Hello all,

I have a Craftman Home in Upstate NY built in the late 20's. I am in the process of remodeling a bedroom and old bath. All the trim in these rooms are originally painted while the public rooms were stained Gum Wood. I find it hard to believe that 2 species of wood would have been used to trim these homes, but looking at the back of the painted work , it sure looks like pine to me. If it is Gum, I would rather strip and refinish. If it is pine, I doubt it would be cost effective to strip. Any thoughts on whether it might be gum or how I can tell?

Really appreciate any help.

It was very typical to use two types of wood in a house. As you state good wood in the public area, cheaper wood (back then) in the private spaces. In the midwest the front rooms were oak, the rest clear yellow pine. I've seen doors with oak on one side and pine on the other. What is ironic now is that clear pine is way more expensive.

IF the woodwork was originally painted it may be even be two or more different kinds since it was covered in paint...

Thanks for your reply. I knew it was common practice to use 2 different species of wood as discussed, but was contradicted when speaking to a couple of the local lumber suppliers that have been in this community for years. They agree that it just wasn't cost effective, due to the small size of these homes. Typically 2 bed and single bath, 800-1000 sq ft.
I guess I will strip a small piece of the painted trim and refinish just to see how it compares.

Thanks again

For any one that is interested I have discovered that it is Sugar Pine.
Decided to strip and stain because the grain is so tight.