Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, even grain with a fine, uniform texture. Shows prominent cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces as seen in the sample.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown, sometimes with a reddish hue; sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. Ages to a deep golden yellow or tan over time when exposed to light.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; low resistance to rot and decay; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, cabinetry, furniture (rustic or colonial styles), crates, boxes, boat building (masts/spars), and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern Canada and Northeastern/Great Lakes regions of the United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $6.50 per board foot depending on grade (Common vs. Select).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/new; the light color and lack of deep oxidation or graying suggest the sample was processed recently (within 1-3 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Widely regarded as one of the easiest woods to work with. It cuts, planes, and sands easily, though sharp tools are needed to avoid crushing fibers due to its softness. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked. Very lightweight. It has low resin content compared to Yellow Pine, which makes it less prone to bleeding through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well, including polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac. It can be prone to blotchiness when staining, so a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very wide growth rings, light cream/yellow color, fine texture, and characteristic cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face is diagnostic for Pinus strobus.