PROS: Now this is the real McCoy. It is one of the more durable of the softwoods and if the planks are over 1 1/2" thick they should last a lifetime. Old growth timbers are the best for durability , color and moisture stability. These are being savaged off old buildings and the bottoms of rivers. Why not own a piece of American history, this grand old tree can live again in your floor.

CONS: It is still fairly prone to denting and gouging, especially in the modern second growth material. Old growth lumber may be very expensive and hard to obtain. Don't try to stain this wood with anything but a gel stain otherwise it will go blotchy. Pine soaks up at least 4 coats of poly and if there is a lot of pitch in the wood, this can lengthen drying times. Don't seal the knots with shellac as the urethane won't adhere to it.