Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even with a fine, uniform texture. Shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with visible tight knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown, sometimes with a reddish-white hue. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. The wood tends to darken to a golden yellow or deep amber over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Low durability; slightly durable to non-durable regarding decay and rot. Susceptible to insect attack if not treated.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, crates, boxes, interior millwork, cabinetry, boat building (masts), and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 to $4.50 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern rough-sawn lumber, likely less than 5 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected. Heavily managed through FSC certification programs.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to gluing and finishes reasonably well, though resin can occasionally cause issues with sanding or clogging sandpaper.
Notable Features
Characteristic faint, resinous pine scent. Low weight and high dimensional stability once dried. Contains resin canals that appear as small brown streaks.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness. Shellac or water-based polyurethanes are common.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light color, circular branching knots typical of Pinus strobus, and the rough-sawn texture strongly indicates Eastern White Pine.