Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even with a fine, uniform texture. This sample shows growth rings with low contrast between earlywood and latewood, typical of soft pines.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown, sometimes with a reddish hue; sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. This sample appears weathered or partially surfaced, showing a muted, matte cream-to-tan color that will darken to a golden yellow with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; low resistance to rot and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to soil contact.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, box making, crates, construction lumber, carving, and furniture (especially rustic or colonial styles).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern Canada and Northeastern United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $5.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample shows evidence of modern mechanical surfacing and minimal oxidation, likely aged between 1 to 5 years since harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; not listed on CITES appendices.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It is one of the easiest woods to carve and plane, though its softness makes it prone to indentations and sanding scratches.
Notable Features
Faint, resinous pine scent when cut; very lightweight; high resin content can occasionally clog sandpaper or leak from knots.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, though a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or shellac are common choices.
Identification Confidence
High. The color, lack of prominent latewood bands (characteristic of soft pines), and the way the fibers have reacted to the rough surfacing in the image are classic diagnostic features of Pinus strobus.