01 Jan

Say yes to pine walls

Should you Paint or Stain your southern pine walls?

This is not an attempt to avoid the answer but this is personal but here is how my decision is made. “I would always paint, if budget is an issue buy from the clearance rack, if not buy Monocoat by Rubio because it is zero VOC. The clearance rack is actually a green choice because it could be used for a lot worse things that have a much shorter life. And, if you use 3/4 boards, one day someone will take them down and that paint can be sanded done to a form a undertone which is big money if done by finish shop!” (Jason Howard, 2024}. Now that is my take on things but it is far from the norm because I love to make new floors look old; an old coat of paint or new one, sanded off can be made to look very cool. (See below).

Salvaged pine decking using skins 1/2 thick — Salvaged decking Circa 1908

Reclaimed Pine Wall Skins: The ultimate repurpose

Well, at least I hope you think it looks “cool”, that photo is my work and our guest bathroom. Here is an example of wood painted, sanded, stained and finished. The point? Painting our gorgeous Southern Pine and your are 1/4 of the way there already. And before you say the stain would do the same thing, it does not. It is far more uniform, for age, and certainly for anyone trying to distress their floor (former walls) paint is easy one you get the prototype. Call me for more, I am running out of room.

Transform your space with the timeless beauty of pine walls. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cabin retreat or add rustic charm to your home, our premium V Groove and Ship-lap pine walls are the perfect choice. With their classic design and natural wood grain, these walls will instantly elevate the aesthetic of any room. Experience the warmth and character that only pine can offer, while enjoying the durability and easy installation of our expertly crafted panels. Don’t settle for ordinary walls when you can have the stunning elegance of pine. Upgrade your space today with our exquisite Pine Walls.

Accent walls are more popular than ever — Garage

14 Dec

Pressure Treated Southern Pine

Wood Floor Shopping, Unique and or Cheap, Walls and Other

Southern Pine has long been the preferred species for pressure treatment because of its unique cellular structure that permits deep, uniform penetration of preservatives. Porous defines the cellular structure of Southern Pine, which allows the species to handle changes better than most. Some 85% of all pressure-treated wood produced in the U.S. is Southern Pine. Southern Yellow Pine Direct offers treated dimensional lumber such as the 4 x 4 beams shown below. Contact Jason for details.

Treated Southern Pine is durable like no other species

If you are measuring Southern Pine durability remember not all pine is created equal, furthermore, the durability doesn’t depend on the Janka Rating. And this rating only rates Yellow Pine, i.e., Southern Yellow Pine, not the (standalone) species. A dozen species make up the description, Southern Yellow Pine. And for the record, Eastern White Pine is not one of them. Durability is about handling stress such as temperature and humidity, moisture is the killer for wood floors.

Pressure treated KDAT decking

Kiln Dried After Treatment Lumber (KDAT) is a drying process that occurs after pressure treating wood – once lumber is pressure treated with chemicals, kiln drying removes excess moisture and chemicals left behind to help minimize the natural tendencies of wood to warp, cup and shrink. All of our treated lumber is KDAT materials and if you are shopping for deck boards, those are 4 important letters.

Benefits of KDAT Pressure Treated Southern Pine

Even drying minimizes cups, warps, checks and shrinks
Easier to handle, cut and plane
Lighter than “wet” or “green” treated lumber
More nail-holding and screw-holding power
Easier to drill and saw

What does pressure treated mean?

Pressure-treated lumber is the result of a process that uses high pressure to inject a preservative into the wood. We use Copper Azole, a water-based wood preservative that prevents fungal decay and insect attack; it is a fungicide and insecticide.

How many years does pressure-treated wood last?

Just like any wood, this depends on the exposure to water and the earth. Ground contact wood needs ground contact treatment but in generally upwards of 15 years for decks in the south.

So if you are putting in a new deck, give us a call. If it is Southern Pine, SYP Direct is one place you get the honest information and pricing. We have an A+ rating with the BBB because we do not sacrifice honesty to make a sale, never. Family owned and if you call, you will talk with one of us. We are waiting to hear from you.

April 1st 2024- Lumber prices are moving higher, again. We are still well below COVID high prices, but up 25% in the past two months. We believe the trend continues based on our housing shortage and increasing population.

25 Apr

V Groove Siding

Walls and Other

V groove siding aka Car-siding

V Groove siding is also know as Cars-siding, named for the railroad cars they once lined, fits using v joint profile. Car-siding may be preferred over standard ship-lap which laps over making it hard to clean. Along with our V Groove and Ship-lap SYP Direct also offers gap siding. Gap siding, nickel or penny connects with a profile providing the illusion of gap, which experienced Do it yourself create using S4S. S4S, or smooth all four sides, refers to a board planed ‘smooth’, i.e., without a profile.

