Wood Species Guide
Heart Pine
Pinus palustris (some reclaimed heart pine may be other southern yellow pines)
Also called: Longleaf Pine, Reclaimed Heart Pine, Antique Heart Pine, Southern Longleaf, Longleaf Yellow Pine, Georgia Pine
What Heart Pine looks like
Old-growth heartwood is a rich orange to reddish brown, darkening with age. Reclaimed boards often carry nail holes and patina from a century in a building.
Grain and texture
Very tight growth rings in old-growth wood with sharp contrast between soft earlywood and dense, resin-rich latewood. Medium texture.
Working Heart Pine: planing, cutting and gluing
Works well with sharp tools, but resin builds up on blades and sandpaper. Reclaimed stock must be checked carefully for hidden nails and bolts before it touches a machine.
Finishing Heart Pine: oil, film finishes and epoxy
The resin can slow oil-based finishes, so wipe with naphtha or acetone first and test. A clear oil or water-based finish shows off the color. Seal before an epoxy pour.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Old-growth heart pine is strong and naturally resistant to decay thanks to its resin. Reclaimed wood is very stable since it has dried for decades. New-growth longleaf pine is much less dense and durable than the antique wood.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Heart pine built much of old Florida, and reclaimed beams and floor joists are the main source today. It is great for farmhouse tables, mantels and floors with real history. Metal detect every piece before milling. Expect some nail holes and checks, which most people keep as part of the story.
Common uses for Heart Pine
Flooring, beams, mantels, farmhouse tables, cabinets and millwork.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. The IUCN lists longleaf pine as Vulnerable because the original forests shrank so much, which is why reclaimed heart pine is the way to get old-growth wood.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Reactions are uncommon. The heavy resin in heart pine can cause skin rashes or asthma-like symptoms in some people, and reclaimed stock may hold dirt or old finishes.
- In the shop
- Dust collection and a mask when sanding; check reclaimed stock for metal
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Pine dust and resin can cause skin reactions and asthma-like symptoms in some people. Use dust collection.
Heart Pine in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Heart Pine listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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