Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 10, 2003 02:33am | #1

   Dave, the pines (worldwide) have always been utility timbers used for simple, functional furniture...So the "correct" pine for the job depends on the origin of the style you intend to use. For example, if you're building English cottage style furniture, the correct pine would be the European species; Pinus sylvestris (AKA Scotch pine or deal.)...If you're making Early American (New England) pieces, the typical pine would be our native Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus.) If it's an antebellum Southern hunt board or armoire, you'd want to use one of the Southern Yellow Pines...etc.

   As for which pine is the nicest to work with and stains the best, I'd vote for Eastern White...and this is the one I typically use when building "Colonial" American pieces. If you want a European look, but don't have a source for Scotch pine, the wood of our Eastern Red pine (P. resinosa) is close enough to fool an expert.

2. 
   Marcello | Jan 10, 2003 03:36am | #2

   If you are not concerned in matching a particular time period or certain style, but interested in just building a table for your own use or as a gift, then try using the pine species which is more readily available in your local lumber yard.  Find out what it is and design and build accordingly.

   Marcello

3. 
   mrles | Jan 10, 2003 09:49am | #3

   Your northern pines have a lot closer grain than southern pines. The colder weather and shorter growing season is the reason for this I believe. I don't know if white pine grows in the south or not, it would be my choice. I have seen some pine called sugar pine, it has a red cast to it.

   We have some Ethan Allen pine in our den, the only problem I have with it dents easy.

   God Bless

   les

4. 
   crt2cu2 | Jan 10, 2003 11:40am | #4

   Dave,

   Speaking from one of the pine producing capitals (Montana) I gotta say that unfortunately pine, fir and such are maybe not the best choices for current furniture uses.  Most pine logs cut nowadays here in Montana are designated for framing lumber, plywood. paper, or fence posts.  Maybe Southern US or Canadian sources are better but my observation of local lumberyard stock is unremarkable.  Consider instead the options of Alder, Poplar, and the relatively new market additions of soft Maples.  Compare prices of these species per your local sources and the revelations may reveal valuable insights.

   sawick

5. 
   Crunk | Jan 11, 2003 12:25am | #5

   Tuckaway Lumber.  Internet search will give a phone number which I don't have handy at the moment.

1. 
   LD | Jan 11, 2003 01:20am | #6

   Thanks, I'll check them out.