Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture; features distinct knots and some cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections
Color Description
Heartwood is light brown with a reddish hue, turning darker with age; sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. This sample shows significant ambering/patina from age.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Low to Non-durable; susceptible to rot and highly prone to insect attack (as evidenced by the extensive beetle galleries/borer tracks in the image)
Common Uses
Interior millwork, crates, boxes, construction lumber, flooring in historic homes, and carvings
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (standard); Reclaimed wide-plank can exceed $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
50-100+ years based on the deep oxidation/patina, wide plank width, and extent of historical insect damage
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certified sources are common
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues and finishes well; however, it is prone to indentation and can be resinous
Notable Features
Faint, resinous odor when worked; very lightweight; notable for historical 'King's Broad Arrow' use in ship masts
Finish Recommendations
Film-forming finishes like polyurethane provide protection for this soft wood; gel stains are recommended to prevent blotching
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of knot structure, color/patina, grain density, and the specific style of 'worm track' insect damage is characteristic of old-growth White Pine flooring.