White Pine (likely Eastern White Pine)
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a very fine, even texture. This sample appears to be flat-sawn or rift-sawn with subtle, widely spaced growth rings and no visible figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light straw color to creamy white; sapwood is pale yellow to white. It has a low luster and typically yellows or darkens to a deep tan over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, construction lumber, crates, boxes, boat building (masts/stems), carving, and basic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Select vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Fresh; the light color and sharp, clean edges suggest it is recently milled kiln-dried stock rather than reclaimed or aged material.
Sustainability Status
Extensively available and sustainably managed; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Excellent; one of the easiest woods to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous scent; lightweight; very low resin content compared to other pines; uniform grain makes it a favorite for hand carving.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear coats such as polyurethane or lacquer well. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the pale, uniform color, fine texture, and visible end-grain fuzziness are characteristic of the Pinus genus, specifically the white pine group.