Pine trees are one of the fastest-growing sources of wood on the planet, which in the past led to this timber becoming synonymous with "cheap and cheerful". But today, with sustainability at the top of the agenda for many designers and brands, this readily available and highly robust softwood is experiencing a revival.
It's timeless. Pine has always been around and it always will be. It peaks in popularity and it decreases in popularity, but it never goes out of fashion.
The unequivocal answer is yes! While knotty pine may conjure up memories of orange-hued 1970s basements, designers today are reviving the throwback material in fresher ways, often steering toward lighter stains, such as Amber Pine by Minwax, that speak to the popular Scandi aesthetic.
The major use for knotty pine paneling is for walls followed by ceilings. More of it is installed in new home and cabin construction than for replacing materials in older homes. Both applications are making a strong comeback in many home styles.
Pine furniture has a timeless charm, but it may occasionally feel too rustic for those aiming for a modern interior design. Fortunately, with a little creativity and some strategic updates, you can breathe new life into your pine pieces and seamlessly integrate them into a contemporary setting.
Pine Wood Frequently Asked Questions
Pine wood weaknesses: prone to scratches, dents, and decay if not treated properly; not as strong as hardwoods; vulnerable to insect attacks.
Pine is one of the most common timbers and has become a household name due to a number of factors. Pine is rarely considered a luxurious option but boasts wonderful versatility, workability and durability. It is relatively low in cost but can deliver on so many practical levels for a plethora of wood projects.
Think about adding some soft pastel tones for a touch of Cotswold charm. Stain for a Natural Wood Look: If you want to keep the natural grain of the pine but ditch the orange, staining is a great option. Choose a subtle oak or driftwood stain for a more contemporary look.
Knotty pine wood originates from white pine trees, which are indigenous to Norway but also grow plentifully in the Northeast United States. These trees produce many different types of wood grain, and knotty pine got its name from its signature knots of darker color found along the wood's surface.
Pine is a prime example of such reputation resuscitation. From Victorian cottage-style furniture, to the shiny orange iterations of the mid to late 20th century, pine's durability, affordability and sustainability have meant it's always been a popular furniture option in the UK.
Knotty Pine is still popular today, and for log cabin owners it's used more now than ever before.
It's also worth noting that if the boards are more than 10 years old, most of the resins will have escaped or dried, so a good sand should prime the surface nicely. As the pine wood ages, with the help of UV from the sunlight it tends to turn more of an orange colour.
Poplar is harder than pine and the grade we stock has zero knots. That means it's a good quality grade of lumber. Poplar in general is considered a paint grade wood because of the big variation in color. One-piece of poplar may look almost white, some look greenish, or even purple and black.
Victorian brown furniture is coming back into fashion
Whether it's upcycled, painted or used as a signature piece in all its brown glory, the trend is growing for vintage pieces from the era. And now you can pick up a bargain.
Resin and ageing
That's because the resin is still active within the wood. Over time, fresh pine takes on an orange tone. This is less likely when the wood is older, as resin will have mostly dried or escaped. It also depends on the pine species, with spruce known to be less resinous, for example.
When decorating rooms with knotty pine walls, it's good to know that some colors complement the wood. They include sage green, country blue, pastel shades, beige, taupe, and shades of white. These and similar colors also go well with floors, ceilings, furniture, cabinets, decorations, and artwork made of pine wood.
Knotty Pine Flooring Is More Cost-Effective
Pine flooring with the tongue and groove (T&G) end-matching feature costs less than one-half the price of common hardwoods. This chart shows the average national square foot price of pine and some native hardwoods. You will need pine baseboards to complement the pine floors.
Alder Wood is essentially an upgraded Pine Wood. Being about 5 times as dense as Pine it offers an upgraded durability with a knotty look! Still no where near Red Oak's density at 10-12x Pine, Alder is a great middle ground on durability! Alder Knots are also a little unique!
Are there any disadvantages to buying pine furniture? Pine furniture has a shorter lifespan than other types of wood and can be damaged more easily. It is also more susceptible to discoloration and damage from moisture and direct sunlight.
Deep, moody colours like blue-greys, forest greens, or slate greys will dramatically contrast the warm tones of pine, creating a truly stunning look. The use of fabrics like velvet creates an ambience of opulence and elegance, that will both delight and impress.
Pines are believed to be among the oldest trees on Earth. Some can live as long as 6,000 years. There are 90 species, or types, of pine. They are most common in the mountains.
While pine can certainly be used to make furniture, it will likely require more upkeep to reduce the appearance of wear. This may mean additional staining and sealing to prevent damage. Pine furniture is lightweight, affordable, and can easily fit in with the rest of your decor.