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APPEARANCE
Color: Heartwood varies from light yellow / orange to reddish brown or yellowish brown; sapwood is light tan to yellowish white.
Grain: Closed, with high figuring; patterns range from clear to knotty.
Species & Grade Variations: Longleaf pine (P. palustris), shortleaf pine (P. echinata), loblolly pine (P. taeda), slash pine (P. elliottii). All have many of the same characteristics as Douglas Fir. Old-growth lumber in these varieties has substantially higher density and is more stable than second-growth material.
PROPERTIES
Hardness (Janka): Loblolly and shortleaf 690, 47% softer than Northern Red Oak; longleaf 870, 33% softer than Red Oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (change coefficient .00265, 28% more stable than Red Oak).
Durability: Soft, fairly durable, although not as resistant to scuffs, dents and abrasions as the hardwoods. Often used as flooring, but may not be suitable for all applications due to its softness.
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WORKABILITY
Sawing / Machining: Good machining qualities.
Sanding: Resin in wood tends to clog abrasives; frequent sandpaper changes are required.
Nailing: Good holding ability and resistance to splitting.
Finishing: A durable finish can help minimize wear.
Comments: Generally manufactured for flooring with no end-match; sometimes flooring is "distressed" to create an antique look.
COST
(Relative to plainsawn select Red Oak.)
Multiplier: 0.95
AVAILABILITY
Commodity item, available as unfinished strip and plank flooring in a variety of widths and thicknesses through specialty wood flooring dealers and some lumberyards.
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