Southern Yellow Pine
Pinus echinata / Pinus elliottii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, characterized by a prominent and contrasty growth ring transition between earlywood and latewood. Flat-sawn appearance with distinct banding.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown, though this sample appears mostly light yellow to tan sapwood. It features medium luster and tends to darken/yellow significantly with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; low resistance to rot or insect attack unless pressure treated for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Inexpensive furniture (IKEA style), interior trim, construction lumber, shelving, and paneling.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (1-10 years); appears to be a factory-manufactured consumer product with fresh color and standard hardware.
Sustainability Status
Extremely sustainable; one of the most widely available and rapidly grown timber species in North America. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Works easily with both hand and machine tools, though resin/pitch can cause buildup on blades. Softness makes it prone to denting and scratching.
Notable Features
Distinct resinous/pine scent when cut; high pitch content; can be prone to 'bleed through' if not sealed properly before painting.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are best for protection. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness due to uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct wide, dark latewood bands and light earlywood color, combined with the assembly hardware, are classic indicators of commercially available pine used in ready-to-assemble furniture.