Southern Yellow Pine (Pressure Treated)
Pinus spp. (likely P. taeda, P. echinata, P. elliottii, or P. palustris) • Softwood (Conifer)
Grain Pattern
Pronounced uneven grain with distinct latewood and earlywood bands. Flat-sawn cathedral patterns are visible, showing a coarse and straight-to-wavy texture.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is reddish-brown while sapwood is yellowish-white; however, this sample shows a distinct greenish-gray tint from chemical pressure treatment (likely MCA or ACQ) and significant graying from UV weathering.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (due to treatment). While naturally non-durable and prone to rot, the pressure-treatment process makes it highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay.
Common Uses
Outdoor construction, decking, fencing, landscape timbers, retaining walls, and utility poles.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $2.50 per board foot (standard dimensional lumber prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent construction timber (1-5 years) showing surface oxidation and 'checking' (small cracks) typical of outdoor exposure.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and harvested from managed plantations in the US South.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can gum up blades. Treatment chemicals require the use of corrosion-resistant fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel).
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; contains copper-based preservatives (indicated by green staining) which can be skin and lung irritants; prominent annual growth rings.
Finish Recommendations
Exterior-grade oil-based stains or deck sealers; must be completely dry (low moisture content) before painting to prevent peeling.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent earlywood/latewood contrast, visible green tint of chemical treatment, and typical dimensional lumber surface texture are characteristic of treated Southern Yellow Pine.