If you are looking for a rustic look for your entryway or interiors, search no further than knotty pine. Doors made from this wood always provide a certain charm to your home, whether it is a log cabin or a simple cottage. A soft wood, it can be used for the exterior but is usually more satisfactory for interior doors. In either position, it offers the homeowner with several advantages as well as a few disadvantages. You need to carefully consider both before you make a decision on choosing knotty pine as material for your doors.
Knotty Pine – Description
Knotty pine is a naturally clear wood. It is characterized as being soft. Depending exactly upon the species, the wood will vary in color and grain. With certain species, age will result in either lightening or darkening of the wood. Much will depend upon the cut, as this will influence the grain of knotty pine doors.
Advantages of Knotty Pine Doors
Knotty pine is selected because of its ability to provide your log cabin or other residence with a rustic look. Home owners and builders may choose it for any of several reasons. Knotty Pine Doors are:
* Inexpensive: this makes it easier on the budget than, for example, an oak door
* Easy to Sand: Pine is one wood that is easy to sand and the process creates a fine even finish that is attractive in appearance and easy to work with
* Carves easily: It is not difficult to embellish knotty pine with carvings to create a unique look
* Effective: Pine doors are effective in providing separation and introducing or continuing a rustic element
Yet, the decision to use knotty pine doors is not without issues. Certain disadvantages are inherent in relying on this wood.
Disadvantages of Knotty Pine Doors
When it comes to using knotty pine doors, a homeowner is faced with the reality that the wood does have certain disadvantages. It is important to recognize them and understand the drawbacks before you make a decision on your choice of wood. Among the disadvantages are:
Softness: Knotty pine is a soft wood. This allows for easy carving and customization but can also mean increased maintenance. This is particularly true if the pine door is an exterior one.
Sustainability: Some pine species are endangered. Make sure you choose a type that is sustainable or at least off the endangered species list
Durability: Soft pine is less durable than other wood. It can dent easily. As an entry door, it may endure the elements for as little as 10 years
Weather-Affected: Depending upon your climate, you may need to reconsider your hopes to install knotty pine doors. This includes the interior climate conditions as well
In spite of the inherent flaws of pine, you should also be aware that conditioning the wood and applying certain treatments improves its ability to withstand weather and make the wood more durable. Proper maintenance will also help to improve he lifespan of your knotty pine doors.
Knotty Pine Doors
Before you make a decision to choose a wood door, make certain you are aware of all the factors involved. Talk to the companies about their products. Explain to them your situation and environmental and other concerns. By educating yourself in this manner, you may find that, after all, knotty pine doors will be completely suitable for your charming rustic abode.
