Loblolly Pine(Pinus taeda) is an evergreen coniferous species of Pine(Pinus). It is native to the Southeastern United States. Loblolly pine is a common species of tree in the United States. It is a versatile pine species, used for Furniture, pulpwood, plywood, composite boards, posts, poles, pilings, crates, boxes, pallets, etc.
Loblolly Pine is preferred for its rich reddish-brown and straight grain. Although it does not have very good decay resistance properties, it still performs better than many other softwoods.
Slash Pine(Pinus Elliottii) is native to the Southeastern United States. It is also known as swamp pine, yellow slash pine, and southern Florida pine. Slash pine is known for its high strength, durability.
Slash Pine is mainly used for framing, flooring, lining, laminated beams, plywood, wood pulp, veneers, and joinery, and many more.
| # | Loblolly Pine | Slash Pine |
| Scientific Name: | Pinus Taeda | Pinus Elliottii |
| Tree Size: | 30–35 m (98–115 ft) | 18–30 m (59–98 ft) |
| Trunk Diameter: | 0.4–1.5 m (1.3–4.9 ft) | 0.6–0.8 m (2.0–2.6 ft) |
| Average Dried Weight | 35 lbs/ft3 (570 kg/m3) | 41 lbs/ft3 (655 kg/m3) |
| Janka Hardness: | 690 lbf (3,070 N) | 760 lbf (3,380 N) |
| Wood Color/Appearance: | Reddish-brown to yellowish-white. | Reddish-brown to yellowish-white |
| Rot Resistance: | Good | Good |
| Workability: | Good good | Overall good |
| Finishing: | Good | Good |
| Uses: | roof trusses, poles, joists, piles, etc | bridges, beams, poles, railroad ties, etc |
Loblolly Pine vs Slash Pine Uses
Both Loblolly Pine and Slash Pine have almost similar properties. As we saw in the above table. Therefore, there is not much difference in the use of these two woods. These woods can be used for the same purpose.
Due to slight differences in density and consistency, their usage may vary slightly. Which we are mentioning in the below paragraph.
Loblolly Pine Uses
Due to the medium weight(35 lbs/ft3 (570 kg/m3)), Strength( 7,130 lbf/in2 (49.2 MPa)) and hardness(690 lbf (3,070 N)) of Loblolly Pine, It is suitable for medium and low construction, such as stringers, roof trusses, poles, joists, piles. It will not be safe to use it for heavy construction.
The Loblolly Pine is rated as moderate to low in decay resistance. Therefore it is considered very good for interior applications such as subfloor and sheathing. With a little maintenance, it can be used for a long time.
Slash Pine Uses
Slash pine has more weight(41 lbs/ft3 (655 kg/m3)), Strength(8,140 lbf/in2 (56.1 MPa)) and hardness(760 lbf (3,380 N)) than Loblolly pine. So that it can be used for heavy construction.
Due to its very good strength, it is also widely used for exterior projects such as bridges, beams, poles, railroad ties.
Loblolly Pine vs Slash Pine Workability
The workability quality is good in both the woods. Sometimes the presence of resin and knots makes it difficult to work. But it does not happen generally. The overall workability is very good with most tools, and it glues and finishes well.
Loblolly Pine vs Slash Pine Rot Resistance
The heartwood of Loblolly Pine and Slash Pine is rated as moderate to low in decay resistance. Heartwood is the central core of the trunk and Sapwood is the outer light-colored portion of a tree trunk. It would be better to use treated wood for exterior application and damp areas.
Treated wood is wood that has been properly treated with preservative chemicals. It is more durable and more expensive than ordinary wood.
Allergies/Toxicity
Loblolly Pine and Slash pine has been reported to cause allergic skin reactions and/or asthma in some carpenters. Therefore, before working on these types of wood, take full precautions. Use gloves for hands and glass for eyes.
Conclusion
If you are still confused between Loblolly Pine and Slash Pine which species is better for you. So everything depends on your usage. Many constructors use these two woods as an alternative to each other.
Both are good wood. There is not much difference between the physical properties and color/appearance of both. Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between them.
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