Scientific Name
Pinus strobus
Other Names
Northern white pine, Weymouth pine, cork pine, pumpkin pine, pin blanc
Family
Pinaceae, the pine family
Geography
Eastern white pine is found in North America from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast and from east central Canada to the mountains of Guatemala.
Properties
Eastern white pine is the lightest and softest of the pines. It is light and creamy colored with less prominent rings. The heartwood sometimes has tannish brown to soft orange streaks. The wood is rather weak and should not be used for exterior applications. It has a uniform texture.
Workability
Eastern white pine is soft and very easy to work with. It planes well, accepts glue easily, takes fasteners well and is stable in use. It stains fine and will take less coats of varnish to achieve a smooth surface. It does not turn well but will hold fairly sharp detail in carving.
Uses
Millwork, sashes, panel doors, interior trim, cabinetry, furniture, match sticks and some plywood veneer. Lower grades are used in construction, roof boards, sheathing, and crating. It was used for masts in wood war ships and in winter, a tea was brewed from its needles to prevent scurvy.
Price Level
Limited but recovering, medium price range
