Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even with a fine, uniform texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with common circular and oval knots characteristic of lower-grade lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown, sometimes with a reddish hue; sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. It features a low, natural luster and tends to darken to a deeper golden yellow or amber color over time when exposed to light.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Low to Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to ground contact.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, paneling, crates, boxes, construction lumber, carvings, and furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south through the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and surfacing.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (0-5 years); the lack of significant oxidation and the crispness of the tongue-and-groove joints suggest recently milled lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues very well, though its softness makes it prone to denting and scratching during assembly.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous odor when being worked; resin canals are visible as fine, dark lines. Very lightweight and dimensionally stable once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, though a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness. Often finished with polyurethane, lacquer, or simple wax.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pale color, tight grain, and small dark knots in a tongue-and-groove profile is diagnostic for Eastern White Pine commonly used in interior paneling.