The popularity of v groove

Today interior designers might tell you that V-groove adds soul to a room. It has become so popular a design style has been centered around it, “Shabby Chic”. Compared to bead board V-Groove is less ornate and has “cleaner” lines. This, in my opinion, allows it to work in more modern setting. Painted V-Groove can be used in large spaces, or you can finish it to suit your imagination. See Burnt V Groove.

What grade of southern pine is used for V Groove.

If you are going to paint your new v groove siding, knots are hard to cover with paint, so grade should be the first consideration. Furthermore, painting over knots means painting over sapwood and gorgeous character. On the other hand, Clear Pine cost more than Knotty Pine, so that will be a consideration.

Staining Southern Pine siding

If you are finishing or staining V Groove siding, Knotty Southern Pine is perfect. Our customers sent us these photos of V Groove siding; plus we included some ship-lap and tongue and groove walls as well. Southern Yellow Pine Direct does not use staged pictures, what good does that do anyone? “Here is what your floor looks like with professional lighting”, seriously? Well, it might even be more important with a wall or ceiling because we have all seen those accent walls in hotels and restaurant; again perfect lighting.

v groove interior wood siding — “Scorched” V Groove

installation of v groove in colorado — “Scorched” V Groove

V Groove Idaho Finish Southern Pine –

Do you have a large project coming up? While SYP Direct focuses on homeowners, we have access to the oldest and most respected family mill in the South. They specialize in dimensional lumber but offer an amazing C grade and #2 grade southern yellow pine, in long length up to 16′. The bad news, it has to be a order large enough to justify its own truck basically- call Jason for details. 888 286 2057- if no answer leave a message because, believe it or not we call you back. See the A+ BBB rating as confirmation.

Pine Flooring Experts– is another reason to buy from SYP Direct. Southern Pine represents about 5% of the flooring market, and unfinished pine is a small piece market. It is heavy, long and unprofitable compared to engineered and LVT floors. Very few flooring installation professionals understand Southern Pine or Heart pine. We do, and with over 3 million square feet delivered to homeowners our experience is unmatched when talking about pine floors.

And Finally, transform your space with the timeless beauty of pine walls. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cabin retreat or add rustic charm to your home, our premium V Groove and Ship-lap pine walls are the perfect choice. With their classic design and natural wood grain, these walls will instantly elevate the aesthetic of any room. Don’t settle for ordinary walls when you can have the stunning elegance of pine. Upgrade your space today with our exquisite Pine Walls.

03 Apr

Red Lodge Montana

Walls and Other

Southern Yellow Pine Direct Welcomes Red Lodge Montana to our list of cities in Big Sky Country.

Montana is a western state defined by its diverse terrain ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains. Its wide-open spaces include Glacier National Park, a vast wilderness preserve that passes into Canada. The park’s many snow-capped peaks, lakes and alpine hiking trails are showcased along its famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, stretching 50 miles. Montana is also home to one of our favorite customers, check their photos out and you will see why! Pioneer Log and Timber of MT has been using SYP Direct for new pine since 2017 and we have been using their photos and bragging since day one. Check out the site by clicking on the photo to the right and you will understand why we are proud to call them a customer.

Pioneer Log and Timber

Montana Lodge using southern yellow knotty on the walls

Red Lodge Montana

Nestled in Montana’s magnificent Beartooth Mountains and surrounded by Custer Gallatin National Forest, Red Lodge delivers world-class outdoor recreation and access to Yellowstone National Park via the world-renowned Beartooth Highway. Cruise down Broadway Avenue as you check out the downtown locally owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment. And if snow skiing is your passion, Red Lodge Mountain is Montana skiing, pure and simple. We urge you to visit this website for more information on skiing Red Lodge and the photo to find out more about the city.

Shipping your floors

At southern yellow pine direct we do not use the phrase nationwide shipping as a marketing term. Red Lodge Montana is 1600 miles from our mill, in other words not a short trip. Furthermore, the 12’ pallets each weigh up to 3000 lbs., so they are not light either. SYP Direct has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We take shipping very seriously, anyone can sell floors, delivering it is the problem. Great floors that arrive beat up are not really that great. Our experience and diligent customer service allow us to give you a 100% coverage promise, we protect your floors. In fact, no matter if you live Southern Yellow Pine Direct is local. For a free estimate with sample, contact us today. Lead time helps us get you exactly what you want but didn’t think you could afford.

