SARATOGA RED HEART PINE
Deep in a generations-old forest, our surveyor spots a unique tree. The mature pine is nearly 100 feet tall, and now at the end of its life cycle, growth has stopped. He marks it for harvest, beginning a careful process that will result in a very special floor. The loblolly Arkansas pine, pinus taeda, is cultivated on plantations throughout the South, yielding a stable and strong timber. In select older trees, the heartwood oxidizes and darkens to form spectacular red waves sweeping through amber. We examine each piece of raw lumber as it is cut from the tree, selecting for grain, color and quality. Exact drying, milling, and packaging ensure strength and stability, and a tough UV-cured finish guarantees years of easy care. Sharing characteristics of antique heart pine, Saratoga Red Heart Pine provides a unique, authentic American plank floor with traditional character, color, and warmth with remarkable value.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the difference between Saratoga Red Heart Pine and antique heart pine?
• Saratoga costs about half as much.
• Antique heart pine is reclaimed from old timbers. Saratoga is harvested from mature trees.

How do I get an antique look?
• Antique plank floors have a distressed, low-gloss finish that is neither smooth nor evenly colored.
• A smooth new surface can be distressed mechanically, hand-scraped or allowed to mellow with natural wear.
• Natural patina will develop as Saratoga Heart Pine darkens from exposure to sunlight.

Can I use Saratoga over a concrete floor?
• Use the same subfloor installation and precautions that you would use for any wood plank flooring.
• Special care must be taken to prevent moisture from migrating up into the floor.
• Refer to www.southernpine.com or industry-standard NWFA installation specifications.
• No plank flooring is recommended for use over radiant heating systems.

How durable is the finish?
• Seven coats of UV-cured finish are precisely applied in a control environment to create a uniform satin finish that is strong and durable.
• The tough aluminum oxide coating resists abrasion, dulling and scratching, and is impervious to common household stains.
• Because the finish is factory-applied, there are no volatile solvents, fumes or environmental hazards.
• The finish comes with a 15-year limited warranty.

How hard is this wood?
• Pine has been used for floors since Colonial times and with normal care will last a lifetime.
• Saratoga is rated at 700 on the Janka scale, compared with 660 for Douglas fir.
• Any wood floor will scratch, and high heels will always leave a dent.

What’s Exact-Dry?
• Saratoga Red Heart Pine is kiln-dried to match the humidity of your region.
• Exact-Dry is an extra manufacturing process that ensures stability and is only matched by high-end hardwood products.

What size is available?
• 6¾" net face ¾" planks in nested bundles.

What’s the waste factor?
• Allow 10% overage for an average installation. As with any rustic flooring, allow 15% overage for critical installations.

Any special installation issues?
• Proper acclimation is required for a successful installation. Before plank flooring is delivered to the job site, the building must be fully enclosed with heating/cooling system in operation.
• Allow five to fourteen days for this flooring to acclimate properly—the flooring, subfloor and walls must have stable, equal moisture content.
• For complete installation guidelines, consult www.nwfa.org or www.southernpine.com.

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