Exotic Wood Flooring » Exotic Hardwood Flooring

Natural Oak Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:03:57 +0000

Natural Oak flooring is a better option than carpet or laminate for longevity and beauty. In today’s economy, longevity of materials is important. Saving money in the short term doesn’t’ make much sense if the flooring has to be replaced in a few years. Natural Oak flooring remedies that. It is an inexpensive option that doesn’t’ have to be replaced as quickly as other options.

Natural Oak flooring is a popular choice due to its cost, durability and beauty. It is a traditional wood that has been used as flooring for hundreds of years and continues to remain so today.

Natural Oak flooring can be purchased as solid oak flooring or as engineered flooring. It can be pre-finished in a variety of colors and glosses or it can be installed then finished according to the homeowner’s tastes.

Engineered or Solid Natural Oak Flooring

The choice between solid oak wood and engineered oak wood flooring is a matter of personal taste. Solid Natural Oak flooring is very durable and can be less expensive than engineered Natural Oak flooring.

Interior of cottage galley-style kitchen with oak floor

Engineered Natural Oak flooring is more costly than solid Natural Oak flooring but is more resistant to heat and humidity than solid wood flooring is. This makes engineered Natural Oak flooring a better choice than solid for bathroom installations.

Natural Oak Flooring Styles

Homeowners can choose the style and coloring of their Natural Oak flooring to match their décor and personal tastes. Pre-finished textures include Hand Scraped Walnut and Hand Scraped Antique. There are also other options available such as Brushed, White Oiled, smoked, aged, or distressed. Each has its own special effect on a room. Homeowners can ask for sample pieces for decision making.

Natural Oak flooring can vary in color, from whitish with a gray tint to reddish with swirl patterns. It can also be stained any color desired, from beautiful, light natural colorings to deep, dark formal colorings.

Engineered Oak Flooring

Engineered Natural Oak flooring is also available in a variety of finishes, including lacquered, oiled and unfinished. It can also be stained and finished just like solid natural Oak.

Caring for Natural Oak Flooring

With the proper care and maintenance, Natural Oak floors will last through many generations of families. If repairs need to be made, they can be made easily using a professional floor installer.

Natural Oak is not the hardest flooring available, there are exotic woods that are much harder; however, it is a durable, long lasting wood that can be maintained and kept beautiful.

Protecting the floor from scratches and dents is the first step to making the floor last for many years. Using rugs and floor mats in heavy traffic areas keeps dirt and grime from being ground into the floor and causing scratches and gouges. If there are pets in the home, keeping their toenails trimmed will help prevent them from scratching the floor.

Natural Oak flooring is a flooring choice that has stood the test of time. It has been in homes for many hundreds of years. It remains a readily available flooring choice for today’s homeowners and will continue to be a sturdy, long-lasting option for the future.

-Sharon V Chapman

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Jatoba Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:01:14 +0000

Jatoba wood, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is an exotic wood from Brazil that has become the fastest selling, most popular exotic wood for flooring choices today.

Jatoba flooring offers homeowners a flooring choice that is as beautiful if not more so than Oak and twice as hard, making it the perfect choice for families with pets and children who want a hardwood floor that can stand up to the wear of everyday life without showing it.

Color

The coloring of Jatoba flooring from South America is typically a brownish red. This dark, rich color is not how the wood starts out. New Jatoba hardwood tends to range from salmon-red to orange-brown in color.

As the wood ages, the darker, brownish red colors appear. It can have dark black stripes against its strong grain pattern. Floor boards can vary greatly from one to the next and installers should make sure homeowners are aware of this variation.

Jatoba also produces its own natural oils which allow it to maintain its natural luster and shine for years and years.

Strong and Long Lasting

Jatoba/Brazilian Cherry Wood Plank

Hardwood floors are typically chosen based on their strength and durability and Jatoba ranks among the strongest. On the Janka hardness scale it rates a 2820 twice that of Oak wood flooring.

Jatoba’s strength and stability are accredited to the vertical and horizontal structure of the wood. The strength of Jatoba flooring makes it a good choice for areas that receive high traffic.

Another long lasting aspect of Jatoba wood flooring is its resistance to stains. Being stain resistant helps keeps the wood looking beautiful for years without having to be refinished or repaired.

