Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, even grain with a medium-fine texture; the sample shows a flat-sawn orientation with some rough-sawn surface fibers and small tight knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is light brown or cream with a reddish-tinged hue; sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. This species darkens to a golden yellow or tan over time with exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if left untreated in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, crates, interior trim, carving, basic furniture construction, and matchstick manufacturing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to the Appalachian Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent, likely less than 1-2 years since milling due to the lack of significant UV grey-weathering or deep oxidation patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Extremely easy to work with both hand and machine tools; it glues and finishes well, though the softness makes it prone to denting and the resin can occasionally clog sandpaper.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; very lightweight with low shock resistance; contains visible pitch pockets.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner to avoid blotchiness; accepts shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane well.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pale color, distinctive small knots, fuzzy surface texture from rough milling, and straight grain is highly characteristic of Pine species, specifically Eastern White Pine.