Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even with a medium-fine texture; the sample exhibits flat-sawn cathedral patterns and characteristic small, tight resin streaks/pith flecks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light brown to pale yellow, while sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow. It features low luster and tends to darken to a deeper golden tan with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
380 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; low resistance to rot and insect attack; poorly suited for direct ground contact or wet environments.
Common Uses
Interior millwork, box making, crates, construction lumber, carving, boat building (masts), and furniture backings/drawers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to the Great Lakes and through the Appalachian Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Common vs Select).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on the bright color, lack of significant oxidation (graying), and modern mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. Recognized as a sustainable and abundant resource.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands very easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing. Resinous content can occasionally clog sandpaper.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; lightweight and dimensionally stable once dried. Known for being one of the most useful utility softwoods in North America.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, though a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness due to uneven absorption. Finished well with polyurethane, lacquer, or milk paint.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light straw color, visible resin canals, soft texture, and flat-sawn cathedral grain is classic for Pinus strobus.