Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus palustris (Longleaf), Pinus echinata (Shortleaf), Pinus taeda (Loblolly), Pinus elliottii (Slash) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a very distinct, prominent growth ring figure. Features a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with a coarse texture and high contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown, while sapwood is yellowish-white. The sample shows high color contrast; it typically darkens to a more amber or orange-brown hue with light exposure/age.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to Non-durable. It is susceptible to rot and insect attack unless chemically pressure-treated.
Common Uses
Residential construction (framing), flooring, decking, plywood, utility poles, and heavy timbers.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $5.00 per board foot depending on grade (Select vs Construction)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber (likely less than 5 years since milling) based on the absence of significant oxidation, UV graying, or deep patina.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available and not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Resin and sap can occasionally gum up blades and sandpaper. It glues and finishes well but may require a sealer for even staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high resin content can lead to bleed-through in finishes; known for having exceptional strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are best for flooring/furniture. Use a pre-stain wood conditioner if staining to prevent blotching due to disparate absorption between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, bold latewood bands and distinct coloration are characteristic of the Southern Yellow Pine group.