Cedar lumber collection
Closest Kingma softwood/outdoor path when an exact listing is not available.
View optionPitch Pine Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species
Pitch Pine is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific namePinus rigida
Janka hardness620 lbf
Average dried weight34 lb/ft³
Best fitRailroad ties
Overview
Why choose Pitch Pine?
Pitch Pine is a softwood lumber species. Its natural range is Northeastern United States. Common uses include railroad ties, poles, beams and heavy structural work such as bridges.
Scientific namePinus rigida
DistributionNortheastern United States
ShrinkageRadial: 4.0%, Tangential: 7.1%, Volumetric: 10.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.8
DurabilityThe heartwood has a moderate to low rating for decay resistance.
Pitch Pine colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is reddish brown and the sapwood is yellowish white.
The grain is straight and the texture is medium.
Working notes
Resin tends to build up on tools and load up sandpaper, but otherwise most tools cut it fairly well. It glues and finishes well.
Some woodworkers have reported skin allergy reactions or asthma-like symptoms when working with pine.
Pitch Pine should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Pitch Pine
Best projects
Common uses include railroad ties, poles, beams and heavy structural work such as bridges.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Pitch Pine from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
White Oak lumber collection
A harder outdoor-aware hardwood alternative when the project calls for durability rather than softwood character.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Pitch Pine FAQ
What is Pitch Pine best used for?
Common uses include railroad ties, poles, beams and heavy structural work such as bridges. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Pitch Pine beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Pitch Pine?
The buying section on this page links to any Pitch Pine Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.