Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain; typically flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns; small, tight knots are common but mostly clear segments present here.
Color Description
Heartwood is light brown with a reddish hue; sapwood is pale yellow to white. This sample shows deep ambering (patina) under an old finish, typical of age-related oxidation.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Low durability; susceptible to rot and insect attack if not treated or kept dry; very prone to mechanical wear (dents).
Common Uses
Wide-plank flooring, interior millwork, colonial-style furniture, pattern making, and general construction (historically).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, specifically Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for vintage or reclaimed wide-plank clear grade.
Wood Age Estimate
80-120 years; based on the wide-plank width, deep oxidation of the wood fibers, and characteristic shrinkage gaps between boards common in historic homes.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and fast-growing.
Workability
Excellent; easy to work with both hand and machine tools; cuts very cleanly but is prone to denting and crushing due to softness; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; very lightweight; has a 'warm' feel underfoot; high seasonal movement causing the visible gaps between planks.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or hard-wax oils are recommended to allow the wood to breathe; traditionally finished with shellac or polyurethane in later renovations.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of plank width, fine grain characteristic of old-growth white pine, and the specific way it has ambered and gapped over time is diagnostic of historic pine flooring.