ANTIQUE HEART PINE FLOORING

When the first colonists arrived in the New World, they found vast stands of huge Heart Pines, ready for the taking. These huge old growth trees ranged from 150 to 450 years old. Some of them where up to five feet in diameter and 180 feet tall. They were magnificent. And, the supply appeared to be endless. Many of these pines were fully mature and therefore consisted predominantly of heartwood. It is because of this unique heartwood that the wood came to be known as “Heart Pine”. As the colonists took control of the land, Heart Pine quickly established itself as their “wood of choice”. And, they used it to build virtually everything they required, from fence posts to furniture. In some cases, an entire house could be built from the heartwood of a single tree. And, because of the unique resins in Heart Pine, it offered tremendous longevity; insects could not eat it and it simply did not rot. It was strong enough for a railroad trestle, yet so beautiful that it inspired fine furniture makers. It was, indeed, the perfect wood. Heart Pine flooring was the standard of the day, and the example by which all other flooring materials were judged. Beautiful wide, long Heart Pine planks were used for the floors in virtually every home. In the minds of the colonists Heart Pine was simply the only choice.