The Reasons Knotty Pine Flooring Is A Favorite
What comes to mind when you hear knotty pine flooring? Does it bring up images of log homes, cabins, campgrounds, cottages, Boy or Girl Scouts, or perhaps beautiful modern homes? Wherever it’s used, knotty pine floors are gorgeous and versatile for most home styles and décor.
What Is Knotty Pine Flooring
Knotty pine flooring is a natural wood product milled into planks of varying widths, lengths, and thicknesses nailed to a room’s subfloor. The best option has the tongue and groove end-matching design that offers a professional and secure fit.
Pine flooring can be nailed or glued and nailed to an adequate subfloor material. The subfloor must be dry, level, and in good condition without holes or damage. If you are removing and replacing an existing floor follow these guidelines. If you don’t feel comfortable removing an old floor and preparing the room for a new floor, consult a flooring installer.
Knotty pine floorboards are available in a smooth and sanded condition for finishing. It is also available in a pre-finished condition for your convenience. Just nail it down with a nail gun, add the baseboards and you are done.
Why Pine Flooring Is A Favorite?
Knotty pine flooring has been a favorite for centuries and continues to be a leading seller. Homeowners like this product for many reasons, some of which are not so obvious, such as:
- Durability: While it’s a bit softer than hardwoods, knotty pine can withstand moderate foot traffic. It can be finished with a clear coat product only, stained, or stained with a clear top coat finish to enhance its durability and appearance.
- Installation: Knotty pine flooring is available with a tongue and groove design for easy and quick installation:
- Material: A good choice in pine is red or Norwegian pine which is a renewable resource and readily available.
- Appearance: Knotty pine flooring features natural knots, which are areas where branches were once attached to the tree trunk. Along with its color and grain, knots add character and texture to the floor, creating a rustic or country-style aesthetic.
- Cost: This domestic wood is more affordable than hardwood or exotic imported wood flooring options.
“Wherever it’s used, knotty pine floors are gorgeous and versatile for most home styles and décor.”
Know Your Choices
A few choices need to be made for your floors, such as width, how to buy it, and unfinished versus pre-finished. Standard unfinished flooring is available in 4”, 5”, and 6” widths, in varying lengths, and will need sanding. All pieces are ¾” thick for a sturdy and durable floor. Pre-finished flooring boards are available in 6” width only.
It’s best to buy wood flooring by the square foot and not by the linear foot because you get more material for the same cost. We can help you determine how much to buy to avoid overbuying the product.
The Benefits Of Pre-Finished Knotty Pine Flooring
Buying knotty pine flooring that is pre-finished by our expert craftsmen in our finishing facility provides the benefits that produce a perfect product. Pre-finished flooring saves up to 50% when compared to on-the-job finishing. There are no delays with the weather or scheduling a painter, and the paneling arrives on the job site already sealed with protection from inclement weather.
The finish is applied in a controlled environment to the face, top, and bottom of each piece. The finish application meets and exceeds all warranty requirements by the stain manufacturers. Pine flooring is available with a clear top coat only and with stain and a clear top coat. Nail it up, add the baseboards, and you’re done.
Protecting Your Beautiful Wood Floors
You can protect your beautiful knotty pine floors in many practical ways. When installing it, apply multiple coats of a durable finish, use doormats, furniture pads, and avoid excessive moisture and abrasive materials. Regular cleaning and minor repairs can also help maintain the floor’s appearance and longevity. Here are some more tips for protecting pine floors:
Protect Against Wear and Tear: Use soft furniture pads such as heavy felt under furniture legs and other objects placed directly on the floor to prevent scratches. Use outside and inside doormats to remove dirt, gravel, and debris from shoes and boots. Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools on the floors.
Maintain Moisture Control: Excessive moisture may damage your wood floors, so keep them dry such as immediately wiping up liquid spills. Ensure good ventilation in areas with pine flooring to prevent moisture buildup. Do not use pine flooring in bathrooms.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Vacuum or sweep regularly to prevent dirt and debris buildup. Use a damp cloth or mop with a gentile cleaning solution to remove stains and dirt. If the finish becomes scratched or damaged, you may be able to repair it by lightly sanding the area and reapplying a fresh coat of finish. If serious damage occurs, consult a flooring expert.
Knotty pine flooring is a welcome addition to your home and something to be proud of for generations. Our flooring experts will be happy to answer any of your questions.
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