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Frequently Asked Questions
What is knotty pine and what is it used for?
Knotty pine refers to pine lumber graded to include knots as a decorative feature rather than selecting against them. The warm amber colour and rustic knotted appearance make knotty pine a popular choice for panelling, feature walls, ceilings, interior trim, and furniture in cabins, farmhouses, and country-style interiors. Windsor Plywood carries knotty pine panelling and boards for interior decorative applications.
What grades of knotty pine does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries knotty pine in standard panelling grades suited for interior wall and ceiling applications. Common grades include #3 and #4, which allow knots of varying sizes and other natural characteristics. The specific grade determines the size and frequency of knots. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current grades and profiles available.
Does knotty pine need to be sealed before finishing?
Yes. Pine knots contain resin that will bleed through paint and stain if not sealed first. Apply a shellac-based primer or knot-sealing primer over all knots before applying any finish coat. This step is essential even when applying oil-based paint, as resin migration can continue for years through unsealed finishes, causing yellow-brown staining over the knots.
Can knotty pine be stained or does it only look good painted?
Knotty pine can be stained to enhance its natural warmth and highlight the grain and knot figure. A pre-stain conditioner is strongly recommended as pine stains unevenly due to its irregular grain density. The contrast between knots and clear wood will be more pronounced with stain than with paint. Honey-toned and amber stains complement the natural warm colour of pine particularly well.
Is knotty pine suitable for exterior applications?
Standard knotty pine panelling is an interior product and is not rated for exterior use. Untreated pine has poor natural rot and moisture resistance outdoors. For exterior applications, use pressure-treated pine or naturally durable species like cedar. For exterior painted trim where some knots are acceptable, use exterior-grade pine boards with a shellac-based knot sealer before priming.