More about SYP Direct

What about SYP Direct makes us so unique? Southern Yellow Pine Direct aka SYP Direct is the only true online pine flooring mill. Furthermore, our mill partnership (s) allows us to manufacture using custom specifications aka milled to specs or milled to order. Milled to order is really big deal. How so? Nothing is sitting around on a shelf waiting to be matched with another run, weeks later. Every board of your floor comes from the same timber which is milled all together creating a continuity important to the look and the ease of installation.

Southern Yellow Pine Direct is the homeowner’s resource for the best pine flooring from Red Lodge Montana to New Orleans. However, we are so much more than just a source for floors. In fact, SYP Direct works with your contractor if you are purchasing your own materials. Do not get stuck with ‘bundled’ services, finish and installation does not have to include the floors. Why should you be held captive? To find out more about SYP Direct– contact us now.

1x8x12' Mill Run New Heart Pine

Finish to order

3/4 x 6 7/8 x 12′ unfinished Mill Run New Heart Pine. We have 3600 square feet available now; choose your finish with options such as Monocoat and Bona.

Southern Pine Direct

Southern Pine floors from Montana and other states

Montana (2022 update)

The original Red Lodge Montana, Pioneer Log and Timber post posted in 2019, or so. As one the founders of SYP Direct, our BBB A+ rated little company has become more unique with each passing year. Unique quality, pricing and customer service, the latter of which will be un-matched. 100% satisfaction which means 100% coverage guaranteed.

Local installers found for DIY customers

Local Pine Installers

he family was using a local installer, who assured them he had worked with Knotty Pine several times. As you will see, the local install professional is key to “non DIY” customers.

Real Wood Floors

Real Wood floors an investment that provides real returns, versus a single use floor such as laminate or engineered wood. Single-use floor covers, investment in your local floor covers and carpet store, but not your home.

22 Aug

Wood siding and accent walls

Walls and Other

Beadboard, V-Groove and Shiplap wood siding

What is Beadboard? Old-fashioned beadboard cladding consists of individual, generally narrow, boards with a routered “bead” edge on one side and beveled edge on the other. In Louisiana, they called this New Orleans bead board, but it is really the same as the stuff in North Carolina or Montana.

V-Groove Popularity

Today interior designers might tell you that V-groove adds soul to a room. V groove has become so popular a design style has been centered around it, “Shabby Chic”. Compared to bead board V-Groove is less ornate and has “cleaner” lines. This, in my opinion, allows it to work in more modern setting. Painted V-Groove can be used in large spaces, or you can finish it to suit your imagination. See Burnt V Groove.

What is Ship Lap?

Shiplap shiplap boards are joined with an overlapping “rabbet” joint, which usually creates a 90 degree-angled gap in between the boards. At SYP Direct our Shiplap comes in two options; Nickel and Penny. The difference? You guessed it, the width of the “L gap”.

Smooth All Four Sides aka S4S

S4S means no profile smooth all the way around. Our Reclaimed Pine S4S boards can make a great accent wall, and so much more. For more information check out this page and the pictures below.

Burnt V Groove

Tongue and Groove

Tongue and Groove always works for your walls,ceilings and of course, your floors.

$2.50 per square foot DIY finished the most amazing Heart Pine flooring and Stairs

09 Feb

Arizona & Southern Pine

Walls and Other

23 Jul

Wyoming and Montana Southern Pine

Walls and Other

Two similarities in Wyoming and Montana residents, love of our Southern Pine floors and very easy to deal with as customers. To be clear, we understand the difference between Wyoming and Montana about as well as their residents understand the difference between Alabama and Tennessee but we know pine. Ask the question what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear WY or MT? Southerners would answer cowboys or Yellowstone. Folks from WY and MT, probably Country Music and NASCAR. As an LSU fan, Louisiana born and raised, yes, leaving out football was intentional. The differences may be subtle, however the common characteristics are easy to identify.

Kimmerer WY

Residents from both states are laid back and easy to talk with about anything, not just cowboys. In fact, there seems to be some southern accent with some residents. Kimmerer WY 2020, “it shore is purtty”, of course he wrote this to us in hopes we would understand, very funny LM. The bunk bed photo goes along with this same customer, he is right though it is pretty. The floors are 7” Longleaf Heart Pine with Bona Natural clear high traffic, very nice.

