STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

-fine,evenly textured  and stable sapwood

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WEAKNESSES

-resinous heartwood

-tends to be knotty

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Wood Type: Temperate softwood

Sources: Western United States and Canada Cost: Moderate

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) otherwise known as western yellow pine,knotty pine,bird's-eye pine,California white pine and Rocky Mountain yellow pine. This is one of the most attractive pines. The sapwood is silky to the touch,pale yellow in color and has subtle lines of earlywood and latewood that blend softly into one another with an even texture. The heartwood is far more variable,being heavier and distinguished by dark resin lines.

Ponderosa pine is soft to medium for a softwood which can be knotty and not particularly strong or durable. The sapwood is stable and is valued for specific purposes like pattern making and carving. Ponderosa pine is used primarily in construction and for interior trim,turning,doors, window frames, boxes and packing and furniture. This wood needs to be treated carefully before painting or varnishing.

Ponderosa pine is widely available and is not listed as endangered.