The Soul Beneath Your Feet: Preserving Historic Pine Floors

At Salt & Grain, we’ve walked across a lot of floors. Some brand new, some worn to the nail heads. But few can tell the tales that this original heart pine can.

There’s something different about it—the way it glows, the way it gives ever so slightly underfoot, the way it carries a century of footsteps in every scar and grain. Historic heart pine floors aren’t just surfaces. They’re a record of all the things that have come before. And when we get the chance to restore them, we treat it like what it is, a privilege, and a tremendous opportunity to make our mark in this town. 

Phase One: The Chadwick House

Last week, we stepped into the next chapter of one of Fernandina’s most storied homes: the Chadwick House. Its floors are a living archive—wide-plank pine with the kind of patina you can’t manufacture, only earn. Built in 1883 by prominent local mariner Capt. Stephen Chadwick, the Victorian home in the heart of Fernandina’s historic downtown was held by Chadwick’s descents until 2017 when it hit the open market for the first time.

Chadwick House, https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2017/10/27/windows-past-19th-century-fernandina-beach-home-history-abounds-every-detail/15777954007/

Not Perfect. Better.

Too often, people think old floors should be made to look new. We disagree. Our goal isn’t to erase the past—it’s to protect it. A small patch, a subtle repair, a softened finish that lets the wood speak for itself… These are the choices that preserve character. We don't chase flawless; we chase honest beauty. The kind that only comes with time. 

At Salt & Grain, we don’t just refinish wood—we protect legacy. We help houses stay true to themselves. And when we leave, our favorite thing is knowing the floor looks like it’s always been there. Just... better.

We’re grateful to have been given the chance to help its current owner bring back the splendor of these floors, phase by phase. It's a great chance for us to showcase our expertise in floor restoration and to show both the homeowner and the community what we are capable of. 

Before: nearly 150 years worth of varnish, wax, and wear.

After: Sanding and 3 coats of satin water based finish

The Chadwick House is just one example of what’s possible when you treat a home’s past with care. If your pine floors are ready to be seen again, we’d be honored to help.