Southern Yellow Pine (likely Longleaf or Shortleaf)
Pinus palustris (Longleaf) or Pinus echinata (Shortleaf) • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but with a distinct, prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; features a high contrast between earlywood and latewood rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown to orange; sapwood is yellowish-white. The sample shows significant darkening (patina) to a deep honey-amber due to oxidation and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
690 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft) - among the hardest of the softwoods.
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood contains natural resins that offer some resistance to decay and insects.
Common Uses
Flooring (very common in historic homes), heavy construction, bridge timbers, paper pulp, and plywood.
Geographic Origin
Southeastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for reclaimed or high-grade vertical grain material.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-80 years old, likely salvaged or original growth based on the tight growth rings and deep orange oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN), widely available, though old-growth Longleaf is much rarer and often sourced via reclamation.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools, though resin/pitch can clog sandpaper and saw blades; holds screws and nails well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/turpentine scent when cut; high resin content makes it heavier and stronger than most other pines.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes work well to enhance the warm color; clear shellac is excellent for sealing in resin/pitch.
Identification Confidence
High; the drastic color contrast between growth rings, the specific orange-red hue, and the structural cathedral pattern are classic diagnostic features of Southern Yellow Pine.