Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with inconspicuous growth rings; generally uniform texture except for occasional small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is light brown to pale yellow-brown, aging to a deeper orangish brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; low resistance to rot and decay; susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Construction lumber, millwork, crates/boxes, matchsticks, interior trim, and boat building (masts).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Georgia and west to the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the rough-sawn surface texture and moderate oxidation, the sample appears to be between 10 to 30 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and considered a sustainable choice with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools; saws and planes easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Faint resinous scent when worked; very lightweight; low resin content compared to Yellow Pine; may cause respiratory irritation in some.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, but a sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended because of its tendency to absorb stain unevenly (blotching).
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the light yellowish-brown color, fine grain, and soft, fuzzy rough-sawn surface are characteristic of Pinus strobus.