Pine is most frequently used in flooring. But homeowners should know its pros and cons to make informed decision before installing it.
Pine wood flooring is made from pine trees. Part of the softwood family, pine trees number more than 200 species, making this kind of flooring always available and with a lot of variety. Being very soft, it is prone to denting and scarring. Since very few species of pine are extremely soft, the number that can be used for flooring are a handful or less. This means that there are both pine flooring pros and cons to consider before choosing it.
An inexpensive and lightweight type of wood, pine is identified by its yellowish color or white with brown knots. For the kind of look it has, it is best used in rustic settings for farmhouse type tables.
Types of pine wood flooring
Long leaf heart pine: This is the densest of all pine wood flooring and the least damage-prone, so it’s not surprising that it’s the most sought after among pine flooring options. These wood floors can be seen in rich red, amber and gold shades since they come from the heartwood.
Southern yellow pine: It is highly damage-resistant and it is reasonably priced, two important reasons why this pine flooring is sought after by homeowners. It is typified by its wide grain that lays bare the knots of the pine tree. You can find it in a range of colors, such as rust or brick red, yellowish-white and yellow-orange.
Vertical grain pine: This type of pine flooring is identified by its growth rings that lie perpendicular to the wear surface. Its manufacturing process makes this pine wood type more expensive than other varieties. This is the pine wood flooring of choice for many people as not only is it stronger but it also withstands damage, rendering it ideal for areas that have many footfalls in homes, for example, the kitchen, drawing room, entrance room, etc.
Prefinished pine: This is preferred pine wood flooring because of its resplendent finish and the fact that it can be installed straight away. This pine variety can be found in all pine wood types, i.e., Vertical grain, Southern yellow pine, cabin heart pine and heart pine. It is sold in a variety of widths with either a natural or a honey finish.
Choosing pine wood flooring: Selecting this type of flooring can make a room look welcoming. Besides, its easy availability, low cost and the fact that it adds value to your home are prime reasons for considering pine wood for flooring material.
Pros and Cons of pine flooring
This wood is so versatile that it’s not surprising to find plenty of both pine flooring pros and cons, such as:
Pros:
- Its rustic look is very appealing to everyone.
- Pine is environmentally friendly, more than hardwoods with slow growth.
- It’s easy on the pocket and paints well.
- With age, these wood floors develop an attractive patina.
- Pine wood is highly durable, as it has been used for generations in homes and has stood the test of time.
- You can get the width and stain of choice in pinewood flooring, and the color and look you want.
- If you’re looking for the best of pine wood flooring, deciding on the one you want could be very difficult considering its vast range. For an antique look, go for heart pine or if you want a golden tone, then you absolutely have to choose southern yellow pine. There are many options that go to make up pine wood flooring’s mind boggling range.
- Pine wood flooring is the perfect choice for making your home or office really inviting. If you love the flooring of homes built in times gone by or of lodges or log cabins, you might like to have that look for your home too by choosing pine wood flooring.
- It neither shrinks nor swells.
- It adapts well to homeowners trying to give it an antique touch by distressing it to give a rustic and enticing appeal.
- Pine wood is versatile enough to offer several options in finishes, such as varnish, stains and use of tung oil. For people who prefer the natural look of pine, the option to keep the wood without finish or in its natural state is always alive and high on their list of preferences.
- If you live in a humid environment, you can save your pine flooring by applying a few coats of polyurethane on it and extend its life.
Cons:
- Since it is softwood, it is prone to denting and scratches.
- Wear and tear show up on it very soon since it’s a soft wood.
- It is highly susceptible to denting, scratching and dings, so it reveals wear and tear earlier than other woods.
- The durability of pine depends on both the species of pine from which it was cut and on its finish. Your pine flooring can have a long life if it’s barely used and if you maintain it well by staining it and sealing it with a few coats of polyurethane.
- It’s not as sturdy or durable as hardwood.
- Pine wood flooring is not usually found in stores in finished form. You will have to go to sawmills to obtain it. If you’re looking for finished pine flooring, you can go in for the do-it-yourself finishing variety.
- However, adding a finish to unfinished wood is highly time consuming as finishing is usually followed by sanding the flooring to make sure that the flooring is even and all obstacles are removed. Then comes vacuuming the dust from the pine floor and preparing it for finishing with either stain, varnish, polyurethane or tung oil. Sealing the wood is another option.
Final caveat
Once you study the pros and cons of pine wood flooring, you can make an informed decision about having it at your home. Pine wood flooring is a great option for any home, besides being affordable. If you love having wood flooring at a budget-friendly price, perhaps pine wood is the flooring for you.
