Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable (heartwood has moderate decay resistance, sapwood is vulnerable)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings and a prominent knot pattern (flat-sawn)
Color & Appearance
Yellowish to reddish-brown heartwood with lighter yellowish-white sapwood, weathered to a silver-grey on older exposed surfaces
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable (heartwood has moderate decay resistance, sapwood is vulnerable)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Low, approximately $1.00 to $2.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years based on weathering and industrial pallet use
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN least concern, widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Pallets, crates, construction framing, subflooring, utility poles
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Easy to cut, nail, and screw, but can be resinous and dull tools quickly; prone to splintering
Finish Recommendations
Exterior paints, stains, or sealers; often left unfinished for industrial applications
Notable Features
High resin content, distinct contrast between earlywood and latewood, commonly used for heavy-duty industrial shipping containers and pallets
