Jun 17 2009
Brazilian Teak
Brazilian Teak is also known as Cumaru or Southern Chestnut is a South American hardwood that has become one of popular choices for exotic hardwood flooring in homes. Its popularity comes from its extreme hardness and durability and is used in commercial and residential applications.
Appearance
Brazilian Teak flooring appeals to homeowners who prefer the darker flooring. The wood has a coloring range from medium tan to dark brown with occasional reddish browns appearing. Darker colored pieces may have some black striping though not as much as seen in other exotic hardwoods.
As with other exotic hardwoods the colors will slightly alter over time and become more subdued and uniform. Lighter colors will darken somewhat. The wood’s texture is fine with a tightly interlocked grain pattern.
Durability and Strength
Teak Flooring
The Janka Hardness test rates Brazilian Teak at 3540, one of the hardest woods available. It is more than twice as hard as White Oak and over 1000 lbs. harder than Brazilian Cherry.
This extremely hard wood makes flooring that is sturdier and longer lasting than practically any other wood flooring. Commercial installations where heavy traffic will be the norm will benefit greatly from the wood’s ability to remain undamaged.
Home applications of Brazilian Teak flooring can be assured that everyday family life will not have to be toned down to protect the flooring. This wood can hold up to pet traffic, children and their toys and practically any other home activity.
Workability
Brazilian Teak may resist oil finishes and not dry properly. Pre-finished wood flooring should be purchased unless the homeowner is well versed in finishing exotic wood pieces with this characteristic.
Attaching the flooring can be done using either wood screws and pre-drilling the holes to prevent any splitting near the ends, or using a waterproof wood glue.
Care and Maintenance of Brazilian Teak
Despite being one of the hardest exotic floorings available, care and maintenance should still be taken to prolong the beauty and life of the floor.
Although the wood will not damage easily, all wood will damage. Before installing the flooring it is a good idea to prepare the bottoms of furniture with felt pads so that they do not scrub across the flooring when being put back in place.
Rugs and floor mats are not necessary to protect the wood, but they do help in the cleaning process. If used in high traffic areas, like doorways, the majority of dirt and debris from shoes wind up on the rug instead of on the floor.
Pets typically have long nails which have been known to cause scratches on flooring. Although the hardness factor of Brazilian Teak keeps it from being easily scratched, it is still better to err on the side of caution. Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent accidental scratches, it also helps keep them from scratching people too.
Cleaning the new Brazilian Teak wood floor is the same as cleaning other wood flooring systems. Use a vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris on a regular basis. Mopping should be done using only cleaning solutions recommended by the manufacturer or a water and Windex solution (10% Windex). Never use ammonia or harsh chemicals on exotic hardwood flooring.
Brazilian Teak floorings will beautify any room or building for many years to come. It is hardy and long-lasting with an exceptionally beautiful deep, dark coloring.
-Sharon V Chapman
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