frequently asked questions
What does the term "Antique Building Material" mean?
Antique building material is simply lumber or other items reclaimed from old barns, houses, warehouses or factories. Most of these structures are is despair, uninhabitable or no longer used. Utilizing these materials is a great way to recycle: the wood is given a new life and can be enjoyed by future generations.
Is the wood at Georgia Heart Pine Floors dried and if so, how?
All flooring at our company is kiln dried to 6% - 8% moisture content.
How long does it take for my wood to be delivered from the time I place my order?
The average lead-time needed to process an order is 4 to 8 weeks; we custom mill each order to exact specifications. However, lead times can vary based on workload, weather and availability of inventory, so be sure to call us as soon as you can to discuss your wood needs. A 50% deposit is required at the time you place your order. When your order is completed we will contact you to arrange for delivery; we work with shipping companies that give us great prices on freight shipping anywhere in the world. We work hard to obtain the best shipping prices for our clients. Please note, clients are responsible for delivery charges, but we will give you an estimate after you place your order.
How are the products finished?
All of our products are shipped unfinished unless a specific pre-finished product is purchased. If you request a pre-finished product, you must pay for the wood before it is sent to the pre-finishing facility. After your specific wood is sent to the pre-finishing facility, your selected finish will be applied to a test sample and then sent to you for approval. Once you approve the sample, the finishing facility will complete your order. It is important for clients to know finished products are considered custom and that all sales are final.
I have heard pine floors expand and contract due to the temperature and humidity; is this true and if so, can it be prevented?
Expansion and contraction are normal for all wood due to changes in temperature and humidity/moisture in the air. Proper acclimating prior to installation and a snug fit during installation will minimize these occurrences - although clients should know that wider widths have a greater tendency for movement.
How long after my wood is delivered can it be installed?
For optimum results, Heart Pine should be acclimated for 10 - 15 days in the interior of the house prior to installation. In fact, from a timing standpoint, all concrete and plaster work in the room should be complete and the A/C or heat should be on before wood is brought into the room for acclimation. The A/C will reduce unwanted moisture in the wood and then maintains a more consistent climate in the room.
What is the best way to effectively install my wood floor?
The team at Georgia Heart Pine Flooring strongly recommends an experienced Heart Pine flooring professional install your floor.
Do you recommend any particular types of stains with antique flooring?
A light stain is recommended; if initial is too light in color, additional applications can be made one at the time. However, please remember that exposure to sunlight will darken pine flooring considerably over time.
How durable is heart pine?
Heart pine is the hardest and strongest pine harvested in the continental US. The wood is somewhat softer than oak, but the combination of today's level of finishes and installation results in a beautiful floor. Many heart pine floors are still in use today after 200 years...with proper maintenance, your floor will be a showpiece in your home for generations.
How do I maintain and clean my heart pine floor?
We suggest you clean your floor weekly by mopping with Murphy's Oil Soap and water. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and other grime that can cause scratching or dulling is also important in maintaining your wood floor.
Will the wood darken over time?
Yes. Natural oxidation and exposure to light causes the patina to deepen and mellow significantly in color over the years.