Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Eastern White Pine is the timber that built Colonial America. It is the premier softwood for craftsmanship, offering a texture so soft and uniform that it is often described as working like firm cheese. While too soft for heavy flooring, its stability makes it the ultimate choice for pattern making and millwork.
Botanical Profile
Pinus strobus is the tallest conifer in Eastern North America, historically reaching heights of 70 meters. It is a five-needle pine (needles in bundles of 5), distinguishing it from the harder Yellow Pines. It grows rapidly and forms massive, straight trunks.
Physical Properties
Extremely lightweight and soft, with a very low specific gravity. Despite its lack of hardness, it is structurally stiff for its weight and holds its shape better than almost any other commercial softwood.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Very Low; perhaps the easiest wood to machine.
Gluing Advice
Excellent; absorbs glue readily.
Finishing
Challenging with stain; requires a washcoat or conditioner to prevent blotching. Knots must be sealed with shellac to prevent resin bleed.
Steam Bending
Poor; prone to buckling.
Historical Context
This wood sparked a revolution. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the tallest White Pines were reserved by the British Crown for Royal Navy masts (marked with the King’s Broad Arrow). Resentment over these seizures was a significant precursor to the American Revolution.
Technical Specs
Not CITES listed. IUCN: Least Concern. Abundant in Eastern North America.