Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent growth rings and distinct earlywood and latewood transition
Color & Appearance
Reddish-brown heartwood with lighter yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens to a deep amber with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 dollars per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 30 to 50 years old based on surface wear, oxidation, and weathering on the rough-sawn board
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and sustainable, widely planted and managed in commercial tree farms across the southern US
Common Uses
Construction, framing, flooring, heavy-duty applications, decking, and porch flooring
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Moderate; high resin content can gum up saw blades and sandpaper, but planes, glues, and finishes reasonably well
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oil finishes; requires degreasing or wiping with a solvent if heavily resinated
Notable Features
High resin and pitch content, prominent density contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, distinct pine scent