Love these helmets

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming Cowboys

Whoa, not Wyoming or Montana Cowboys rather the U of WY located Laramie and founded in 1866. If you are not familiar with their helmets you are not a college football fan, they are classic. Nothing against the Grizzly or on the helmets of the University of Montana but that Cowboy just stays with you after having played against them many years ago. One Cowboy alumni and our first builder from Wyoming and Montana, enjoys reminding me of this from time to time.

Pioneer Log and Timber of Montana

Pioneer Log and Timber, a Montana customer we brag about, all the time. Why not? Visit the website and the fog will lift. MT log and timber, uses the type of materials we have specially milled per project requirements, both floors and walls. The obvious implication, if our company fits with PLT of Montana you should feel pretty good about our products. Yes, we confirm our implication while extending an offer to prove it.

Ask us about the finish

Wyoming and Montana resident love rustic southern pine — Prefinished Bona Natural

Shipping cost to WY and MT

From New Orleans to Butte Montana, 2085 miles, and those floors originate in Honduras. Alabama is closer but , yes shipping costs exist. Alabama Heart Pine grows in Alabama, any Southern Pine has shipping cost to WY and MT even if seconds from a lumber yard. However, shipping costs represent part of the mill to customer process, normally they do not connect directly. SYP Direct allows residents in Wyoming and Montana to purchase mature southern pine in long lengths without removing one of the most important characteristics, price. In other words, shipping costs to WY and Montana, not prohibitive. You can get the floor that belongs in your home forever. Yes forever, we sell the kind of pine that someone will reclaim one day making Grizzlies and Cowboys happy.

The Caribbean in Cheyenne

In March of 2018, we sent Caribbean Heart Pine to Cheyenne Wyoming. Our customer chose the 5″ rustic grade, with knots and a minimum of 85% heart pine content, aka heart content. SYP Direct shipped our first Southern Pine floors to Wyoming and Montana in 2014 but this was our first shipment of Caribbean Heart Pine, which we began offering in 2016. Rustic Caribbean Heart Pine is gorgeous, no doubt but most WY and MT residents prefer domestic. It does not matter if you want authentic Southern Pine shipped to Wyoming or Montana, SYP Direct has you covered. Nobody beats our customer service, quality or prices- nobody.

02 Jun

Indiana

Walls and Other

08 Apr

Kentucky

Walls and Other

Kentucky quick fact: the state has more navigable miles of waterways than any other state in the union. Probably not what you think about when you think about the Bluegrass state, right? Basketball tops my list when I think about Kentucky. As an LSU alumni and Louisiana “boy”, I wonder; How many times did Kentucky beat LSU in the SEC tournament, all of them? OK, not every time but awfully close! If that doesn’t top your list, how about that little horse race they hold every year.

Kentucky Derby

Frankfort is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but Louisville is the largest city. Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby, the renowned horse race held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Dubbed “The Run for the Roses,” stemming from the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is also known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” because of its approximate duration. The Kentucky Derby has run uninterrupted since 1875. Even with the Olympics and major professional sports leagues canceled at those points, the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont took place during the Great Depression and both World Wars.

SYP Direct & the Blue Grass state

SYP Direct depends on word of mouth, specifically referrals. Kentucky provides a perfect example of how our business has grown to cover the state. During our first two years, we only had 4 customers from the Bluegrass state, last year (2019) it was 10. And while that number ranks 20^th comparing total sales by state, almost ½ of those started with one customer. Word of mouth business is direct result of the quality and service received. An A+ rating from the BBB, confirms, we take care of our customers.

Get a quote

Ownensboro Kentucky Workshop

We send so much time talking about our tongue and groove floors, walls get over-looked. In Owensboro our customer used tongue and groove on his walls, running the boards vertical, as shown above. “Here is the finished building. I built a bar and workbench (with leftovers) also. I am VERY happy with it. Thank you for all your help!” (McClarty 2020). When comparing t/g walls to widly popular Shiplap, one interlocks producing straight edges, whereas Shiplap rest on top one another.

Ship-lap or Shiplap

Buying Solid Wood Flooring? You have certain rights!

You have the right to real

First, it must be real wood, a floor not a floor cover that will be thrown away one day. Nobody calls carpet a hardwood, but it outlasts most LVT and all laminate. Solid wood, i.e., engineered by Mother Nature! – It is a shame that we even use the same word, hardwood to describe both real and fake flooring. Laminate Hardwoods, the term has no meaning. It is not wood, much less hard. Laminate, LVT and cheap (less than 4mm wear layer) engineered flooring all ends up in the same landfill.

