Seven Part Series on the Properties of Different Lumbers used for Ourdoor Furniture

Part One of Seven: Pine for Picnic Tables & Other Outdoor Furniture and Garden Products

Western Yellow Pine or as it is called in Canada, British Columbian Soft Pine, is one of the most common timbers to be used in the construction industry in the United States. Second only to Hem-Fir (Western Hemlock - Number two in the series).  It grows primarily in the Western United States and Western Canada.

Western Yellow Pine can be treated for use when it will be in contact with the ground or for above ground use.  There are both oil based and water based preservatives that can be used.  The water based preservatives are preferred, both for environmental reasons, and potentially for health reasons. These leave a clean, dry, odorless surface ready to be painted or stained.

Western Yellow Pine is a soft wood that is very easy to work with, is inexpensive, and has a large number of uses including fencing, paneling, framing, and furniture. Pine is easy to work using both hand or machine tools and Craftsmen appreciate its lack of resin pockets, its resistance to splitting, and its even cell structure.

When treated it is used for picnic tables, benches, fences, arbors, planters, sheds, play structures, decking, deck railings, and other outdoor products and furniture.  Untreated, Western Yellow Pine is suitable only for indoor use, but it makes great tables, night stands, and dressers and when left in log form, it provides a beautiful rustic log furniture look.

Shoreline Cedar - Part one of Seven