softwood · Pinus contorta
Lodgepole Pine wood properties
Also known as: shore pine.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Pinus contorta |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,340,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.47 |
| Density (approx) | 29 lb/ft³ (2.4 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 480 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.7% / 4.3% |
| Movement coefficient (CT / CR) | 0.00234 / 0.00148 |
| Region | Western North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Lodgepole Pine weighs about 9.8 lb (roughly 29 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 480 lbf is harder than about 13% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: veneer, plywood, sheathing, posts and poles, interior trim, construction lumber.
Durability: Heartwood's decay resistance runs from moderate down to low.
Workability: Cooperates well with both hand and machine tools; finishes and glues well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Lodgepole Pine:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR from the "Pine, lodge pole" row of the FPL/Hoadley table. 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.