Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Shortleaf Pine)
Pinus palustris / Pinus echinata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with very prominent, wide, flowing cathedral growth rings and a strong contrast between earlywood and latewood
Color Description
Heartwood is a warm orangish-yellow to reddish-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. It develops a deep honey-gold patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf - 870 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood has decent decay resistance but is susceptible to insect attack if untreated
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring (often heart pine), cabinetry, heavy construction, plywood, and paneling
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (standard grade); reclaimed heart pine can reach significantly higher prices.
Wood Age Estimate
The board itself looks relatively fresh with a newer finish, but the tight growth rings suggest it was harvested from a mature tree, possibly 40-60 years old at harvest.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests and plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high resin content can gum up blades and sandpaper. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/turpentine scent when cut; high sap/resin content; excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or tung oil recommended to highlight the grain while protecting against resin bleed. Clear film finishes work best to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the bold, wide cathedral grain and distinct color contrast between the growth rings are classic hallmarks of Southern Yellow Pine.