Jun 17 2009
Brazilian Cherry Tread
For many years, the popularity of wood flooring has been on the rise. In recent years, the addition of exotic woods to the flooring choices has helped increase that popularity. One such exotic wood is Brazilian Cherry tread.
Also known as Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry Tread is unlike other traditional hardwoods, it is a richer, darker color with more knots and swirls than many of the native hardwoods.
Brazilian Cherry Tread is much harder and sturdier than most other woods, outranking Oak in hardness on the Janka Scale by more than two to one. In addition to the hardness that is making it popular is that it is sustainably harvested, a technique that is making it a favorite among people who are trying to save the environment and its natural resources.
Coloring and Appearance
The magnificent coloring and elaborate grain are the main contributing factors that lend to it being a top choice for exotic hardwood flooring. With colors ranging from deep rich oranges to vibrant, reddish-browns complemented by a variety of patterns in the grain, from straight to flowing, Brazilian Cherry Tread is a stunning floor choice.
Jatoba/Brazilian Cherry Wood Plank
Over time the coloring of Brazilian Cherry Tread grows deeper and darker, making the wood even more beautiful and rich.
Beautiful and Strong
Many people think of Oak flooring when they want a strong wood floor. However, with the influx of exotic wood floorings, the options are more varied than ever with even stronger flooring available.
Brazilian Cherry Tread has a Janka Hardness rating that is twice that of Oak and many other native flooring species. This makes the flooring resistant to dents, scratches and other mars.
Brazilian Cherry Tread is an ideal choice for heavy traffic areas, both commercial and residential. Large shopping areas and hospital foyers benefit from its hardness due to the large amount of traffic these areas see.
There is a negative side to a wood that is this strong. It is difficult to install and must be done by a professional. If it is not installed correctly, the density of the wood can cause it to shift and move over time.
Eco Friendly
Brazilian Cherry Tread is considered an eco-friendly or “green” resource. This means that it is harvested using sustainable techniques. Brazil has strict laws in place to prevent over-harvesting.
Installers and homeowners should insist on seeing the certification on any Brazilian Cherry Tread they are purchasing. The wood should have a LEED rating clearly designating it as a sustainable, eco-friendly product.
Cleaning
Preventative steps are not a complete necessity due to the hardness factor of the wood. However, many people tend to use the preventative steps to insure that nothing damages the floor.
Floor mats, rugs, and furniture protectors to prevent furniture from scraping against the floor are all good steps to avoid any damage from occurring.
Clean the floors using commercial cleaning supplies recommended by the manufacturer or using a mixture of water and Windex. Make sure to remove excess water from the floor when mopping.
Brazilian Cherry Tread flooring will bring beauty to the home for many generations. It is strong and sturdy with an inherent beauty that works for many décors.
-Sharon V. Chapman
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