Antique Heart Pine Flooring Is Classic

Antique heart pine flooring is a classic choice that has been around for years yet is still popular today. Timber floors are made from all different kinds of lumber including oak, maple, pine, ash, hickory and walnut. Some of the harder woods include oak, maple and hickory. Pine is actually relatively soft but many decorators and homeowners feel that this gives it personality and character. Instead of being all one color and extremely even, the softer timbers have personality. The character comes from the dents, bumps and irregularities. Even though the surface will be imperfect, it will most likely last as long as the house is standing.

Heart pine is one of the harder varieties of softwood. It actually comes from the center of the tree, and is more rare compared with many other types. These pines are yellow and grow in the southern climates. This product is truly antique, as it's been used for floors for hundreds of years. It is sold in a variety of plank widths depending on homeowner or builder preference. Because this product is so high quality, attractive, rare and durable, it is more expensive than some other timbers or laminates.

For those on a tighter budget, there are other options that still look great. Laminates or those that have been engineered are two options that may work for the homeowner who wants to spend less on redecorating. Deciding what one's remodeling budget is and sticking to it is an important part of planning a construction project. There are many beautiful adornments to make one's home look stunning but if it's outside the price range that is affordable, it's not a wise choice.

Laminates are not actual timber but are similar in appearance. With these planks, they are synthetics made from fiberboard, melamine resins and an artful replica of wood grain on the surface. Laminates can be placed over a variety of materials such as concrete or vinyl. They are quite durable and a good choice for families with kids and dogs. If damage does occur, it can usually be repaired with filler putty. Sometimes a plank will have to be removed and replaced with a new one. Homeowners who choose to install this material are wise to keep a few extra pieces around, just in case.

Engineered flooring is actually made from lumber but not solid pieces. Instead, there are layers of wood glued together to resemble one solid plank. These engineered stacks of compressed lumber are durable, as well. They can be placed over concrete, vinyl or plywood foundations.

Antique heart pine flooring comes from the Southern Yellow Long Leaf variety of tree. Because these trees have long grown in the south, many colonial homes and mansions used this attractive product in their foyers, parlors, bedrooms and sitting rooms. Today, timber floors are still extremely popular and versatile. They can go with a wide variety of decorating styles ranging from contemporary, shaker, country and eclectic. Some homeowners like to keep them bare while others like to use area rugs. The carpets and area rugs that accessorize a room can further accentuate a home and express its inhabitants' personalities.