Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (likely Pinus elliottii or Pinus taeda) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, distinct earlywood and latewood bands. Flat-sawn visibility on the face with pronounced growth rings showing a wide arc on the end grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown with yellowish sapwood. The latewood bands are significantly darker and harder than the earlywood, creating high contrast. Tends to darken/yellow with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium Range)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Poor resistance to rot and insects unless chemically pressure-treated.
Common Uses
Residential construction, framing, decking (if treated), flooring, pallets, and utility shelving.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $2.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut lumber. Minimal oxidation or patina; clean surface suggests recently processed dimensional lumber.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available, fast-growing, and frequently managed in plantations. Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines and hand tools. However, the density difference between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding and knife dulling. High resin content can gum up saw blades.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/turpentine scent when cut. High resin content makes it heavier and stronger than many other softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes film-forming finishes like polyurethane well. If staining, a wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness due to uneven absorption in growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide growth rings, distinct dark latewood bands, and overall color are diagnostic for Southern Yellow Pine commonly used in North American construction.