softwood · Pinus ponderosa
Ponderosa Pine wood properties
Also known as: western yellow pine, bull pine.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Pinus ponderosa |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,290,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.45 |
| Density (approx) | 28 lb/ft³ (2.3 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 460 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.2% / 3.9% |
| Region | Western North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Ponderosa Pine weighs about 9.4 lb (roughly 28 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 460 lbf is harder than about 11% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: veneer, plywood, sheathing, interior trim, cabinetry, construction lumber.
Durability: Heartwood offers only moderate to low resistance to decay.
Workability: Responds well to both hand and power tools; glues and finishes nicely.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Ponderosa Pine:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change table, so CT/CR omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.