Southern Yellow Pine (likely Loblolly or Shortleaf Pine)
Pinus taeda / Pinus echinata · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 - 870 lbf (Soft to Medium depending on specific species)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack unless pressure treated)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct latewood and earlywood growth rings visible in a rift/quarter-sawn orientation showing fine circular saw blade cut marks across the surface
Color & Appearance
Pale yellow to light reddish-brown heartwood with creamy white to yellowish sapwood, featuring high contrast between earlywood and latewood bands
Hardness (Janka)
690 - 870 lbf (Soft to Medium depending on specific species)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack unless pressure treated)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $1.50 - $3.00 per board foot for standard dimensional lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber (recently milled/sawn, less than 5 years old based on clean surface, lack of deep oxidation, and visible fresh saw kerf lines)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely available from sustainably managed commercial plantations and FSC certified sources
Common Uses
Structural framing, general construction, plywood, subflooring, decking (when treated), and millwork
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high resin content can occasionally gum up saw blades and sanding belts
Finish Recommendations
Accepts film finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, and paint well; conditioning or sealer is recommended before staining to prevent blotching caused by varying density
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous pine scent, prominent density contrast between soft earlywood and dense latewood bands, lightweight
