Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (e.g., Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda) · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- Hardness
- 690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but varying decay resistance depending on resin content.
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced flat-sawn cathedral grain patterns with distinct growth rings and characteristic tight knot formations.
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-brown heartwood with paler yellowish-white sapwood, showing high contrast between earlywood and latewood bands, and a warm amber luster that deepens with age.
Hardness (Janka)
690 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but varying decay resistance depending on resin content.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 to $5.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years based on surface oxidation and warm amber patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Generally sustainable, widely available through plantation-grown and managed forests, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Flooring, wall paneling, cabinetry, heavy construction, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause tearout during planing if knives are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, and polyurethane finishes very well; a sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness due to resin variations.
Notable Features
High resin content, distinct aromatic pine scent when freshly cut, and excellent structural strength-to-weight ratio.
