Western white pine
Description
A large conifer tree, Pinus monticola, found on the north-facing slopes of the western mountains in the U.S and Canada. The Western White pine can grow to heights of 175' with diameters of 8 feet. The distinctive tree has short, symmetrical branches on its top half. The pale green needle grown in bunches of five, and the long (12") cones are slightly curved. The wood from the Western white pine is lightweight and evenly textured with a light-color and coarse-grain. The wood iss used for construction and millwork includeing furnitue, cabinets and shelves. Its production peaked in 1930.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Pinus monticola; white pine; silver pine; Idaho white pine; California mountain pine
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Density | 22-31 ppcf |
|---|
Working Properties
Western white pine is harder the Eastern white pine, but can still be work with either hand or power tools. It has little pitch and does not easily splinter. The small knots do not typically fall out, but should be sealed prior to applying a coating.
Resources and Citations
- Wood Magazine: https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/wood-species-3/western-white-pine (accessed April 2020)
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 613
- Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
- Western Pine Association, Portland, Oregon: air-dry weight = 27 pcf
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "pine." Accessed: 27 Oct. 2004 .
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: density=22-31 ppcf (0.35-0.50 g/cm3)