If you’re looking to build an outdoor structure out of strong and durable material, then Southern Yellow Pine plywood is an excellent option. In fact, this aesthetically pleasing plywood’s softness may fool you. Southern Yellow Pine’s (SYP) positive characteristics don’t stop there, however. In addition to its strength and appearance, it is also extremely affordable.
According to global timber pricing provider Forest2Market, prices for SYP ended 2019 at the lowest point since 2015. This means that prices for Southern Yellow Pine are at the most affordable they’ve ever been. Southern Yellow Pine also comes in different sizes and thicknesses. Let’s take a look at how strong this type of plywood is compared to other similar materials.
Characteristics Of Southern Yellow Pine
Southern Yellow Pine is undoubtedly one of the strongest and most durable plywoods there is. However, it possesses many other distinguishing characteristics. Firstly, it is made up of four main species: slash, loblolly, shortleaf and longleaf. These grow in many parts of the 13 southern states, and according to the Woodworking Network, more than 15 billion board feet of lumber are manufactured annually during times of economic prosperity. The rich soil filled with many different types of nutrients helps these species grow quickly.
However, Canadian Forest Industries recently predicted that a significant increase in demand will be necessary to absorb the incremental capabilities of the lumber production industry in 2020. One positive aspect of SYP is that it can be used for a wide variety of construction projects. Nevertheless, it is not considered ideal for structures such as cabinets, furniture, or millwork because the wood can eventually warp. Here are some of the other primary traits of Southern Yellow Pine.
Stability & Strength
The four rapidly-growing SYP species yield one of the strongest types of wood on the North American continent. Because of the unusual grain contained in yellow pine, certain parts will move substantially according to variations in moisture. The strength of SYP is also high: its modulus of rupture (MOR) can be up to 12,800 psi when dry. Its stiffness, measured by a metric known as modulus of elasticity (MOE), can reach up to 1.8 million psi. Fasteners function well due to SYP’s high density and strength, although they are difficult to insert unless pre-drilling occurs.
Color & Grain
The majority of Southern pine lumber consists entirely of sapwood. This type of wood has a yellowish/light-brown hue. Heartwood, on the other hand, will generally have a more reddish tint. The contrast the yearly ring color provides is also notably high.
Yellow pine’s grain is relatively straight, although it isn’t like this near knots or in the presence of compression wood.
Density Of Southern Yellow Pine
When the moisture content level of SYP is at 8% (heavy), its density equals 34 lbs/cubic foot. Upon drying and reaching a thickness of ¾-inch, lumber will weigh approximately 2-¼ lbs per board foot. Brown stains may appear throughout the drying process if the logs happen to be old, the humidity is high (over 75% relative humidity) or if the temperature is high (over 130℉). As always, achieving moisture uniformity is key when drying, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Work With Curtis Lumber & Plywood
Speak to the professionals at Curtis Lumber & Plywood in Springfield, Virginia to learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of Southern Yellow Pine plywood. Yellow pine is pressure-treated, thus it is a great material to utilize for both commercial and residential construction projects. It is also often readily available and can resist twisting and hold nails steadily. It also has a high resistance to rot as well as rain and other forms of inclement weather. At Curtis Lumber & Plywood, we can offer you SYP in one of two sizes: 19/32” or ⅜”.
Curtis was founded in 1957 and is one of the largest independently-owned and operated Wholesale Distribution Yards in the Washington, DC Metro Area. We service multiple retail lumber dealers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Our professionals are experts who are highly knowledgeable about many different types of wood, including plywoods like Marine-grade, ACX, and MDO plywood and treated products such as CCA, Copper Azole, Micro-Guard™ and Pyro-Guard®. We answer our own phones and if there is ever a type of lumber that happens to be out of stock, our team will work hard to locate it for you. Call Curtis Lumber & Plywood today at (703) 972-1947 or contact us online for more information about our work.
