Do you ever wish Christmas could last all year long? That you could experience the warmth and joy that comes with presents, gingerbread cookies, and decorated pine trees? If so, a softwood floor made of pine might be right up your alley!
It doesn't get much more "Christmas-y" than a floor made from the same trees you hang ornaments and lights from every December. But we don't just suggest these floors because of their connection to one of the world's favorite holiday traditions. Pine floors are also uniquely beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly. Not to mention they come at a relatively low cost compared to other types of hardwood floors. They are a great choice for many people, but let's break down the benefits a bit more.
Sustainability
Being a softwood, pine can grow at a faster rate than trees that produce hardwood like walnut or oak. This attribute makes pine a much more sustainable resource, which is good news for those of you who want to be environmentally friendly without giving up your dreams for a gorgeous wood floor.
We would like to point out, however, that there is a possible downside to this otherwise desirable quality. Pine and other types of softwood flooring are more prone to dents and scratches. If you have a habit of keeping your shoes on in the house or have pets with claws you may find it more difficult to keep your floor looking pristine. On the other hand, those dents and scratches can add to the charm of your floor depending on how you're willing to look at it.
Style
There is a seemingly endless variety of pine tree species to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. So whether you're interested in the rustic charm of a heart pine, or the warm tones of southern yellow pine, there's an option out there for you. Even better, you can easily manipulate the look of your pine floor with the finish, stain, or paint of your choosing. Most pine floors come unfinished, meaning you won't have to take any extra steps to prepare your floor for the process.
If you don't feel like putting a finish on your floor, you don't have to! Just be aware that pine, while it doesn't rot easily, does change in appearance over time if left unfinished. It starts to build a distressed look, adding a rustic appeal. This aging process can be quite beautiful, but it's not for everyone, so think long and hard about how you would like your floor to look in the next 8 years before deciding whether or not to leave it be.
Durability
Pine, especially heart pine, is one of the more durable softwoods which is part of what has made it such a popular choice over the years. They do not decay, swell, or shrink easily and can stand up to a lot of use. There are still pine floors being used today that are over a century old! The key is maintenance. If you are diligent in properly caring for your floor it will treat you well for years to come.
Price
This is perhaps our favorite thing to talk about when it comes to pinewood floors because of how happy it makes people who are running on a tighter budget. Pine floors are one of the least expensive wood flooring options out there! They cost a fraction of what hardwood floors do without sacrificing much of anything that draws people to hardwood. It doesn't get much better than that!
Happy Flooring!
Sources:
https://homereference.net/pine-flooring-pros-cons/
https://www.amerifirst.com/amerifirst-blog/pros-and-cons-of-softwood-flooring
https://denverdustless.com/pine-wood-flooring-timeless-beauty-practicality/