Pine Flooring in a Nutshell

Well, now that I have a new job at a flooring showroom, I thought I would spend some time and educate you as I learn about flooring.


                 And there is so much to learn...


The options in solid hardwood flooring are numerous. I always wondered about  the hardness of woods and where you would use a really hard wood versus a softer wood.


To start, I'm just going to focus on one wood at a time.

So pine, which is, in certain varieties, a softer wood, is a character wood. It has pin holes and knots and the color can be the type which brings you back 150 years into the dense forest in a comfy log cabin. Because of its softness, it can be difficult to keep looking new. 


                                 Just adding to its character...

However, the hardness varies with the species of pine used.


Antique heartwood is cut from the heart of the pine tree. It is the darkest and hardest wood in the tree. This makes this wood resist dents and deep scratches. Heartwood pine has a natural reddish-gold tone and are usually treated with a clear topcoat to reflect the beauty of the wood. These floors last a very long time as they patina over time.

Antique Heartwood Pine

Eastern white pine is another hard pine. It is also significantly wider than a heart-pine can be. These varieties hold stain colors very well and are usually less expensive than heart-pine floors. 

Eastern White Pine

Another way to get the beauty of pine is by using reclaimed pine. It is abundant and often used in homes. This tends to be softer and subject to dents, but the beauty and warmth of this type of flooring brings history and character into any decor.

Plank sizes in pine run anywhere from 2-1/4" to 20". 

Depending on the look you are trying to create, pine can run from very traditional to contemporary.

I hope you learned something about pine flooring. Please feel free to post any questions or comments about pine flooring. 

What wood flooring are you most interested in?