What Is Blue Stain Pine and How Can You Use It?

When choosing lumber for your next project, there are many different types available and choosing what is best can be a tough decision. The right timber can add a perfect touch of your personality to your décor, changing your home’s overall look and feel so it’s one worth putting ample thought into. One unique material that you can choose is Blue Stain Pine—a variety that we at Reliance Timber just happen to have in stock at this current moment. It’s seasonal and won’t last long so if you are looking for truly distinctive wood, this is the way to go. 

What Is Blue Stain Pine?

Blue Stain Pine is derived from numerous species of Pine, including some species of Spruce and Alpine Fir. The most commonly affected species is White Pine, a species we readily have in stock.

Generally, it is a light-colored softwood. It has a pale yellow or white coloring, with distinguished areas of blue-gray ranging from light gray to deep bluish-black hues. You may notice some areas of red, brown, or purple. These colorings are caused by a fungus and are not harmful to your health. 

These markings, known as blue stains, do not affect the strength of the lumber. You can use it for the same projects as non-stained lumber.   

Cause of Blue Staining

Many consumers see the bluish color of Blue Stain Pine and become concerned that the wood is moldy. However, the blue stain is not mold. One way you can tell is by administering a simple test. 

You can lightly rub the blue parts of the wood. If it easily smears or brushes off, it’s likely mold. In contrast, you cannot remove the blue stain because of how deeply the color penetrates the wood.  

The various colors of Blue Stain Pine come from a non-destructive fungus that the mountain pine beetle carries. These insects bore into the wood, causing the fungus to grow inside it.

The Effect of Blue Staining on Wood

The blue staining has little to no effect on the strength of the wood. However, each piece should be inspected for splintering or weakness when your project requires structural stability. Lumber companies should not consider Blue Stain Pine an inferior product. 

Keep in mind that the blue-gray discoloration does increase the wood’s ability to absorb water. This means that exposure to rain causes it to soak up water faster than traditional, non-stained wood.  

The appearance of Blue Stain Pine varies between different parts of the wood. Color and permeability can differ significantly between areas on the same piece of wood.    

Is Blue Stain Pine Safe to Use?

Blue Stain Pine is safe to handle and does not threaten your health. You can follow the same safety rules when using blue-stained wood as if handling non-stained lumber, which include: 

• Wearing eye protection and a mask 
• Avoiding extended inhalation of sawdust 
• Washing your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking 

Clothing that accumulates sawdust should be machine-washed separately from other clothing.

Uses of Blue Stain Pine

Because the variation in color does not alter the properties of the lumber, Blue Stain Pine can be used for various projects. It is a popular choice for flooring, ceilings siding, and furniture-making due to its adaptability. Typically, folks want blue stain products in tongue & groove or shiplap siding. It may also be used for trim. Since it’s a softwood, it’s easy to work with but durable enough to resist scratching. 

Blue Stain Pine can be used for home construction, but it’s better suited for internal components, such as interior stud walls and trusses. Because of its increased water absorption, using this material for windows or roof fittings would increase the risk of mold and wood rot. 

When choosing your Blue Stain Pine, check that it has a grade mark accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC). This marking identifies the: 

• Species 
• Grade
• Moisture content 
• Inspection service 
• Mill identification number 

This information ensures you purchase a quality piece of wood for your unique project.  We recommend using a clear coat it for interior use, to protect the product and allow you to see the beautiful natural colors. If you stain it, the natural colors may no longer be visible. When using blue stain products outdoors, you may go with a “natural” stain color.

When Can You Purchase Blue Stain Pine?

When looking for suitable wood for your project, you may notice that Blue Stain Pine is only sometimes available. It’s a seasonal item most prevalent in spring, summer, and early fall. 

Supplies are often limited and disappear fast because of the popularity of this wood’s distinct appearance. Fall is one of the best times to look for this product, but don’t wait too long, or it could disappear until next year!  

Get Your Blue Stain Pine at Reliance Timber

If you’re ready to create your next project with a unique appearance, consider Blue Stain Pine. Reliance Timber supplies this specialty wood along with a range of other master-quality timber. We’re sure you’ll find something you like in our extensive portfolio. We deliver straight to your job site and ship throughout North America.

To learn more about Blue Stain Pine and other fine-crafted timber, contact us today