White Pine (likely Eastern White Pine)
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even grain; flat-sawn displaying slight cathedral arching and wide growth rings; uniform texture with inconspicuous latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown to pale yellow, often with a slight reddish hue. Sapwood is a pale off-white to yellowish-cream. It darkens significantly with age to a deep amber or golden tan.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable regarding decay resistance; prone to insect attack if untreated. Common for interior use.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, crates, interior millwork, furniture, cabinetry bases, pattern making, and DIY projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on visible oxidation and patina, though the actual tree age at harvest would have been much higher.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools. Planes and saws easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing. Glues and finishes well but requires a sealer/conditioner.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous pine scent when worked; very lightweight; tends to exhibit 'blotchiness' when stained without a pre-conditioner.
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane, shellac, or lacquer. Use a wood conditioner before staining to prevent uneven absorption. Natural oil finishes are also common.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The light color, wide growth rings, lack of prominent resin canals, and transition between earlywood and latewood are characteristic of Eastern White Pine.