Scots Pine (Red Pine)
Pinus sylvestris · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eurasia, widely distributed from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Poor to Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated with preservatives.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight with visible growth rings; distinct latewood bands and frequent small, dark knots. Shows cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is reddish-brown with lighter yellowish-white sapwood. Darkens to a deeper golden-brown over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Poor to Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated with preservatives.
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.
Common Uses
Utility furniture, interior joinery, construction lumber, paneling, and crates.
Geographic Origin
Eurasia, widely distributed from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Resinous nature can occasionally clog sandpaper or saw blades; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for protection. A wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high resin content can cause bleed-through in paint finishes.
