Southern Yellow Pine (likely Pressure-Treated)
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus echinata, Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the center; medium to coarse texture with distinct growth rings showing dark latewood and light earlywood.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is reddish-brown while sapwood is yellowish-white; however, this sample shows a greenish-tan tint due to preservative treatment, transitioning to a weathered grey-brown due to outdoor exposure.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (due to treatment). Untreated pine is non-durable, but pressure-treated pine is highly resistant to rot, fungal decay, and termites.
Common Uses
Outdoor construction, decking, fencing, framing, utility poles, and marine applications.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $1.00 - $2.50 per board foot depending on dimensions and treatment grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent construction (2-10 years); shows minor checking and silvering characteristic of early-stage weathering and UV exposure.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available as FSC certified, highly sustainable and managed through extensive plantation farming.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It holds nails and screws well but can be prone to resin buildup on blades and potential tearout in earlywood sections.
Notable Features
Often has a faint resinous scent; contains preservative chemicals (like ACQ or MCQ) which require safety precautions when cutting; distinct contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Finish Recommendations
External penetrating oil-based stain or water-repellent sealer is recommended. Not suitable for fine lacquer finishes due to high resin content and chemical treatment.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent growth rings, 'cathedral' flat-sawn figure, greenish-tan hue from treatment, and typical use-case for the board thickness are classic indicators of treated pine.