Using Southern Pine
Southern Pine lumber has been popular since Colonial times for a wide variety of applications. Favorable growing conditions, wise forest management, and efficient manufacturing ensure a continuous supply of high-quality Southern Pine products for future generations. Southern Pine consists of four main species — shortleaf, longleaf, loblolly, and slash — and is the preferred choice for today's design/build professionals.
Cost Savings
- Wood products are still the most cost-effective building material on the market today. Southern Pine is competitively priced because of abundant timber supply, manufacturing expertise, and established market preference.
Best Treatability
- Southern Pine has long been the preferred species for pressure treatment because of its unique cellular structure that permits deep, uniform penetration of preservatives. Some 85% of all pressure-treated wood produced in the U.S. is Southern Pine.
Dependable Strength and Stiffness
- Southern Pine is the most tested wood species in the U.S. Design values for Southern Pine are comparable to other softwood species used in residential and commercial construction.
Highest Density
- Southern Pine has the highest density of all commonly used structural lumber species, providing superior fastener-holding power and load-bearing capacity.
Natural Beauty
- Southern Pine offers a distinct grain pattern and an appealing golden color. Because of its natural beauty, exposed Southern Pine provides architectural appeal.
Widespread Availability
- Southern Pine is an abundant and renewable resource, growing in a vast band across the Southern United States from East Texas to Virginia. Some 400 manufacturers produce Southern Pine lumber, making it readily available.
Dimensional Stability
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Southern Pine dimension lumber 2" and less in thickness must be dried to a maximum moisture content of 19%. This minimizes shrinkage associated with green lumber and provides
long-term stability.
Proven Quality
- Southern Pine lumber is graded in accordance with the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber.
Green Building Material
- Choosing domestic Southern Pine — a product grown in the U.S. — is not only a good environmental choice but also an opportunity to support local economies.
