Southern Yellow Pine (Incised Pressure-Treated)
Pinus spp. (principally Pinus taeda, Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, Pinus echinata) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States, widely distributed and commercially harvested
- Hardness
- 690 lbf to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium, depending on specific pine species)
- Durability
- Very Durable (when pressure-treated against decay and insects; untreated heartwood is moderately durable to non-durable)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with flat-sawn and cathedral patterns visible on boards; prominent growth rings and occasional small knots. The defining feature is the uniform pattern of slit-like incisions (incising marks) stamped across the surface to allow deeper chemical penetration during pressure treatment.
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-brown to golden brown with a distinct greenish-yellow tint caused by the copper-based pressure-treatment chemicals (such as ACQ or MCA). Low natural luster, weathering to a silver-gray if left unfinished outdoors.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium, depending on specific pine species)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (when pressure-treated against decay and insects; untreated heartwood is moderately durable to non-durable)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $1.00 to $2.00 per board foot (standard dimensional utility lumber pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent installation (estimated 0 to 5 years old), retaining the characteristic greenish preservative tint and sharp incision marks with minimal weathering
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable and readily available; harvested from heavily managed plantations in North America, not CITES listed and not threatened
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, fencing, pergolas, landscape ties, exterior construction, and general framing where wood is exposed to moisture and ground contact
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States, widely distributed and commercially harvested
Workability
Easy to cut, plane, and fasten with nails or screws, though wet or damp pressure-treated lumber can be challenging to glue and finish properly. The chemical treatment can be corrosive to standard ungalvanized steel fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Exterior semi-transparent oil-based stains or paints formulated for pressure-treated wood. The wood must be allowed to dry thoroughly (moisture content below 19%) before finishing if it was recently purchased wet from the yard.
Notable Features
Features distinct mechanical incisions (slits) pressed into the surface to facilitate chemical treatment penetration, common in dimensional lumber designated for ground contact or severe exterior exposure. Possesses a characteristic chemical/pine scent when freshly cut.
