ANTIQUE WHITE PINE
KING OF THE FOREST
Eastern White Pine was the undisputed King of the northeastern woods. It is said to have reached heights of 240 feet and diameters of 5 to 8 feet prior to European colonization. These trees were much larger than anything left standing in Europe and early settlers in New England marveled at their size. They became a gold mine for New England almost overnight.
In 1605, George Weymouth, a Captain in the British Royal Navy, recognized the potential value of these tall, straight pines for making ship masts for the Crown. England was desperate for a source of good mast wood for her ships because her own lands had been almost entirely deforested. The combination of its light weight and strength made the newly discovered Eastern White Pine the perfect choice. The first English lumber mill was built and put into service in York, Maine in the year 1623.
Today, Old Growth Eastern White Pine is only available as a reclaimed specie, ie, Antique White Pine. As urban populations expand in New England, large numbers of cabins, barns and other old structures become slated for demolition. The Joinery Co. carefully reclaims these rare materials and painstakingly recycles them. It is from these raw materials that our spectacular wide plank engineered floors are crafted.
Centuries of aging has given these reclaimed virgin planks a patina and character that makes them even more beautiful now than they were originally. Additionally, every single plank now has its own special history and story to tell. We are indeed pleased to be a part of reclaiming, recycling, and preserving such an important part of American history.
OUR STANDARD ANTIQUE WHITE PINE
Standard dimensions are: 3/4″ x [5″, 6.1″, 7″, 9″, 11″] x 6.0′, 7.2′ in nested bundles. Other grades, widths and lengths are available by special request.