Working with the Wood

Due to its extreme hardness, Jatoba wood is difficult to work with. It causes dulling of cutting blades and is difficult to saw. Carbide cutting tools are better suited for cutting it.

It sands easily and creates a beautiful finish when polished and accepts stains easily, though the natural oils in the wood make water based stains a better choice for adhering to the wood.

Jatoba Flooring

Because Jatoba wood flooring is very strong and stain resistant, it is resistant to dents and scratches from furniture, kids and pets. Prevention and care should still be taken to err on the side of caution; however, the wood will withstand them regardless.

Green Factor

The future of the Earth and its natural resources is dependent on its inhabitants practicing sustainability. Brazil has implemented strict harvesting laws on Jatoba wood. The Guapinol tree that supplies Jatoba lumber has been exploited in the past and now is in danger of becoming extinct.

The possibility of the tree becoming extinct has made it difficult to obtain Jatoba and thus increased many people’s desire to want it. If Jatoba is the desired choice, homeowners should make sure they are purchasing from reputable suppliers who follow the laws of Brazil and practice sustainability techniques.

Another option is to go with engineered Jatoba wood flooring. This flooring uses less wood than solid wood flooring does and saves more trees in the process.

Jatoba wood flooring is exotic wood flooring that works well in residential and commercial applications. It is long lasting with magnificent beauty and a natural shine that is easy to maintain. Choosing Jatoba flooring is choosing a floor for the now and the future.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Red Oak Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:56:43 +0000

Homeowners who make the decision to install hardwood flooring have a variety of wood types to choose from. From exotic woods to native woods, all with differing qualities that are appealing.

Red Oak flooring has been a popular flooring choice for many years. Its hardness, availability and affordability continue to make it a popular choice. It is available as solid Oak flooring or as engineered wood flooring.

Color and Appearance

The color of Red Oak is slightly redder than that of White Oak. The heart and sap wood are similar with the sapwood being slightly lighter.

The grain of Red Oak is slightly coarser and more porous than that of White Oak, making it slightly weaker than White Oak. Just as with White Oak, the cut of the boards plays into the appearance.

Plainsawn Red Oak boards have a flumed or flared grain; riftsawn’s grain is tighter and low figuring. Quartersawn boards have a flake pattern that is often referred to as tiger rays or butterflies.

Hardness and Sturdiness

Red Oak floors have a Janka Table hardness table rating of 1290, slightly below White Oak flooring. Red Oak is dense and resists wear and tear, which make it a good flooring choice.

Red Oak Flooring

Interior of cottage galley-style kitchen with oak floor

Red Oak, like other wood floorings, benefits the homeowner in many different ways. In addition to the natural beauty it brings the home, wood flooring also adds these characteristics:

* Lessens allergies: Because allergens like mold, mildew and germs have nowhere to hide and breed, there are less of them in the home. People with allergies typically see a large reduction in allergy attacks in homes with hardwood floors.

* Adds warmth and beauty to the home. Red Oak flooring adds warmth. Unlike laminate and tile that are cold to the touch, Red Oak is warm and inviting.

* Added value. Adding Red Oak flooring to the home adds value. If and when the time comes and the house is going to be sold, prospective buyers will look at the floors. Carpets tend to have stains or show wear and tear; wood flooring remains beautiful without having to be replaced.

* Easier to care for and maintain than carpet. Spills and stains on carpet require special cleaning. Spills on wood floors require little more than a quick mop.

Caring for Red Oak flooring and maintaining its natural beauty is simple. Taking preventative measures early will keep repairs in the future to a minimal. Preventative measures include:

* Placing rugs or floor mats in high traffic areas;

* Keeping pet’s nails trim;

* Placing furniture protectors on the bottoms of furniture;

* Cleaning spills up as quickly as possible;

* Vacuuming often to keep the dirt and grime from accumulating.

These preventative measures will keep Red Oak flooring from being damaged and make the beauty last for many years.

In the event of severe stains, Red Oak flooring can be sanded and refinished to repair the stains. In the case of engineered flooring, individual boards can be replaced by a professional installer if necessary.

Red Oak flooring is a popular, economical wood flooring choice for many homeowners. It adds value and warmth to the home and is appealing for uses in virtually any room.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Tigerwood Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:54:54 +0000

Tigerwood flooring is a beautiful example of the trend towards exotic wood flooring. This magnificent species comes from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemela, and Mexico.

