Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris (Longleaf), Pinus echinata (Shortleaf), Pinus taeda (Loblolly), Pinus elliottii (Slash) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in lower sections; prominent growth rings showing distinct latewood/earlywood contrast
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown to orange; sapwood is yellowish-white. The sample shows a light tan to golden color, which darkens to a deeper orange over time with light exposure
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft); among the hardest of domestic softwoods
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood has some rot resistance while sapwood is prone to decay; often pressure-treated for outdoor use
Common Uses
Residential and commercial construction, heavy framing, decking, flooring, plywood, and furniture
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade and treatment
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; showing minimal oxidation or patina, likely 1-5 years since processing
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely managed in FSC certified plantations; generally high sustainability
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; high resin content can gum up blades and sandpaper; holds nails and screws well
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent; high resin content; clear distinction between earlywood and latewood bands; very common in North American construction
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, but sealing with shellac or a wood conditioner is recommended to prevent resin bleed-through and uneven staining
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands alternating with lighter earlywood, the color palette, and the coarse texture are classic indicators of Southern Yellow Pine