Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus spp. (likely Pinus taeda or Pinus echinata) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a distinct, prominent growth ring pattern. The flat-sawn face shows a wide, bold cathedral-like figure and a coarse texture with high contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown, while sapwood is yellowish-white. The sample shows a light pale yellowish-tan typical of kiln-dried construction lumber. It will darken significantly to a golden orange or reddish-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Heartwood has some moderate decay resistance, but sapwood is highly susceptible to rot and insect attack; often requires pressure treatment for exterior use.
Common Uses
General construction, framing, pallets, crates, flooring, trim, and pressure-treated decking.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $2.50 per board foot (standard dimensional lumber pricing)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber (under 5 years since milling). The lack of heavy oxidation and the visible surface dirt suggests recent use in a utility or construction environment.
Sustainability Status
Generally very sustainable; widely available, fast-growing, and frequently sourced from managed plantations. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. The high resin content can sometimes clog sandpaper and cause pitch buildup on saw blades.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous 'pine' scent when cut. Contains natural resins that can bleed through finishes if not sealed. High resin/tannin content makes it stronger than many other softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based stains. For exterior use, high-quality sealers or pressure treatment is necessary. A sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness when staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide spacing between growth rings, high contrast between the lighter earlywood and darker latewood, and the pale yellowish color are classic indicators of Southern Yellow Pine.