Pine is one wood that can add a dash of history and character to any room. Pine wood is softer than hardwood flooring products. If you want harder pine you can opt for one that has a larger percentage of heart wood in it. Reclaimed and river reclaimed pine wood give you the chance to own a floor that is rare and irreplaceable.

Some of the trees were 300 years old when they were cut. Such old growth trees are rarely available today. River reclaimed pine had sunk to the river bottom during transport. They have a unique look after decades of being immersed in water.

Installation of pine is slightly different from that of hardwood floors. You may choose virgin pine, soft pine, heart pine, reclaimed pine or river reclaimed pine for your flooring project. Knowledge about its installation will help you ensure that you have a great looking wood floor that you will be proud of.

Types of Pine Flooring

Besides the types of pine flooring mentioned above pine is available in a variety colors and finishes. You can choose from red pine and yellow pine among others. At Contempo Floor coverings you can choose your pine floor from a rich collection of floors with different patterns in veins and knots.

Pine flooring is soft. This makes it particularly susceptible to damage from dropped objects or heavy loads. If you like the character that these marks add to the flooring, you will love reclaimed pine floors. If on the other hand you like a glossy wood floor that is free from any character marks you may like hardwood floors other than pine.

Installing Pine Flooring

• As with the installation of hardwood floors you will need to ensure that the sub floor is smooth and free from dirt and imperfections.
• It is prudent to place a moisture barrier between the floor and pine wood to protect it from moisture seeping in from below. If you have exceptionally high moisture levels you may need to seal the sub floor and cover it with a product like tar to ensure that moisture does not penetrate.
• Marking a line on the floor with chalk will help you align your planks in a straight line.
• Ensure that a space of ¼ th inch is present between the boards and the walls to allow room for expansion.
• Nail the boards in place at the floor joists to keep them in place.
• If you are using reclaimed pine wood, there may be holes in the wood. These can be filled with dovels.
• Sand and finish the floor carefully. Pine wood is softer and you will need to exercise care when using a sander or you will wear out the floor before long.

Maintaining Pine Floor

Unlike the wood from hardwood species Pine is a soft wood and needs care to ensure its longevity. Regular mopping and vacuuming can help reduce dirt load on the floor. Dirt can quickly scratch the finish of the floor and must be removed. A pine floor that is not properly maintained will soon be in need of refinishing.

Installing and finishing Pinewood floors needs a certain amount of dexterity and experience. It is best to entrust a trained wood flooring professional with the installation project. If you think that the floor has too many character marks you could consider distressing your floor. Distressing your pine floor can ensure that the eye is not drawn to any one particular imperfection thus effectively hiding it from view.

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