This uniquely marked wood gets its name from its coloring and markings, which are much like the coloring and markings on a tiger. It is a very hard wood that makes a durable, long-lasting flooring choice.

Appearance

Tigerwood flooring is a type of exotic wood flooring which displays a immense range of color and striping. The striping can differ from thin lines to large, broad strokes. Set against a background of color ranging from light orange-tan to a deep, ruddy brown, the striping can play a prominent part in the design or be subtle and less contrasting. Over time, the colors tend to darken slightly, enhancing the beauty of the grain.

The surface of Tigerwood has a slightly oily appearance making it appear to be polished.

Strength

With a Janka Hardness rating of 1850, Tigerwood is a strong, sturdy wood that will beautify the home for many years. The wood is dimensionally stable and doesn’t warp or twist easily nor does it splinter – it will ream as smooth and pleasant to walk on in fifty years as it was when it was installed.

Tigerwood Flooring from http://www.miragefloors.com

Extremely durable, with a high level of resistance to beetle attacks. It can be finished to a medium luster and will stand up well to wear. Tigerwood is dimensionally stable and resist twisting and warping. It will remain smooth, splinter-free and friendly to bare feet for years.

Working with Tigerwood

Because of Tigerwood’s strength, working with it can be difficult. Sawing is difficult at best. Cutting should be done with carbide-tipped cutting tools. Nails are also difficult to hammer in and pre-boring is necessary for easier installation. An alternative method for installation that has success is to use waterproof glue.

Sanding should be done very carefully to prevent scratching the wood. It will sand easily and a good shine can be achieved by polishing, due to the woods natural tendency to appear somewhat oily.

Tigerwood Floors

This is an excellent choice for flooring, particularly for homeowners who want a unique flooring color and pattern. It is beautiful in formal settings or bedrooms.

When deciding on flooring, homeowners should consider the décor of the room that the flooring is going into as well as the durability of the wood. While Tiger wood will look good in any room, the coloring and patterns may not be what is desired for some people. Ask for samples of the wood before making a final decision.

Caring for wood floors is basically the same regardless of whether or not it is an exotic wood or a local wood. Following preventative steps to prevent damage is as important as keeping the floor clean.

* Place floor mats or rugs in high traffic areas.

* Trim pet’s nails.

* Put felt protectors on the bottom of all furniture to prevent scratching.

* Clean spills immediately to prevent water damage.

* Use only cleaning solutions that have been recommended by the manufacturer or a solution of water with 10% Windex.

* Keep dirt vacuumed to prevent it from causing scratches.

Following these simple steps will keep Tiger wood floors looking beautiful for many years with minimal effort. Exotic flooring is the new trend and Tigerwood is a popular choice that makes a bold statement.

-Sharon V Chapman

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White Oak Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:52:44 +0000

White Oak has always been a popular choice for flooring for homes. It provides both an elegant look and a rustic look, depending on the décor. White Oak flooring is a quick drying, sturdy wood that is available with various finishes and grades.

Appearance

White Oak’s has a white cream to light brown color with darker markings that are often referred to as tiger marking or waterfall markings. It has a grain that is open with longer rays than the Red Oak has. White Oak can be plainsawn, riftsawn, or quartersawn.

Plainsawn White Oak’s grain has a flared appearance while the grain of riftsawn has a tighter pattern. Quartersawn White Oak’s grain pattern is often called tiger oak, tiger rays or butterflies due to it having a flake pattern.

Depending on the grade of the White Oak wood used to make the flooring, it can have knots which add character or it can be completely free of blemishes. Classic grade is the most expensive of the White Oak flooring as it is blemish free. Rustic grade White Oak is considered by many to be rustic with its knots, cracks, burrs and natural stains. Rustic grade White Oak is light brown with more variations from board to board and high contrasts.

Strength and Workability

Oak Flooring

White Oak rates a 1360 on the Janka Hardness table. It is harder than Red Oak and durable enough for to be used as flooring. White Oak is easy to work with. It saws and nails easily and has a good resistance to splitting.

White Oak should be stained with oil based stains and finishes. Water based stains can turn the wood green or brown. Water and bleach will turn the wood these colors which is why White Oak should not be used in bathrooms or other moisture prone areas.

