Southern yellow pine (SYP)
Also called: SYP, southern pine
Southern yellow pine (SYP) is a group of pine species from the southeastern US (mainly loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and slash pine). It is one of the densest and strongest softwoods used for pallets.
In depth: Pallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specify
SYP is species class 22 in the Uniform Standard and PDS, grouped with the medium- and high-density woods even though it is a softwood. It is widely grown in plantations across the US South, so it is available in consistent sizes and often kiln-dried.
Typical values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, slash pine |
| Density, green | About 52 to 55 lb/ft³ (830 to 880 kg/m³) |
| Density, dry | About 36 to 41 lb/ft³ (580 to 660 kg/m³) |
| Common stringer | 2×4: 1-1/2 × 3-1/2 in (38 × 89 mm) |
| Common deckboard | 1×4 or 1×6 stock, about 5/8 to 3/4 in thick |
Densities are general reference values and vary with species and growth.
Why it matters
SYP gives near-hardwood strength with softwood's uniformity and lighter dry weight. It is a common choice for new stringer pallets in the South and for pallets that must be kiln-dried to limit mold. SYP sapwood is prone to mold and blue stain when shipped green in warm, humid conditions, which is one reason drying or heat treatment is often specified.
On a spec sheet
Species class "SYP" with grade and percentage, plus moisture content (for example "KD 19%"). If the pallet mixes SYP stringers with other deckboards, list each as its own row in the lumber mix.
Related
- GlossarySoftwood (pallet lumber)Softwood is lumber from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce and fir. Softwood pallets are lighter and more uniform than hardwood pallets, and they are the norm in Europe and much of the western and southern US.
- GlossarySPF (spruce-pine-fir)SPF (spruce-pine-fir) is a group of light-colored, low-density softwood species sold together as one lumber group, mainly from Canada and the northern US. It is light, easy to nail and common in softwood pallets.
- GlossaryWhat does kiln-dried mean for pallets?Kiln-dried (KD) lumber has been dried in a heated kiln to a target moisture content, most often 19% or less (KD19). Kiln drying reduces weight, shrinkage and mold risk, but a KD stamp alone does not show ISPM 15 compliance.
- GuidesPallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specifyMost North American pallets are made from mixed Eastern hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar and others) or softwoods such as Southern yellow pine and SPF. Density drives strength, stiffness, nail holding and weight. Specify a species class or group plus a grade rather than a single species.
- ComparisonsHardwood vs softwood pallets: strength, weight and costChoose hardwood (oak, mixed eastern hardwoods) for heavy loads, rough handling and many trips: it is dense, stiff and holds nails well but is heavier. Choose softwood (southern yellow pine, SPF) for lighter, more uniform, often kiln-dried pallets. Regional supply often decides.
More in Materials
- GlossaryBark (on pallet lumber)Bark is the outer layer of a tree trunk. ISPM 15 requires wood packaging to be made from debarked wood, allowing only small remnants: pieces under 3 cm wide of any length, or wider pieces with a surface area under 50 cm².
- GlossaryCant (pallet lumber)A cant is a log that has been sawn flat on two or four sides. In the pallet industry it usually means the low-grade center of a hardwood log, left after grade lumber is cut from the outside, which is resawn into pallet parts.
- GlossaryComposite block (pallet)A composite block is a pallet block made from wood chips, particles or fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. It does not split like solid wood and, as processed wood, is exempt from ISPM 15 on its own.
- GlossaryCorrugated fiberboard (pallets and slip sheets)Corrugated fiberboard is a board made of a fluted paper medium glued between flat paper liners. It is used for boxes, and in pallet work for corrugated paper pallets, slip sheets, tier sheets and pallet runners.
- GlossaryCut stock (pallet components)Cut stock is lumber already sawn to the finished thickness, width and length of pallet parts, such as 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboards, ready for nailing. It is also called pallet stock or shook.
- GlossaryDouglas-fir (pallet lumber)Douglas-fir is a dense, strong softwood from western North America, also grown in Europe. It is species class 11 (Douglas-fir–larch) in the Uniform Standard and PDS, and class 33 in the European species list.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 232 words.