Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Shortleaf)
Pinus palustris (Longleaf) or Pinus echinata (Shortleaf) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with prominent 'cathedral' figures on flat-sawn faces. Shows a high contrast between earlywood and latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown to orange; sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows significant oxidation over time, shifting toward a deeper amber/honey hue.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay, though sapwood is susceptible. Heartwood contains high resin content which protects against rot.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy construction, utility poles, shipbuilding, and jointed furniture.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $12.00 per board foot (pricing reflects high value of reclaimed/antique wide-plank Heart Pine).
Wood Age Estimate
50–100 years. The oxidation depth, tight growth rings (indicative of old-growth), and wear patterns suggest a historic installation (reclaimed or antique flooring).
Sustainability Status
Least Concern status; however, true old-growth 'Heart Pine' is finite and primarily available through reclamation. FSC certified plantation-grown pine is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, but high resin content can gum up sandpaper and saw blades. Hand planing requires sharp blades to avoid tearing at earlywood/latewood transitions.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high contrast in ring density makes it very stable for flooring. High resin content makes it heavier than most softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethanes or penetrating oils (like Tung or Danish oil) are best to enhance the amber color; water-based finishes can appear cold on this species.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive high-contrast growth rings, ambering of the heartwood, and large cathedral patterns are hallmarks of Southern Yellow (Heart) Pine flooring.