Pitch Pine

Reclaimed parquet flooring:

Pitch Pine (Pinus spp)

This species comes from a group of heavier, harder pines known collectively as Pitch Pine. These originate from the Baltic and North America (both Canada and the United States). All are long-leaf pines with needles of about 7 to 8 inches in length.

Pitch Pine was imported from the Baltic regions into the port of Hull from the 16th century onwards. During that period, it was used for beams and floorboards in place of oak. Eventually it was used for parquet, most particularly in commercial buildings from the late 1800s. The imported timber would be processed into parquet blocks at one of the multitude of timber mills located in Hull.

It has typically been used as flooring in Churches and Chapels, as well as in some schools and domestic settings.

Pitch Pine Characteristics

The overall colour is pale golden yellow with characteristic brown rings and lines. The colour from older slow-grown trees tends to be deeper. This is due to the higher resin content because the Pitch Pine heartwood is believed to develop in trees over about 18 years old.

Whenever the timber is cut it will give off a wonderful lemony, citrus scent. This is very distinctive and characteristic of the wood type.

This timber is extremely strong and shock resistant although regarded as moderately durable for exterior use. It is heavy compared to other pine species, which is another identifying charcteristic.

Pre-drill for all fixings. There is a medium grain which sands and glues well. If the wood is finished with a hard-wax oil it will look very attractive however the colour deepens with hard-wax oil so you could try a lime-wax for a different effect.

You can buy this species here when available or request a sample.