Loblolly Pine
Scientific name: Pinus taeda
Overview
Loblolly Pine is one of the most commercially important softwoods in North America and is widely used in construction, plywood, and general utility applications. It grows rapidly and is heavily planted throughout the southeastern United States, making it a major source of lumber production.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Loblolly Pine
- Scientific Name: Pinus taeda
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–110 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 690 lbf
- Color: Light yellow to orange-brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Loblolly Pine typically has a warm yellow to orange-brown appearance with a straight grain and visible growth rings. Resin canals and knots are common depending on grade.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellow to orange-brown coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Medium texture
- Prominent growth rings
Working Properties
Loblolly Pine is easy to machine and widely used in large-scale lumber production.
- Easy to machine
- Accepts paint and stain well
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Commonly pressure treated for outdoor use
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Loblolly Pine is commonly used in structural and utility-focused applications.
- Construction lumber
- Plywood and engineered wood products
- Utility applications
Sustainability & Notes
This species is extensively planted and sustainably managed throughout the southeastern United States.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ponderosa Pine – A western pine species with similar workability but lower density.
Douglas Fir – A stronger structural softwood frequently used in framing.
Eastern White Pine – A softer and lighter pine species used in millwork and interior applications.
Related Guides
Pine Species Guide – Explore the world’s most important pine species, comparing color, grain, hardness, working properties, durability, and common woodworking applications across both domestic and international pines.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Shows how treated pine compares to naturally durable species.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Covers how pine species respond to environmental moisture changes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Loblolly Pine is not generally considered a collector species, but it is important as one of the dominant commercial softwoods used throughout North America.
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Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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