Pine flooring has been the foundation of flooring for centuries. It comes and goes in popularity, but it’s always a good basic choice for your home or office.

Most frequently it is left in its natural color, but it can be stained to any finish you desire. It is a soft wood, so is susceptible to damage, but that damage adds to the ageless beauty associated with pine flooring.

Many people enjoy the “cabin” look in their homes because it brings back memories of a warm and comfortable time in a cabin or lodge. Pine flooring is an essential part of that look because it can make any room look more inviting and welcoming. It is readily available and is slightly less expensive than hardwood flooring.

Distinguishing Hardwood vs. Softwood

The difference between hardwood and softwood is how fast the tree grows; faster growing trees produce soft wood. Softwoods are susceptible to dings and dents because that softness. The great thing is that these imperfections can help make your flooring even more beautiful. Of course, if you want a wood floor that keeps the same look for many years, then pine flooring may not be the right one for you.

The Durability of Pine Wood Flooring

Another thing that you want to keep in mind about pine flooring is its durability. Pine flooring has been around for hundreds of years. Pine is one of the first woods that is used in flooring, and in many older homes in the south you will find pine floorings still being used that are even more beautiful than the day that they were installed. This shows you that even though they are a softwood, they are still durable enough to be used in the most traveled rooms in your home.

Finding the Finished Look With Pine Wood Flooring:

• Consider the many different widths of pine flooring available. Each size will create a different finished look from open and airy to delicate and classy.
• Many people prefer the look of natural colored pine flooring and its grain, so they choose to just polyurethane or seal the wood with a clear sealant. If you prefer the natural beauty of pine, this is probably the route you’ll want to take.
• Pine wood flooring can be stained to just about any color you desire. Browse the stain section at your local home improvement store to see which colors you might enjoy.

Varieties of Pine Wood Flooring

There are several different categories of pine flooring as well. Heart pine is a beautiful choice if you are drawn to the pine floorings of old. Many times, you can even find antique heart pine flooring which may be reclaimed from older homes or businesses and refinish them if you don’t quite like the look. Another type of pine flooring is southern yellow pine. It has a natural honey gold tone that many people are drawn to. There are other types of pine flooring, but these two are the most common pine flooring options you will find.

Choosing Pine Wood Flooring

If you know you don’t want carpeted floors in your home, but think tile flooring is too cold or hard, then pine wood flooring could be just the thing you’re looking for. There is no disputing the warm and welcoming feel pine gives to a room. Pine is a great choice for those who are nostalgic and want to give their home just a touch of that antique feeling. If you can accept the fact that dents will happen and even look forward to the look they will create, then pine wood flooring is your best choice.