Southern Yellow Pine (Pressure Treated)
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus echinata, Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with flat-sawn cathedral patterns; medium to coarse texture with distinct growth rings showing stark contrast between earlywood and latewood; visible knots.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is reddish-brown while sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows a greenish/grayish tint due to pressure treatment (CCA or MCQ) and weathered oxidation.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (with treatment); the chemical pressure treatment provides high resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Decks, fences, landscaping, exterior framing, marine docks, and utility poles.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $2.50 per board foot (standard dimensional lumber pricing).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent construction lumber (1-3 years old) showing some superficial weathering and shop-wear within a retail warehouse environment.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely grown on plantations across the US South; not CITES listed; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can gum up blades. Pressure-treated moisture can cause warping as it dries.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent; contains chemical preservatives that may cause skin irritation; heavy weight when wet; high structural strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
External deck stains or oil-based preservatives. Wood must be thoroughly dry (under 15% moisture) before applying film-forming finishes like paint or polyurethane.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide growth rings, distinct latewood bands, presence of large knots, and the characteristic green chemical staining indicate pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine.