
White Pine (Eastern White Pine) / Western Redcedar or Ash (Alternative)
Pinus strobus · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada).
- Hardness
- 380 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; fair decay resistance in heartwood, vulnerable to insects and ground contact unless treated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-grained vertical face with prominent growth ring bands. Displays light quartersawn/rift-sawn growth lines with clean, uniform fiber alignment.
Color & Appearance
Pale yellowish-white to light straw-brown heartwood with creamy white sapwood. Low sheen with slight natural iridescence under directional lighting; ages to a golden yellow-brown upon UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; fair decay resistance in heartwood, vulnerable to insects and ground contact unless treated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade, clear quality, and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber cut; newly surfaced or sanded board showing minimal surface oxidation, consistent with recently milled material.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN). Widely available from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Millwork, interior trim, cabinetry, paneling, musical instrument soundboards, boat building, carving, patternmaking, and light construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada).
Workability
Exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Cuts cleanly with minimal tearout, glues and finishes exceptionally well, though very soft surface is prone to denting.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts clear coats (polyurethane, lacquer, varnish) easily. Pre-stain wood conditioner is strongly recommended prior to staining to prevent blotchiness.
Notable Features
Mild, pleasant resinous pine scent when cut; light weight and excellent dimensional stability; soft texture easy to plane smooth.