Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus species (likely Pinus echinata or Pinus taeda) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Flat-sawn face shows prominent 'springwood' and darker, denser 'latewood' growth rings creating a distinct striped or cathedral appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. This specific sample appears to have a dark walnut-toned surface stain or significant weathering/soiling, as the natural color is obscured by dark streaks and surface treatment.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not pressure-treated or sealed.
Common Uses
Construction lumber, heavy timber framing, exterior decking, flooring, and rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern (under 10 years). The sharp edges of the dog holes and the machine-planed surface suggest contemporary milling despite the surface staining.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available, managed in plantations, and not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Resinous nature can gum up sandpaper and saw blades. Holds nails and screws well but may split if not pre-drilled near ends.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/pine scent when cut. High resin content makes it prone to 'pitch bleeding' if exposed to heat. Significant hardness variation between earlywood and latewood rings.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a wood conditioner if staining to avoid blotchiness. Spar urethane or exterior-grade oil is recommended for outdoor use. The current sample appears to have a dark pigmented stain or wash.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; typical growth ring spacing and density for Southern Yellow Pine, common in outdoor workbenches or structures, though surface treatment makes grain color analysis difficult.