Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings; prominent earlywood/latewood contrast creates a wavy, cathedral-like appearance on turned surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown, sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. Over time, it darkens to a medium orangey-brown especially with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable; heartwood is moderately resistant to rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Utility construction, furniture, turning, cabinetry, internal joinery, and paper pulp.
Geographic Origin
Eurasia, ranging from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Typically $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from relatively young timber (based on growth ring width) and modernly turned within the last 1-5 years.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Least Concern; widely available as FSC certified timber from managed plantations.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause blade deflection. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high resin content can sometimes bleed through finishes if not sealed.
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane or lacquer helps maintain the light color. Shellac is recommended as a sealer to prevent resin bleed.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible contrast between latewood/earlywood, the typical pine color palette, and the characteristic grain flow on the turned vase are consistent with Pinus sylvestris.