Ponderosa Pine is perhaps the most beloved of the Western pines. Its soft texture and light color distinguish it from the Southern pines; its wood is among the most beautiful of all pines. Sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow; heartwood is light to reddish brown. Clear finishes with UV blockers can help retain its freshly-milled color. It has a pleasant pine scent and is slightly resinous.
Ponderosa Pine is generally recognized as the most versatile wood found in abundance in North America. Its uses range throughout every phase of light construction. It is extremely valuable to general industry and it is widely used in woodworking for fabricating into architectural woodwork, furniture and specialty products.
The clear wood is used for sashes, doors, blinds, moulding, paneling, interior woodwork, and built-in cases and cabinets. Low-grade lumber is used for boxes, crates and wood packaging. Knotty Ponderosa pine is also used for interior woodwork.