Pine, Southern
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeBoth species attain a height of 30m and a diameter of 0.75m or slightly more.
The TimberThe sapwood is narrow in the better grades, sometimes up to 50mm wide, lighter in colour than the heartwood which is yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. Both species are typical of the hard-pine class, being resinous, with the growth-rings usually well-marked by the contrast between the light-coloured early-wood, and the dense, darker-coloured late-wood, which produces a rather coarse texture in the wood, especially in fairly rapidly grown material with its wide growth-rings. The timbers weigh about 670 kg/m3 on average when dried. The lower density material of P. palustris and P. elliottii together with other species termed southern yellow pine, is lighter in weight, coarser in texture, inferior in strength, and usually has a wider sapwood, sometimes as wide as 1 50mm.
DryingAll these species dry well with little degrade.
StrengthThe general strength properties of P. palustris and P. elliottii compare closely with those of 'Douglas fir".
Working QualitiesMedium - Works moderately easily, but the resin is often troublesome, tending to clog saw-teeth and cutters, and to adhere to machine tables. Saws with teeth of fairly long pitch reduce the effect of resin. A good finish is obtainable, and the wood can be glued satisfactorily, takes nails and screws well, and gives fair results with paint and other finishing treatments.
Latin NamePinus palustris, Pinus elliottii, Pinus echinata, Pinus taeda
Also known asAmerican pitch pine, Gulf Coast pitch pine, long leaf pitch pine (UK, USA), southern yellow pine (USA), southern pine (USA), long leaf pine, short leaf pine, loblolly pine
Wood TypeSoftwood
TreatabilityEasily treated
MoistureMedium
TextureMedium
OriginUSA, Mexico
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
