The wood dries easily and is stable after drying, is moderately light in weight and easily worked, has moderate shrinkage, and is moderately strong, stiff, tough, and hard. It is straight, even grained, soft and finishes with a satin like surface. The wood is creamy white or straw colored, and there is little difference between the heartwood and sapwood. White spruce is easily worked. Spruces are rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.
White spruce is rated as resistant to preservative treatment.
The largest use of eastern spruce is for pulpwood. It is also used for framing material, general millwork, boxes and crates, and piano sounding boards. Working with fresh spruce wood may cause dermatitis, or other contact sensitivity.