Scotch Pine Lumber

[Night Raider]

I'm looking for information about scotch pine as lumber.  I've got about 25, about 20" diameter and I need some decking for a cat walk over some muddy areas.  I was wondering if anyone had experience using scotch pine lumer out side and how it stands up.  I want the trees gone anyway but if I have to replace the decking in 5 years anyway it's just not worth it, even though the lumber is cheap.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks

[nsmike]

I don't now much about Scotch Pine lumber but I know that Scotch Pine is very closely related to Red Pine I would bet that the lumber is very similar.
Mike

[SwampDonkey]

As nsmike says, it is very closely related. You can't tell the difference between the lumber of red or Scots at all. They are separated from other northern hard pines such as lodgepole, jack and ponderosa by looking at the split surface. They lack the dimples common to the other three listed.

[Night Raider]

Thanks for the responses.  I thought it might be similar to red pine.  Does anyone have any experience or opinions on how it would hold up as decking for a boardwalk?

thanks

[SwampDonkey]

Probably should be treated. Certainly won't hold up like cedar will.

[beenthere]

The first year it will be fine. ...after that...downhill fast. The heartwood be a bit longer....that is if the boardwalk wasn't covered and protected from moisture and weather.