Pine flooring is actually classified as a softwood, not a hardwood. Pine is still commonly used as a flooring material because it is hard enough to withstand the day-to-day wear that a floor receives.

But because it is a softwood, Pine will generally not last as long as other hardwood floors like Oak or Maple. Pine is very sensitive to seasonal changes in humidity and other natural elements like moisture. These changes in weather can cause your Pine to expand and contract thereby creating spaces between the boards during hotter times of the year.

So why would anyone install Pine flooring in their house? If you look at the picture on the right, you’ll notice the uniquely fine texture and appearance of Pine. If you love country style decor, then Pine flooring will help you achieve that traditional countryside appearance. Also, Pine flooring is not as expensive as other hardwood floors.

Because Pine is more sensitive than other hardwood floors, it is necessary to take proper care of this type of floor. After some years, you may need to refinish your Pine floor in order to keep it looking new and beautiful. Below is a do-it-yourself guide on how to refinish your pine flooring:

Steps for Refinishing Your Pine Floor

• Plan well. It is important to have good weather for 3-4 days so there is ample time for your refinishing to dry.
• Clear the room of all furnishings, decorations, or hangings. Keep the door closed to protect the other rooms from the dust especially during the sanding process.
• Gather all the equipments you’ll need: hammer, screwdriver, nails, wood putty, sand paper, wood stain, clear wood floor finish, floor belt sander, floor disc sander, orbital hand sander, soft cloth pieces, and a fine paintbrush.
• Inspect the floor for screws and nails that protrude above the surface as these can loosen due to the expanding and contraction of pine. Use nails and screws to secure any loose planks and fill with quick drying wood putty.
• Begin sanding at one end of the room (with machines in front of you) and move backwards until you reach the other end. Going from end to end will prevent the sanding streaks from showing when you apply the stain finish. Use a #80 grit sandpaper with your belt sander.
• Upon completion of the sanding process, change the sanding belt to a #150 grit. Repeat the sanding pattern again.
• When you get close to the walls and corners, replace the belt sander that you are using with a hand operated disc sander. Use the same grit sanding disc that you used in the belt machine.
• For the third time, sand the floor using a #220 grit sandpaper until the floor becomes smooth.
• When you have finished sanding, use a vacuum to collect all the dust from the cracks. It is imperative that the floor be in its cleanest possible state before you begin the finishing process.
• Test the wood stain color on another piece of wood to be sure that that is the color that you desire.
• Brush the stain on the floor and wipe with a cloth after drying for ten minutes to keep the stain smooth and even. Leave the floor to dry for 24 hours.
• Using a fine paintbrush, apply the first clear coat finish then allow another 24 hours for it to dry. Note that the finish will feel very rough once it is dry. Use your hand orbital sander and #220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the floor. Be careful with not taking off the stain. Wipe with a clean cloth once you are finished.
• Apply another coat of clear finish in the same manner; the more coat finishes, the brighter the shine.
• Remember to always sand between coats of finish to eliminate the roughness of your last coat. The sanding should be quicker and the floor smoother after the third coat of finish. Put as many coats as you wish.
• Apply the final wood sealant coat and let dry for at least 48 hours before you allow traffic.

More Pine Refinishing Tips

• Keep the sander moving at all times! Not doing so will damage your floor, especially since pine is a softwood.
• Moving backwards while sanding will prevent streaks from showing in your finish.
• Take note that you sand with the grain and not across it!
• Don’t be such a haste. Give the coats sufficient time to dry in between coatings.
• Ensure that there is proper ventilation while staining.

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