Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; good resistance to wear but vulnerable to fungal decay and insect attack if untreated
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Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn with prominent growth ring transition (earlywood to latewood)
Color & Appearance
Pale yellowish-white sapwood with distinct reddish-brown to golden-brown heartwood; moderate natural luster; darkens slightly to a deeper amber hue with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; good resistance to wear but vulnerable to fungal decay and insect attack if untreated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh or recently milled lumber, estimated less than 1 to 5 years old based on lack of heavy weathering on the featured face
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed through commercial tree farms in the US
Common Uses
Construction framing, decking, flooring, heavy timber, structural plywood, and utility poles
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast between soft earlywood and hard latewood can sometimes cause uneven planing or sanding if tools are not sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based stains, polyurethane, and varnishes well; exterior applications require UV-resistant sealers or pressure-treated finishes
Notable Features
High resin content, distinct pine scent, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and prominent grain contrast
