Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-grained, and uniform grain that is generally inconspicuous; can show some very light cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is light brown to pale reddish-brown, while sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow. It darkens over time with light exposure to a golden tan.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; low resistance to rot and decay when exposed to soil or moisture; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, interior millwork, construction lumber, crates, boxes, boat building (masts), and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Canada and Eastern United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/re-sawn stock; the light color and Lack of heavy oxidation suggest it was harvested or milled within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues and finishes well, though it is prone to indentation and scratching due to extreme softness.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous scent; lightweight; low shock resistance; contains some resin canals that can occasionally bleed through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane; requires a sanding sealer or wood conditioner before staining to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the light creamy color, fine texture, and visible fuzzy fibers often seen in rough-sawn soft pine.