Long boards are not a luxury

Long lengths- When did trees get so short? 95% of all prefinished hardwoods are sold as 7’ nested bundles, meaning box. The average board will be under 30”, all chopped up is what you get. Not the case with our finish to order heart pine, we run long boards up to 10’ with an average over 7’; 80% of boards are 8’ and up. In fact, we offer a version with all 12’ boards; however, the shipping and packaging becomes more expensive. Why long boards are so cool? They look like they cost a fortune because everyone else has chopped up short boards.

You have the right to the truth

You cannot refinish engineered wood with less than 4 mm wear layer, warranties are, in general worthless and nothing is waterproof except water. These are topics that, of course, generate questions; and the answers should be given in the form of true statements not marketing garbage. You will find that with each question answered, the truth becomes clear. Single use floor covers mean repeat business and that is what supports the industry. Nobody wants you to get a solid real hardwood because you will not need another one, nor will the person who moves in after you. Solid hardwood flooring increases the selling price by up to 10% because the new owners can re-finish rather than repurchase.

06 Sep

Beach floors

Finish and Install, Walls and Other

If you want to create a Beach floor using Southern Pine, consider Whitewashing or finishing it blue. Create your own Beach floor for example by ordering our Southern Pine and finishing it using our recipe’s, seen below. The floors are a mix of site, factory and hand finishes; along with a variety of products, such as Monocoat by Rubio.

Creating a Beach Floor

For those of you interested in creating your own Beach floor using Southern Pine, we can help. Notice the Whitewash from Monocoat, created by using an undercoat. The 2-C look allows you to “shadow” the edges and other aging techniques. Finishing pine floors is easy if you can follow some simple steps. Or used Monocoat which is one step, it is in the name. Whitewash your floor whether you on the beach or just have the beach on your mind.

VIP service second to none

Before founding SYP Direct Heather worked for the largest timber concern in the Southeast. Raw forest, real trees and the people that harvest them. Needless to say, that experience and those contacts are priceless. She walked into the business with sources for every type of timber you can imagine. From tree to floor, she is our secret weapon. Furthermore, Heather is our logistics manager. If you read reviews, the common thread is that she keeps customers informed and explains everything (in writing). Heather provides VIP service to homeowners whereas Jason handles the builders and/ or any other re-seller.

More about SYP Direct

Southern Yellow Pine Direct is the leading online retailer of unfinished Knotty and New Heart Pine with customers in all 50 states and a growing network of retailers. We offer customers unfinished and prefinished heart pine in wide boards and long lengths.” Our company wants to add value to your home with a forever floor, not a floor cover! We are the homeowners’ source for building materials, including but not limited to our one a kind pine flooring. If you are buying pine of any kind, please give us a call. Southern Yellow Pine Direct offers the best pine floors in grades that fit every style and budget.

SC and NC #1 AND #2 Sales

Load More Posts

Walls and Other

Should you Paint or Stain your southern pine walls?

Reclaimed Pine Wall Skins: The ultimate repurpose

Treated Southern Pine is durable like no other species

Pressure treated KDAT decking

Benefits of KDAT Pressure Treated Southern Pine

What does pressure treated mean?

How many years does pressure-treated wood last?

V groove siding aka Car-siding

The popularity of v groove

What grade of southern pine is used for V Groove.

V Groove Idaho Finish Southern Pine –

Pioneer Log and Timber

Red Lodge Montana

Shipping your floors

More about SYP Direct

Southern Pine Direct

Montana (2022 update)

Local Pine Installers

Real Wood Floors

V-Groove Popularity

What is Ship Lap?

Smooth All Four Sides aka S4S

Burnt V Groove

Tongue and Groove

Arizona & Southern Pine

Haley Construction, Prescott Arizona

New Heart Pine

Prescott

SYP Direct- Local no matter where you live

More about SYP Direct

How did you find Southern Yellow Pine Direct in Arizona?

Faux Beam T/G Floors

Creating a decrotive beam with extra tongue and groove floors

window bonus

Love these helmets

Ask us about the finish

Shipping cost to WY and MT

The Caribbean in Cheyenne

Indianapolis Indiana Showroom

The ultimate Investment floor

Just installed

Indianapolis 2019

Why SYP Direct ?

Buying flooring online with SYP Direct

Kentucky Derby

SYP Direct & the Blue Grass state

Ownensboro Kentucky Workshop

Ship-lap or Shiplap

You have the right to real

Long boards are not a luxury

You have the right to the truth

Creating a Beach Floor

VIP service second to none

More about SYP Direct

SC and NC #1 AND #2 Sales