A Complete Guide Of Pine Flooring

Author : The Joinery Company | Published On : 08 Jan 2024

Wood flooring remains the most popular option, especially when finished to perfection. Not to mention how chic and beautiful oak floorboards are. Softwood pine has a long history of use as floorboards and is a common sight in many historic British homes; however, another beautiful wood flooring option can hold its own. You have examined oak doors, furniture, and flooring in great detail several times. It is time to delve into the delightful realm of the Old growth heart pine now. This is all the information you need to care for a pine floor, whether your own or someone else's.

Things work out the way they should - the pine floor style.

There are many ways to keep hardwood floors beautiful. Some floors are easy to maintain, while others require a lot. Also, visual preference plays a role in many cases. Wood flooring can undergo a fascinating transformation, yielding various end results depending on its type and location. This is one of the best things about wood flooring. Plus, there's beauty in every wrinkle and crease line.

The worn patina that old pine boards have developed over the years might be something you appreciate. It could be more or less black, filthy, uneven, twisted, and stained. But it's ideal in your eyes; it's a tangible artefact that bears the marks of human habitation spanning decades, if not centuries. The fact that it has survived this long intact suggests that it will likely survive for a very long time without breaking.

Your floor may have seen better days, somewhere between new and old. The effect might be perfect for you if you're going for a shabby chic vibe, but if you want to give it a fresh start and update its appearance, you can always clean it up and fix any damage.

Conversely, a freshly laid Aged heart pine floor can appear rather unfinished. The lighter the colour, the more recent and unestablished it appears. Try using a wood dye to achieve a more understated look and tone down the brightness. When dry, apply a finishing oil or high-quality varnish to seal it.

But what if you'd rather not have that striking orange/gold hue?

Only some enjoy orange or golden pine. Even plain old clear oil or varnish can take on this effect—it can gradually darken to a more orange or brown hue as time passes. Sand off the old finish and apply a product that won't change colour as it ages if your pine floor has gone a strange shade.

Osmo Polyx Oil Raw and Fiddes Hard Wax Oil Natural are two excellent products for diffusing and countering the gold or orange colour that can sometimes appear on newly sanded pine or oak boards or if you want them to look natural.

• Osmo Polyx Oil Raw (3044)

Its unique formulation ensures that wood maintains its "natural" appearance while providing superior protection and longevity thanks to its use of natural oils and waxes. It prevents the usual clear oils or varnishes from producing the darkening effect and grain enhancement that gives the impression of moisture.

• Fiddes Hard Wax Oil Natural

Additionally, it dries to a transparent, satin-matt finish while preserving the wood's natural, unaltered colour. Light-coloured woods, such as pine, spruce, and oak, work wonderfully with it.

Which is better for refinishing pine wood floors: oil or varnish?

Is a varnish better than an oil? The protective properties are very similar. You should consider the floor's wear and tear level when deciding between oil and varnish, as the two require different upkeep.

Although wooden floor varnish usually lasts longer and requires less upkeep, it requires re-sanding the floor to bare wood when it wears off. The amount of wear and tear your floor experiences and the kind and quality of varnish determine how long this process takes. It could be once a year if you have children, pets, and visitors constantly coming and going. If your household is unusually peaceful or you've covered the floor with rugs, the answer could be five years or longer.

In contrast, applying wooden floor oil requires periodic maintenance (often every two years) but will not peel, flake, or crack. Not only does it look better with age than varnish, but it's also incredibly easy to repair in specific areas if worn. When a slippery floor begins to show age, use an appropriate floor cleaner to remove any stains, marks, or scuffs and then reapply a thin layer of oil. And presto! Your floor looks brand new again. Light sanding and a new coat of oil can fix even the worst scuffs, stains, marks, and scratches.

Conclusion

The classic style, adaptability, and durability of Reclaimed heart pine flooring make it ideal for any room. Many interior styles favour it due to its versatility, low cost, and ease of installation. It gets scratches and dents, but if you maintain it, it will last. Pine flooring by The Joinery Company is still a good choice for a classic, charming look without breaking the bank.