What Sets White Pine Apart From The Rest
White Pine
No tree symbolizes the Great North Woods like the White Pine. It's massive girth, great heights, rich green needles, and midnight bark make this tree stand out across the forested landscape. Early logging from Maine to Minnesota led to the opening and development of the new world. Think the Revolutionary war was fought over a tax on tea? Think again. We fought for independence in large part to keep British hands off American White Pine.
Rajala Forestry has played a major role in the history of White Pine in the Lake States. Minnesota especially struggled with reforestation efforts following the exploitative logging which ended in the early 20th century. White Pine did not grow back on its own the easy way. So beginning in the 1960's, we set out to bring it back the hard way - by backbreaking handwork. This is its own entire story, and it has worked.
The soft, strong, easily mill-able wood made White Pine stand out from all other species (including every other abundant Pine species from around the world). This was the envy of the colonialists just as it is for knowledgeable woodworkers today.
Soft White sapwood and slightly reddish heartwood complement each other perfectly. MTM provides White Pine in a long list of products: Flooring in widths up to 18" (called Wide Plank Flooring). Kiln Dried Timbers up to 20" wide. Kiln Dried Tongue & Groove Wall Timbers from 3"x8" to 8"x12". Live edge mantels, counter tops, bar tops, and table tops. Siding. Shingles. Paneling. Shiplap. Staircases. Loft Floor. Roof Decking (both V-groove and flat). Doors. Cabinets. Counter Tops.
White Pine is sightly more expensive than the cheap pine available from worldwide plantations and western species. But if you desire beauty, stability, elegance and a piece of history as an element of your North Woods life, then White Pine is for you.
Grades of Wood
Select
Elegant selection with consistent grain, minimal small knots, and overall smooth character. Excellent choice for a more refined look.
Premium
Varying amounts of excellent tight characteristics including medium size knots, streaks, bark pockets, and grain variation. This grade is excellent for a higher character look than Select, but not entirely Rustic either.
Rustic
This exciting grade provides the highest degree of character, with a wide range of knot sizes, streaks, a few holes and torn knots, and occasional heavy bark deposits. Rustic grade can appear a bit "loose" when unfinished, but with Prefinish applied the character holds together beautifully and really pops. This grade continues to grow in popularity, even in high end applications.
MTM is able to mix the grades in any combination to give you the exact look you are after. Some species (such as Elm) are limited in quantity and are only offered as a full mix of grades. A few species are unavailable in Select grade due to the natural characteristics of the tree (Tamarack).