Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. The image shows flat-sawn boards featuring cathedral patterns and prominent dark circular 'tight knots'.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown with an occasional reddish hue; sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. It darkens to a golden yellow or tan over time with exposure to UV light. Low luster.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Low durability; rated as non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance. Susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, cabinetry components, furniture (rustic style), crates, boxes, construction lumber, and boat building (masts).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to the Great Lakes and south through the Appalachian Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Common vs. Clear).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern secondary processing; likely cut within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of intense oxidation and machine-sanded surface visible.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though the knots can bleed resin through paint if not sealed with shellac. Its softness makes it prone to denting.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked. Contains small amounts of resin canals. Very lightweight with good dimensional stability compared to other pines.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for protection; shellac is needed to seal knots.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light creamy color, fine texture (lacking the heavy earlywood/latewood contrast of Yellow Pine), and the specific appearance of the dark round knots is characteristic of Pinus strobus.