| tter where you want to add a rustic country look, | | | | outdoors however, it is strongly recommended that |
| pine furniture is the answer. It is as popular as it has | | | | penetrating, oil-based water repellents that have UV |
| ever been, and is less expensive than other wood | | | | protection and mildicides be used to finish the wood's |
| furniture. Pine furniture is preferred by furniture | | | | surfaces. This finish is important to protect the |
| makers because it is easier to work with and more | | | | furniture from the elements and should be repeated |
| pliant than most other woods. Solid pine furniture is | | | | periodically to maintain the natural qualities and beauty |
| durable and beautiful, and an excellent value. It will | | | | of the wood. |
| easily add warm, casual and even elegant appeal | | | | As with any non-paint finish, results may vary |
| wherever it is used. | | | | somewhat as the absorptive characteristics of the |
| Pine Wood | | | | pine wood may vary considerably from piece to |
| Solid woods are classified as either hardwoods or | | | | piece. It is therefore recommended that you apply a |
| softwoods, but the description is based on the tree's | | | | wood conditioner to the pine just before staining. |
| foliage rather than the strength of the wood. Solid | | | | Many prefer these variations, however, and choosing |
| pine furniture is durable and beautiful, and an excellent | | | | amongst a wide variety of finishing products that |
| value. It is light in weight, has straight grains and | | | | show the wood's graining: lacquer, oil, paste, stain or |
| offers resistance to swelling or shrinking. Pines have | | | | color wash (also known as pickling) can emphasize |
| been used for centuries to build furniture for both | | | | very different shades of wood texture and thereby |
| indoor and outdoor use in the United States and | | | | add immense interest to your home's decor. |
| England. Solid hardwood furniture like pine can also be | | | | Pine Furniture |
| repaired if damaged because there is no veneer or | | | | The quality of pine furniture can vary widely. |
| artificial surface that can be scraped or rubbed | | | | Although pine is more pliable than most hardwoods, |
| through. | | | | pieces can last for decades if it is constructed well. |
| Finishing Pine | | | | Therefore it is important to do your homework |
| Pine grows quickly and is an inexpensive wood in the | | | | before making your furniture purchase. Knots should |
| production of indoor or outdoor furniture. Thus, pine | | | | be expected and can be attractive in a piece of |
| furniture can offer excellent value for your money. It | | | | furniture, but watch out for knots that create a hole |
| is also among the most commonly finished or painted | | | | in the furniture. Too many knots can weaken the |
| types of furniture, which means you'll have many | | | | piece. Manufacturers and sellers of quality pine |
| finish options to choose from if you purchase your | | | | furniture know this and take care to avoid using and |
| furniture unfinished. As a matter of fact, most | | | | selling such pieces. Although pine is a very sturdy |
| manufacturers suggest that all pieces of both indoor | | | | wood, it can easily be dented and scratched (as can |
| and outdoor pine furniture be finished once it is | | | | cedar and other outdoor-use woods.) Like all woods, |
| received. Paint (either latex or oil based) is a standard | | | | pine will warp when exposed to constant humidity or |
| choice of many regardless of the furniture's final use. | | | | moisture if not finished. When finished, however, it is |
| Alternate choices for interior use include hand waxed | | | | very stable. Well-crafted pine furniture will be smooth |
| or lacquer finishes, which are great looks for rustic, | | | | to the touch, solid and sturdy. |
| country rooms. For furniture that is to be used | | | | |