Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris (Longleaf), Pinus echinata (Shortleaf), Pinus taeda (Loblolly), or Pinus elliottii (Slash) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Uniform straight grain with distinct, prominent growth rings. This sample shows a rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation, displaying tight, parallel lines on the face grain.
Color Description
Yellowish-white to tan sapwood with brownish-orange to reddish-brown heartwood. This sample shows high contrast between the lighter earlywood and darker, denser latewood rings.
Hardness Rating
690-870 lbf (Soft to Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood has some resistance to decay, but sapwood is susceptible to rot and insects without pressure treatment.
Common Uses
Residential and commercial construction, heavy framework, flooring, deck building (when treated), furniture, and plywood.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade and treatment status.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (less than 10 years). The light color and lack of deep oxidation/patina suggest it is recent lumber.
Sustainability Status
Common and sustainable; widely available, extensively farmed in plantations, and not listed by CITES or the IUCN as endangered.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. High resin content can sometimes cause pitch buildup on blades and clogs during sanding.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous pine scent. Notable for having a high density for a softwood. Contains natural resins that can seep if not kiln-dried or sealed.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer are common. For a natural look, use a sanding sealer to prevent uneven staining due to varying density between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High (Visually identified by the sharp contrast between latewood and earlywood bands, the specific orange-tan hue of the grain lines, and the overall texture typical of the Pinus genus in North America.)