Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus palustris) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable; heartwood has moderate decay resistance, while sapwood is vulnerable to decay and insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings, flat-sawn appearance showing prominent transition between earlywood and latewood
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish-brown color, while the sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood darkens significantly to a deep amber-brown over time with age and light exposure, especially under old shellac or varnish finishes.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf to 870 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; heartwood has moderate decay resistance, while sapwood is vulnerable to decay and insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 dollars per board foot for reclaimed vintage material
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 80-120 years old based on the old growth characteristics, tight growth rings, and vintage finish patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and sustainable, especially when sourced as reclaimed material from old structures.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy construction, structural framing, cabinetry, and interior millwork
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast between soft earlywood and hard latewood can sometimes cause uneven planing or sanding if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Shellac, oil-based polyurethane, or traditional varnish. Degreasing may be needed if natural resins are heavy on the surface.
Notable Features
High resin content, distinct strong aroma when freshly cut, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and prominent tannin-rich old finishes.
