Need Help/Opinions/Recc: Floor Finishing

[BigBear]

Wife and I bought a TLC/Fixer upper as our first house and have been slowly trying to remodel/improve it. Recently we've been successful in saving enough to redo the flooring in the kitchen and living area if we do it ourselves to save some labor costs. So...

She settled on white pine. What I need help with is the finishing process. What product do you recommend for floor finish and seal for white pine? Also, are there any tricks to laying white pine or anything I should keep in mind while trying to work with it? Please keep in mind I know NOTHING, use easy words and lots of explanations please. I'm assuming I'll need to rent a floor sander from somewhere too?

Believe, I know... I've already told her we should just save up enough to hire a professional... every time...

Thank you folks.


Tim

[Wulf202]

Any flooring that is damaged by water in a room where you regularly use water should be re evaluated.

[BigBear]

Nothing is damaged right now, we are just trying to improve on things. We've seen lots of kitchens with wood floors... is that something that is frowned upon? ....

[ChadAmberg]

if you're careful wood floors in a kitchen can be OK, but generally you'll always get at least a little water damage somewhere, and depending on how bad it is, it can be a pain to repair. We did tile that looks like wood in our kitchen and it looks great.

[BladesNBarrels]

White Pine is a softer wood that will require sealant and maintenance.
There are some great tiles that look like wood planking.
We did a tile floor that looks like a ship's deck in a house we built in Florida.
Really catches your attention with the deck flowing toward the view over the pool and boat dock.
The price was about the same as wood floors and does not require sanding, sealing every couple of years.
Just a thought!

[Great-Kazoo]

Nothing is damaged right now, we are just trying to improve on things. We've seen lots of kitchens with wood floors... is that something that is frowned upon? ....

Go laminate and call it good. Real easy to install, all you need is a good saw with plywood / laminate cutting blade. Hammer, knee pads and lots of anti-inflammatory meds for afterward.

[Jamnanc]

Lowes has prefinished solid gun stock oak for 3.89 a square. A pine floor will dent and ding and scratch, you'll need to enjoy the character.

[BigBear]

Rgr, thanks for all the opinions...

To answer the actual question... any recommendations on sealants?

Seriously, thank you all for the backup.

[Erni]

I have hardwood in the kitchen, came with the house. It was refinished prior to sale. Its been 10 years and needs refinishing, as the sealant is just not protecting as it should. The first 5 years it was ok. We have a large dog, cat, and 3 tazmanian devils, sometimes known as children. Its due for refinish, but areas that are not subjected to grinding or water still look good.

[ChadAmberg]

It's a shame William is in eastern Europe right now, he's a Colorado Springs based wood flooring distributor. He isn't back for another 2 weeks or so. I do know he's checking the forum occasionally, if you want to send him a PM...