softwood · Pinus echinata
Shortleaf Pine wood properties
Also known as: southern yellow pine.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Pinus echinata |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,750,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.57 |
| Density (approx) | 36 lb/ft³ (3.0 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 690 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 7.7% / 4.6% |
| Region | Southeastern United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Shortleaf Pine weighs about 11.9 lb (roughly 36 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 690 lbf is harder than about 31% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: bridges, beams, poles, railroad ties, plywood, wood pulp, veneers.
Durability: Heartwood rates only low to moderate against rot, so exterior use needs preservative treatment.
Workability: Cooperative under tools despite mild blunting; resin clogs paper, but glue and finish hold well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Shortleaf Pine:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE (1,750,000 lbf/in2), Janka (690 lbf) and shrinkage (T 7.7%, R 4.6%) from The Wood Database, which cites the USDA FPL Wood Handbook. Specific gravity 0.57 is the 12% MC value (page lists basic 0.47, 12% MC 0.57). No dimensional change coefficient given: Shortleaf Pine has no exact row in the FPL/Hoadley table reproduced by Popular Woodworking, so CT/CR are omitted. Region, uses, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.