WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Longleaf Pine
Pinus palustris
Also known as: Southern Yellow Pine, Longleaf Yellow Pine, Pitch Pine
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 870 lbf (3,870 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 675 kg/m³ (42 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.65
- Type
- Softwood
- Grain
- Usually straight
- Texture
- Medium to coarse
- Durability
- Moderately to very durable; heartwood resistant to decay
- Region
- North America
- Sustainability
- Caution — Sustainable - recovering through restoration; check certification
Overview
Longleaf Pine is one of the most historically important and durable North American softwoods, once dominating the southeastern coastal plain. Its dense, resinous heartwood was used for shipbuilding, flooring, and construction. Restoration efforts are recovering this iconic species.
Heartwood is orange to reddish-brown with distinct growth rings. Sapwood is wide and yellowish-white. Density averages 675 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 870 lbf. Medium to coarse texture. Very durable heartwood.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - resin can dull tools
Gluing
Good - clean surfaces of resin first
Finishing
Good - may need dewaxing for some finishes
Steam Bending
Moderate - resinous wood
Scent
Strong, pleasant pine aroma when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Very durable heartwood
- Strong
- Historically important
- Beautiful grain
Weaknesses
- Resin can gum tools
- Slow growth
- Historically overharvested
Common Uses
Flooring · Construction · Shipbuilding · Railroad ties · Poles · Veneer