration.
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and widely available through sustainable forestry and tree farms; not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Flooring, decking, construction framing, heavy-duty millwork, and exterior structures.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the significant hardness difference between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause uneven sanding or tearout if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, penetrating oils, or varnishes. Ensure proper preparation and sealing due to potential resin bleeding.
Notable Features
High resin and pitch content, distinct aromatic scent when freshly cut, excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood.
