Thank you. Actually, I didn't. I knew I liked the grain, but I was pleasantly surprised when I soaked it in oil after cutting it and it brought out the lights and darks. It is actually prettier in person. The biggest reason I used it was that I don't have any oak on hand. I'm glad I didn't because I really like it but, for me, oak is so much easier. The pine cuts so quickly it's easier to make a mistake.