Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (likely P. palustris or P. taeda) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with prominent, wide latewood bands visible; flat-sawn orientation showing typical linear growth rings on the narrow face and wide tracking on the flat face.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically reddish-brown to yellowish-orange; sapwood is yellowish-white. This specific sample shows significant silver-gray weathering and greenish oxidation consistent with pressure treatment (chromated copper arsenate or similar).
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Poor natural durability; however, the greenish tint indicates it is 'Durable' due to pressure treatment which resists rot, fungal decay, and termites.
Common Uses
Outdoor construction, decking, fencing, utility poles, framing, and heavy-duty structural applications.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $1.00 - $2.50 per board foot (standard dimensional lumber pricing).
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years based on the heavy surface checking (cracking), silver-gray UV oxidation, and biological growth (algae) visible near the base.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely harvested from commercial timber plantations; FSC certified options are readily available.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It holds nails and screws well, though high resin content can sometimes gum up blades. As pressure-treated wood, it shouldn't be burned and requires a mask when sanding.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high weight compared to other softwoods; green tint suggests chemical preservative treatment; visible checking indicates it has undergone many wet-dry cycles.
Finish Recommendations
Solid or semi-transparent exterior deck stain. Requires a 'weathered wood' cleaner prior to application to remove gray fibers and algae for proper adhesion.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands combined with the green-tinged weathering and common 4x4 structural usage are definitive indicators of pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine.