Southern Yellow Pine (likely Loblolly Pine or Slash Pine)
Pinus taeda / Pinus elliottii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft to Medium Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-Durable (prone to rot and insect attack if untreated and exposed to weather)
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with strongly contrasting earlywood and latewood bands visible on the end grain cut.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The weathered end grain shows a greyish-brown patina from outdoor exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft to Medium Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-Durable (prone to rot and insect attack if untreated and exposed to weather)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $1.00 - $2.50 per board foot (as construction lumber) or $200 - $300 per cord as firewood.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The log split itself appears to have been felled and seasoned outdoors for approximately 1 to 2 years, based on radial checking, lichen growth on bark, and grey oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested from commercial timber plantations.
Common Uses
Firewood, structural framing lumber, plywood, posts, decking (when pressure treated), paper pulp.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Easy to cut and saw; resin content can gum up saw blades and sandpaper; holds nails and screws well.
Finish Recommendations
For rough firewood/logs no finish is used; if milled into lumber, clear coat, exterior stain, or pressure treatment with preservatives is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinct pine resin/turpentine scent when cut; prominent growth rings; stringy, fibrous bark prone to peeling; lichen growth on outer bark surface.
