Scots Pine — Pinus sylvestris
Medium-High confidence based on the typical ring structure, bark texture, and color profile characteristic of pine species confidence

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris · Softwood

Type
Softwood
Origin
Northern and central Europe, extending across Siberia
Hardness
550 lbf (Soft)
Durability
Moderately durable, with decent resistance to dry wood borers but susceptible to fungal decay if left in contact with ground

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight grain with distinct growth rings visible on the transverse end-grain section

Color & Appearance

Heartwood is reddish-brown with paler yellowish-brown sapwood, typical of freshly cut pine logs

Hardness (Janka)

550 lbf (Soft)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately durable, with decent resistance to dry wood borers but susceptible to fungal decay if left in contact with ground

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
Low to moderate, commonly available as softwood lumber
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the ring count visible and log size, approximately 40 to 60 years old
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in European plantations

Common Uses

Construction, utility timber, pulpwood, flooring, poles, and general carpentry

Geographic Origin

Northern and central Europe, extending across Siberia

Workability

Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can be frequent and resin can gum up blades

Finish Recommendations

Accepts stains, paints, varnishes, and oils well, though conditioning may be needed to prevent blotching on the softer areas

Notable Features

Contains moderate resin canals, distinct earlywood and latewood transition, characteristic pine scent when freshly cut

Learn more about Scots Pine in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 1, 2026