Southern Yellow Pine (specifically likely Loblolly or Longleaf Pine with heavy grain contrast)
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus taeda or Pinus palustris) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Non-durable (heartwood has moderate decay resistance, sapwood is vulnerable to decay and insects)
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced straight to slightly wavy grain with distinct flat-sawn cathedral patterns and tight growth rings, featuring dark, resinous earlywood-to-latewood transitions.
Color & Appearance
Striking contrast between the rich golden-amber earlywood and deep dark-brown/blackish latewood rings, exhibiting a warm amber hue under a clear finish and darkening with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Non-durable (heartwood has moderate decay resistance, sapwood is vulnerable to decay and insects)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs (standard dimension lumber is significantly lower).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years based on the harvested tree's ring density and modern live-edge slab processing with a fresh applied finish.
- Sustainability Status
- Not threatened, widely available, fast-growing plantation and naturally regenerated forests, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Live-edge slab furniture, heavy construction, flooring, decking, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the stark difference in density between earlywood and latewood can sometimes cause uneven sanding or tearout if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or hard-wax oils work exceptionally well to highlight the deep amber and dark grain contrast; requires proper sanding to smooth out density variations between growth rings.
Notable Features
High resin content, strong distinct pine scent when freshly cut or sanded, striking high-contrast grain lines characteristic of dense southern pine.