Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to wear but varying resistance to rot depending on resin content
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced flat-sawn cathedral grain pattern with sharp contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings
Color & Appearance
Golden brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a distinct contrast to yellowish-white sapwood, showing significant ambering and patina due to age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to wear but varying resistance to rot depending on resin content
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 40 to 70 years old, evidenced by deep oxidation patina and tight growth rings typical of mid-20th-century millwork
- Sustainability Status
- Generally sustainable, widely planted and harvested in managed forests, not CITES listed
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy construction, trim, cabinetry, millwork, and porches
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the strong density contrast between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause uneven planing or sanding if tools are not sharp
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, varnishes, or polyurethane; surface preparation requires thorough cleaning and sometimes dewaxing if natural resins have accumulated
Notable Features
High resin and pitch content which gives it a distinct aromatic scent and excellent natural resistance to wear, but can occasionally interfere with certain finishes
Notes
Kit sink trim
