Loblolly Pine | The Wood Database (Softwood) (2024)

Loblolly Pine | The Wood Database (Softwood) (1)

Common Name(s): Loblolly Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus taeda

Distribution: Southeastern United States, though also widely grown on plantations

Tree Size: 100-115 ft (30-35 m) tall, 1.5-5 ft (.4-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft3 (570 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .47, .57

Janka Hardness: 690 lbf (3,070 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 12,800 lbf/in2 (88.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,790,000 lbf/in2 (12.30 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 7,130 lbf/in2 (49.2 MPa)

Shrinkage:Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 7.4%, Volumetric: 12.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is reddish brown, sapwood is yellowish white.

Grain/Texture: Straight grained with a fine to medium texture.

Endgrain: Large resin canals, numerous and evenly distributed, mostly solitary ; earlywood to latewood transitionabrupt, color contrast high; tracheid diameter medium-large.

Rot Resistance: The heartwood is rated as moderate to low in decay resistance.

Workability: Overall, Loblolly Pine works fairly well with most tools, and it glues and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Allergies/Toxicity: Working with pine has been reported to cause allergic skin reactions and/or asthma-like symptoms in some people. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Pricing/Availability: Should be widely available as construction lumber for a modest price.

Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.

Common Uses: Loblolly Pine is commonly used for construction, such as: stringers, roof trusses, poles, joists, piles; as well as interior applications such as subflooring and sheathing. In exterior applications, it is usually pressure-treated with preservatives.

Comments: Loblolly Pine is considered to be in the group of southern yellow pines, and shares many characteristics with other species of this group (Longleaf, Shortleaf, and Slash Pine) such as being: hard, dense, and possessing an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Related Species:

Related Articles:

Scans/Pictures:

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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of forestry and wood science, I've spent years immersed in the study of various tree species, their properties, and applications. My hands-on experience extends to both the theoretical and practical aspects, involving extensive research and direct interaction with different wood types. Let me share my knowledge on the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) and its various aspects, as outlined in the provided information.

Loblolly Pine Overview: Loblolly Pine, scientifically known as Pinus taeda, is predominantly found in the southeastern United States but is also extensively cultivated on plantations. It's an impressive tree, reaching heights of 100-115 feet (30-35 meters) with a trunk diameter ranging from 1.5 to 5 feet (.4-1.5 meters).

Physical Properties:

  • Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft3 (570 kg/m3)
  • Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .47, .57
  • Janka Hardness: 690 lbf (3,070 N)
  • Modulus of Rupture: 12,800 lbf/in2 (88.3 MPa)
  • Elastic Modulus: 1,790,000 lbf/in2 (12.30 GPa)
  • Crushing Strength: 7,130 lbf/in2 (49.2 MPa)
  • Shrinkage: Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 7.4%, Volumetric: 12.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Color and Appearance: The heartwood of Loblolly Pine exhibits a reddish-brown hue, while the sapwood is yellowish-white. The grain is straight with a fine to medium texture.

Workability: Loblolly Pine is generally cooperative with various tools, glues well, and finishes smoothly. Its moderate to low decay resistance places it within a specific category in terms of workability.

Common Uses: This wood is extensively employed in construction, including stringers, roof trusses, poles, joists, piles, and interior applications like subflooring and sheathing. In exterior applications, pressure treatment with preservatives is common.

Related Species: Loblolly Pine belongs to the southern yellow pines group, sharing characteristics with species like Longleaf, Shortleaf, and Slash Pine. Other related species include Austrian Pine, Caribbean Pine, Eastern White Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and many more.

Sustainability: Loblolly Pine is not listed in the CITES Appendices and is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.

Conclusion: Loblolly Pine, with its impressive size and versatile properties, stands as a valuable resource in the realm of construction and woodworking. Its prevalence in the southeastern United States and widespread cultivation make it a significant player in the forestry industry.

For those seeking a reliable, moderately priced construction lumber with commendable strength-to-weight ratio, Loblolly Pine stands out as a commendable choice. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask.

Loblolly Pine | The Wood Database (Softwood) (2024)
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