News Releases

Date: 03/01/05

Media Contact: Kim Drew, APR 770.985.8001

Domestic vs. Imported Southern Pine: Beware the Differences
(Atlanta, GA) - When you walk into your favorite home improvement center to choose wood for a deck, a playset, or any other project, don't just grab the wood and run: read the grade stamp and be sure you're choosing domestic Southern Pine. The success of your project could depend on it.

Several South American countries are currently importing what they call "southern pine" into the US market, passing it off as the same thing as our domestic Southern Pine. But they are far from the same product:

Treatment: for outdoor projects, pressure-treated Southern Pine is the way to go. The cellular structure of domestic Southern Pine allows it to accept the treatment deeper into the wood, resulting in a stronger product capable of withstanding water, mold, moisture and insects. The grain of imported wood is such that it won't hold preservatives as well.

Strength in growth: Domestic Southern Pine is grown over decades, ensuring a strong, durable piece of wood that holds nails and will last for decades. Imported southern pine is grown fast, the result being a weaker piece of wood with less structural integrity and less nail-holding capability.

So how to be sure you're choosing the right wood? It's simple: read the grade stamp on each piece of lumber. Imported Southern Pine will list the country of origin. (For a sample of international and domestic grade marks, please visit www.spanpine.com.)

Educate yourself and make the smart choice. If you want the look of real wood, choose real domestic wood: choose Southern Pine.

For more information on domestic Southern Pine vs. imported wood, photos and DIY project ideas, please visit www.spanpine.com.

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