Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with an even, medium-coarse texture. Growth rings are visible as distinct darker lines, showing a typical flat-sawn cathedral pattern toward the edges.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown, sometimes with a reddish hue; sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. It tends to darken to a golden yellow or tan with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. It has low resistance to rot and insect attack when used in ground contact or high-moisture areas.
Common Uses
Furniture, interior millwork, construction lumber, crates, carving, boat building (masts), and pattern making.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to the Appalachian Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for clear grade select.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh to slightly seasoned, based on the light color and lack of deep amber patina typical of antique or reclaimed pine.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though its softness makes it prone to indentations and scratches. Pitch pockets can occasionally gum up blades.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous pine scent when worked. Very lightweight and dimensionally stable once dried. It has a high resin content which can bleed through finishes if not sealed.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness during staining. Shellac is useful for sealing resin knots.
Identification Confidence
High. The color, visible growth rings, lack of large pores (indicating softwood), and texture are characteristic of Pinus strobus.