Pine flooring is a classic flooring choice for homeowners. Pine floorboards are made from pine wood, and they have beautiful knots that give them their distinct quality.
Though it is softwood, it is very durable and can be furnished to your taste.
Origin
Pine floors date back to Colonial America, where early colonists used pine boards to cover their floors. It was the best choice of wood because of its width and long length.
Today, pine floorboards come in different grades that you can get at an affordable price, depending on your budget.
Types of pine flooring
Pine floorboards are made from the wood of pine trees.
There are more than two hundred species of pine trees, making various available types of wood for different purposes. However, some of these species are softer than the others leaving a few that we recommend for flooring.
These include Southern Yellow pine, Eastern white pine, and Heart pine.
Southern Yellow pine
Southern Yellow pine is a pine species that ranges from the Mason-Dixon line to the east of the great plains of the United States.
There are about ten species of pine trees that arborists classify as Southern Yellow pine.
Out of these, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, and slash make up a higher percentage of the southern pine inventory.
The color of these species ranges from deep reds to yellows. The grain is decorated by knots common with pine which incites a traditional feeling in a space.
Aside from its looks, it is the most durable of the types of pine, making it one of the most desirable floorboards for homeowners.
Eastern White Pine
Eastern white pine is a softwood that grows in Canada and the United States. It is known as a tree for landscapes with its feathery needle-like leaves, open canopy, and straight trunk.
It is also a fast-growing tree with a long life span.
Contrary to the Southern Yellow, Eastern White pine is prone to surface damage such as scratches. However, it has a charming appearance that makes it a preferable choice for flooring.
In addition, the species are durable and grows stronger as the years pass.
Heart Pine
Heart pine is the knottiest of the pine species and has a unique character that you cannot ignore. Its golden tones and deep red color make it a gorgeous preference for a home.
Since it is the densest of pine, the wood possesses strength that makes it an excellent choice for flooring.
Pros of pine flooring
- Pine flooring is attractive: Pine is one of the most beautiful types of wood used for flooring. Whether standard or knotty pine, these floors gives a different aura to a room.
- Well-maintained pine flooring is durable: Aside from its beauty, pine is a remarkably long-lasting wood. Just like other wood surfaces, pine floors can last for a long time if properly maintained. They are also easy to refinish because of their softness. So, if there are spots you aren’t comfortable with, consider spot treatments.
- Pine is a sustainable wood: Pine is a hardy, resilient wood that grows quickly. As a result, it is always in abundance and is easily sustainable. Therefore, sourcing this kind of wood is very easy as it is always available.
- Pine floors can be customized: One of the benefits of pine floors is that you can finish them to suit your taste. When buying pine floorboards, you buy them unfinished. This means you can paint it, spray it or create unique floor designs of your own. It allows you to be flexible in your designs. Also, if you want to alter it in a few years, all you have to do is sand it down and start again.
- Pine flooring is very affordable: If you are on a low budget and want to consider wood flooring, pine is an excellent choice for you. Its boards are less expensive than most types of wood but still gives you the benefit of a wooden floor. In other words, you can get a wood floor at little cost.
Cons of Pine Flooring
- It shows signs of wear quickly: If you want to keep your floor in pristine condition, the pine floor isn’t the best for you. Though it is one of the nicest flooring types, it isn’t hardwood. Like all softwood, pine is susceptible to dents and scratches and shows signs of wear shortly after you have them installed. You will have to use care when moving heavy items like furniture to avoid causing deep scrapes in the wood.
- New pine floors need finishing after installation: Earlier, we mentioned that you buy pine floorboards unfinished. That is an advantage and a disadvantage. While it has the advantage of being finished to preference, it makes the installation a labor-intensive option than wood that is already finished.
- Regular maintenance is essential: Regular dusting and vacuuming are required if you want to keep pine floors at their best. This helps to remove debris that could cause wear. Every few years, you should refinish the floors by sanding, staining, and coating. The good side of this is that you would have a floor that looks brand new.
Summary
Pine flooring is a type of wood flooring that homeowners have used for a very long time. Its unique appearance makes it appealing, and its durability makes it worthwhile. Still, the preference of your home floors is up to you. However, if you want a beautiful and durable wooden floor for your home, consider pine flooring.
