[mike959]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with red/norway pine flooring. I'm wondering if it takes stain well and if a tung oil finish would be a good choice? Also, does anyone know of a stocking dealer in south east Wisconsin. I'm looking for 6"x16' planks. Thanks, Mike

 

[Humble Abode]

Not sure about finishes, when it comes to floor refinishing I am just a weekend warrior.

But dealer locations in Wisconsin...

These people have a distributer in Waunekee.

Old Fosterville is in Boulder Junction.

If they don't have what you are looking for I am sure they know someone in your area that does. They list their phone numbers and addresses on their contact info pages.

 

[Humble Abode]

Welcome to the boards by the way. Good to see someone else here from shoutheast Wisconsin.

 

[Teetorbilt]

The term 'red' comes from the bark, no reflection of the wood color. With few knots to ooze sap, it finishes like any other pine. It is grown locally to you and finding it should not be a problem.

 

[Humble Abode]

The term 'red' comes from the bark, no reflection of the wood color. With few knots to ooze sap, it finishes like any other pine. It is grown locally to you and finding it should not be a problem.

Yea while I was searching around for those distributors I saw that both Norway Pine and Red Pine grow here in Wisconsin, still in some abundance in the North Woods... yea der hay...

 

[Teetorbilt]

It's actually Red Pine and Norway Spruce, two different woods if you want to get nitpicky.

 

[mike959]

It's actually Red Pine and Norway Spruce, two different woods if you want to get nitpicky.

Hi, Yes, I do want to get nitpicky. Okay so red pine is "pinus resinosa"? Norway spruce is??? I have the understanding that true red pine is one of the harder pines. Do you believe that to be true? Even though it is locally grown I am having a lot of trouble finding it in southeast Wisconsin. I found a lumber yard in northern Wisconsin (Woodruff) that had what they called red pine. I drove up over the weekend and picked up 70 sq. ft. You mentioned that is has few knots. The boards I got are 6"x10'. They do have a fair amount of knots, pairs of knots about every foot or so ranging in size from 1/4" to 1 1/4" in diameter. The boards do have a very sappy feel also. Do you think I got true red pine? I stayed in a bed and breakfast while up there. Oddly enough the lady of the house had used the same wood in her sewing room. It looked very nice. I'm so concerned about all this because I've never lived in a home with pine floors. I want a look correct for a vintage Wisconsin home but don't want it to look like crap in a couple of years. Thanks, Mike

 

[Humble Abode]

Have you tried giving the Wisconsin State Historical Society a call? One of the restoration people down there may be able to advise you on a particular product or practice.

also...

Check out this article on historic flooring
http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/2003/dec/flooring.shtml

 

[Teetorbilt]

Norway Spruce is (picea abies). It's a fast growing tree, fast usually means soft. Another factor is water for growth, which affects resin levels, which defines hardness.
Red pine is classified as a 'softwood' and as such, I would not really consider it for flooring. You may want to determine if it was kiln dried prior to hitting the sawmill, this could explain the 'tackiness' and future warpage.
I get concerned about large knots, they tend to loosen and fall out over time.

 

[CARPENTERDON]

Mike959 wrote:
".....I've never lived in a home with pine floors. I want a look correct for a vintage Wisconsin home but don't want it to look like crap in a couple of years...."

Mike, most of the pine floors that I have seen in the old homes of the northern (midwestern) and northeast homes have been of either old-growth knotty pine or heart-pine. The latter is a much harder pine and more resilient to nicks, gouges, scuffing, marring, etc.

Unless I miss my guess, heart-pine is what you are looking for?! Heart-pine finishes beautifully and looks beautiful on the floor.

Another choice is pumpkin-pine, but it has a more orangey tone to it then knotty or heart-pine. Not sure if that would work for you....color wise?

Just a little FYI. :Thumbs:

 

[mike959]

I am sure of the pine I'm refering to. It's Pinus resinosa (red pine). It's not the color of the wood, just the common name for the species.

 

[canada4]

I also like pine flooring but have seen larch flooring that was more durable and had knots that were easy to work with. I don't want to add to the confusion but it may be another route, possibly not but I thought I would toss it out there.