Common Alabama Urban Wood Species: Pine
The official state tree of Alabama is the southern longleaf pine, but there are several species of pine tree in this state. Pinewood is relatively soft but has good elasticity and strength.
The actual properties depend on pine to pine. Some are hard, others soft. The longleaf pine has reddish-brown heartwood and yellowish-white sapwood. The texture of pine wood is fine to medium, while the grain is straight. The wood is moderately resistant to decay.
The main benefits of pine wood are:
- Lightweight
- Resists shrinking well
- Stands up great to moisture
- Good elasticity
Pine wood is used in high-value carpentry items like window frames, furniture, floors, and paneling. Thanks to the light color, pinewood gets along with other furnishings in interior décor. While not as strong as oak, pinewood is still durable. Plus, it's an affordable and widely available wood material.
Pine wood fun facts:
- Pines can live over 400 years
- While pines are softwoods, commercially, they are designated as hard pines and soft pines.
- Before the 19th century, pines were largely called firs
