Scots Pine (with variations in Pinus genus likely)
Pinus sylvestris • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strongly defined, regular growth rings with a distinct transition between earlywood and latewood; generally straight but appears curved here due to the turned vessel shape.
Color Description
Pale creamy white to yellowish sapwood; latewood bands are reddish-brown. The wood will darken to a deeper golden yellow or orange-tan with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated or kept dry.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, construction, paper pulp, small turned items, bowls, crates, and furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eurasia, widely naturalized in North America; major growing regions in Northern Europe and Russia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $5.00 per board foot for common grades.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young sample, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years; the artifact itself shows contemporary smooth sanding and finishing.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests; FSC certified options are common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can gum up sandpaper and blades; easy to glue and finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high contrast between seasons in the growth rings; can produce pine pitch/resin.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac; wiping with a solvent may be necessary if the wood is particularly resinous; takes stains unevenly without a pre-conditioner.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, high-contrast earlywood/latewood bands and characteristic softwood texture are classic indicators of various Pinus species.