Southern Yellow Pine (or closely related soft pine/fir species)
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- North America
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft to Medium, varying by specific pine species)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable depending on heartwood content; susceptible to rot and insect attack if untreated
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent growth rings and a tight knot/swirl feature near the right edge
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-white to pale reddish-brown with contrasting darker earlywood-to-latewood growth ring transitions
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft to Medium, varying by specific pine species)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable depending on heartwood content; susceptible to rot and insect attack if untreated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 2.00 to 4.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent/kiln-dried commercial lumber, estimated between 1 to 10 years since harvest
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in plantations
Common Uses
Construction framing, subflooring, general utility lumber, boxes, pallets, and rustic furniture
Geographic Origin
North America
Workability
Easy to cut, plane, and sand with hand or machine tools, though knots can cause local tearing and pitch can gum up blades
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, paints, and clear polyurethanes well, though knot sealing primer is recommended to prevent bleed-through
Notable Features
Contains natural resins and pitch pockets, distinct pine scent when freshly cut
