Scots Pine (Red Pine)
Pinus sylvestris • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with visible growth rings; distinct latewood bands and frequent small, dark knots. Shows cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown with lighter yellowish-white sapwood. Darkens to a deeper golden-brown over time with exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Poor to Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated with preservatives.
Common Uses
Utility furniture, interior joinery, construction lumber, paneling, and crates.
Geographic Origin
Eurasia, widely distributed from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $4.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern (10-20 years), likely a mass-produced furniture piece (IKEA-style) with contemporary wear and light oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available as FSC certified and plantation-grown.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Resinous nature can occasionally clog sandpaper or saw blades; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high resin content can cause bleed-through in paint finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for protection. A wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominence of the growth rings, density of the knots, and the color of the resinous bands are classic indicators of Pinus sylvestris in furniture applications.