Wood Species Guide

Western White Pine

Pinus monticola

Also called: Idaho White Pine, Silver Pine, Mountain White Pine; sold in the white pine group with sugar pine

Western white pine, often called Idaho white pine, is a soft, even-grained pine for trim, paneling and carving. It works like eastern white pine and stays put once dry.

DomesticSoftwoodPines

About the name “Western White Pine”

Lumber sold as Idaho white pine is this species. Plain "white pine" usually means eastern white pine, a close relative with very similar wood.

What Western White Pine looks like

Heartwood is a light cream to pale reddish brown, and the sapwood is nearly white. The color ambers gently with age.

Grain and texture

Straight grain with a fine, even texture. Small, tight knots are common in the lower grades.

Working Western White Pine: planing, cutting and gluing

Soft and very easy to work with hand or power tools. It carves, planes and sands cleanly, and it glues and holds fasteners well. Keep blades sharp so the soft wood doesn't crush or fuzz.

Finishing Western White Pine: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Paints well and takes clear oil nicely. Use a conditioner or gel stain to avoid blotching. Seal knots with dewaxed shellac to stop resin bleed, and seal coat before epoxy so air in the knots doesn't bubble up.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Low decay resistance and susceptible to insects. It is stable and shrinks little. In Florida it is an indoor wood; on a lanai it will mildew and soften without protection.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Idaho white pine is a favorite for interior trim, paneling, cabinets and carved work because it is so even and stable. It is a good stand-in when you want the eastern white pine look. It is soft, so expect dents on a tabletop. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.

Common uses for Western White Pine

Millwork, molding, doors, paneling, carving, cabinets, boxes and matches.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though white pine blister rust has reduced it across much of its range.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating LowWhat the ratings mean

Skin irritation
Respiratory / asthma

Reactions are uncommon. Pine dust and resin can cause skin or airway irritation in some people.

In the shop: Dust collection and a mask when sanding
Food contact: Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Pine dust and resin can cause skin rashes or asthma-like symptoms in some people. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared