Knotty Pine Flooring Is Superior To Laminate Flooring.

Why Knotty Pine Flooring Is Better Than Laminate

When it is time to build a home or cabin or remodel one, flooring is a special consideration. What type is best, what color do you want, and what are its advantages? Two common choices, especially for log homes and cabins are knotty pine and laminate. Knotty pine has many loyal fans around the world and you should consider its qualities.

Knotty pine has some advantages over most if not all, laminate products. It is not moisture sensitive when finished properly, and it can be refinished if desired. These two issues turn many people away from laminate flooring and to real pine wood. Laminate is not a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of potential moisture issues. The ideas that follow will point out why knotty pine flooring is a better choice.

Laminate Floors Are Sensitive to Moisture

Laminate floors look like wood but will not come close to feeling like the actual thing. It is a type of synthetic and composite flooring made up of:

A base of plywood or fiberboard core layer
In some cases, a backing layer is added to the bottom of the core
The core layer is glued on top of the image layer
The image layer is a printed, high-resistant image of real wood
A thin, transparent wear layer made of plastic is added

All of this sounds good, but one of its main drawbacks is its sensitivity to moisture. Any liquid saturation can cause flooring pieces to stain, buckle, peak, or break down. Some laminates are advertised as waterproof but if water gets under the floor you have problems. Damaged pieces must be removed and replaced entirely. It may be hard to find matching pieces.

Laminate Floors Cannot Be Refinished

Eventually, laminate floors that see heavy use or foot traffic will show unsightly wear. You might like to sand them down and stain to match the original color but it will not work. This type of material is not made to refinish with a floor sander or take stain.

Another reason people choose to refinish floors is because they want a different color to look more modern or match new room décor. Again, this is not an option since the laminate pieces are made of layers and not a solid piece.

“Knotty pine has some advantages over most if not all, laminate
products. It is not moisture sensitive when finished
properly, and it can be refinished if desired.”

Knotty Pine Flooring Is Real Wood

Knotty pine flooring is real wood, and it looks the part. Fake knots, colors, or grain patterns are not found in it. Yes, it is the real McCoy and it is sustainable. Wood projects a natural and homey aura that is hard to match or beat, especially in log homes and cabins. Its appearance and feel are both attractive and inviting.

Unlike synthetic materials, pine flooring is sustainable because it is made from trees that are grown on federally-approved tree farms. They are replanted after harvesting for future generations to enjoy. Pine can be refinished and stay in your home or business instead of ending up in the landfill.

Well-Finished Knotty Pine Flooring Is Not Water Sensitive

Knotty pine flooring that is professionally stained and covered with several layers of a clear waterproof finish repels water. It can be sealed even better by applying the finish where the floors meet walls, baseboards, or kitchen islands. Just wipe up any liquid spills and the wood is protected from harm.

Excellent finishing products are available at fair prices from leading online suppliers. A superior product is Sure Shine-Water-Based Premium Acrylic Floor Finish. You can achieve a rich and clear finish with fewer coats compared to other brands. Since it is water-based and fast-drying, you can apply multiple coats on the same day. It produces a hard finish that resists scuffing, abrasion, water and household chemical damage.

Knotty Pine Flooring Can Be Refinished

When your knotty pine floors show wear or you want to change their colors, sand them with a floor sander and vacuum them clean. Stain with the original or a different color and apply several coats of clear finish and you have it. This video is very helpful and proceed carefully with its application.

The pros typically let the first clear finish coat dry thoroughly and then lightly sand. A second coat is applied and sanded lightly after drying. If two coats are enough, the floor is buffed and polished. If a third coat is necessary, the pattern is followed until the job is completed.

Dents, nicks, and scratches can be sanded out or filled in with a matching wood filler before staining or finishing. This advantage over laminate flooring is a strong reason thousands of homeowners choose knotty pine.

We hope this discussion helps bring out the advantages of knotty pine over laminate flooring. Our flooring experts will help you order the right quantity of flooring and the best finishes.