Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Shortleaf Pine)
Pinus palustris (Longleaf) or Pinus echinata (Shortleaf) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States (from Virginia to Texas).
- Hardness
- 690 to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium). It is one of the hardest softwoods, often exceeding some lower-density hardwoods.
- Durability
- Moderately Durable. The heartwood has moderate resistance to decay, but it is susceptible to termite attack and should not be used in direct contact with the ground without treatment.
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Grain Pattern
Prominent, uneven, and coarse flat-sawn grain with distinct 'cathedral' arches. Characterized by wide latewood bands (the darker rings) and sharp contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically reddish-brown or yellowish-orange; sapwood is lighter yellowish-white. This sample shows significant ambering and oxidation, common in older installations where it takes on a deep honey or pumpkin-orange hue under oil-based coatings.
Hardness (Janka)
690 to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium). It is one of the hardest softwoods, often exceeding some lower-density hardwoods.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable. The heartwood has moderate resistance to decay, but it is susceptible to termite attack and should not be used in direct contact with the ground without treatment.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for new lumber; reclaimed Heart Pine can exceed $12.00 - $18.00 depending on heartwood content.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 50-80 years. The narrow plank width (approx. 2.5 inches), surface wear, darkened scratches, and deep amber patina are indicative of mid-20th-century residential flooring that has been walked on for decades.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed; generally sustainable though 'Old Growth' or 'High Heart' content is mostly sourced through reclamation of historic buildings.
Common Uses
Residential flooring (very common in 19th and early 20th-century homes), heavy timber construction, plywood, veneer, and paneling.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States (from Virginia to Texas).
Workability
Commonly easy to work with machine tools, but the high resin (pitch) content can gum up saw blades and sandpaper. It glues and finishes well but may require a sealer to prevent uneven staining due to density variations.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethanes are recommended to highlight the natural amber chatoyance; water-based finishes can be used but may look 'cold'. Wood conditioner is suggested if staining to avoid blotching.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high resin content makes it heavier and harder than other pines; identifiable by the wide, hard, and dark latewood growth rings.