White Oak flooring will dent more easily than other harder woods and care should be taken to avoid dropping heavy items on the wood.

Care and Maintenance

White Oak flooring requires the same care and maintenance as other hard wood flooring. Before putting furniture back on the flooring make sure to put felt protector pads on the legs to prevent scratching. Pets should have their nails kept trim to keep them from marring the floor as they run across it.

Routine vacuuming or dust mopping of the floor will keep dirt from embedding and scratching the floor. Use the cleaner recommended by the manufacture or a mixture of water and 10% Windex. Stains can be buffed out of solid White Oak flooring and then the finish can be reapplied. This works well with water stains which can turn the flooring colors if it penetrates.

White Oak flooring is available in either solid wood floor boards or engineered wood boards. Engineered White Oak flooring will withstand humidity better than solid White Oak but it is also more expensive than solid White Oak.

Adding White Oak flooring to a house brings beauty and added value to the house should it ever be place up for sale. Wood flooring adds a feeling of warmth and home to any room.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Brazilian Walnut

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:47:48 +0000

Brazilian Walnut flooring is exotic wood flooring that is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela and Guatemala. Also known as Ipe or Cortez, Brazilian Walnut is known for its durability and beautiful chocolate coloring.

Hardness

Brazilian Walnut rates a 3680 on the Janka Hardness test, making it one of the hardest woods available. It also has a fire rating of “A”, the same rating given to cement and concrete. It is very hard to damage and does not show signs of wear even after years of heavy use.

This extreme durability and hardness make it an excellent choice for decks, floors and commercial applications such as railroad ties. Because it is hard to damage, families with children and pets will find it an ideal flooring choice for the home.

Coloring

Brazilian Walnut from Lumber Liquidators

Brazilian Walnut is known for its chocolaty color but can range in color from a light yellowish tan to a brown so rich it is almost black. The color of Brazilian Walnut is dependent upon where it is grown.

The coloring of Brazilian Walnut will change over time. At first, the colors will begin to meld into a more uniform color. As the wood continues to age, exposure to sunlight will cause the color to deepen to a medium or darker brown color.

Decks or other outside applications will notice a graying of the wood over time. This is normal and can be remedied with an annual pressure washing.

Just as there are many color variations there are also variations in the grain patterns. Some will be straight and uniform while other will vary and be irregular in shape. Brazilian Walnut has a naturally oily appearance giving it a nice sheen.

Workability

Because of the hardness of Brazilian Walnut it is not easy to machine. It saws well but will dull blades quickly. It is difficult to nail unless holes are pre-bored. Brazilian Walnut accepts stains and finishes easily, however, they should be water based due to the woods natural oiliness.

Brazilian Walnut Flooring

Brazilian Walnut makes durable, rich colored floors that are able to withstand years of heavy use. Although it is recommended to use floor protection under furniture with all wood flooring, Brazilian Walnut floors will not be damaged if no protection is used.

The coloring of Brazilian Walnut floors makes them an elegant choice for formal dining rooms. It is equally beautiful in family rooms and throughout the home. The hardness of the wood and its ability to withstand year after year of use also makes it a perfect choice for decks and other outdoor applications.

Floors made with Brazilian Walnut will not have to be replaced or repaired due to accidents, scratching or staining. Costing less than teak but with the same beauty and durability, Brazilian Oak flooring has become a popular flooring choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Brazilian Cherry Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:40:27 +0000

Brazilian Cherry flooring is among the strongest wood flooring options available. Some wood experts say it is the strongest known wood available worldwide. This type of durability along with the beauty of Brazilian Cherry flooring makes it a popular choice in flooring for many homeowners.

In the past homeowners looking for flooring options have turned to the classics like Oak and Cedar. Today, as more exotic woods are available, the popularity of the Brazilian Cherry is flourishing.

Durability

Next to aesthetic appearance, homeowners deciding on wood flooring are looking for an option that will last a long time. Flooring is an investment that shouldn’t have to be replaced every few years. Hardwood flooring is such an option and Brazilian Cherry flooring pushes the envelope in terms of durability.

On the Janka Hardness scale, Brazilian Cherry rates a 2350, nearly twice that of Oak. Brazilian Cherry’s hardness and durability are what make it bridge and dock constructors choose it. If Brazilian Cherry is strong enough for a dock, imagine how long it will last as a floor.

Brazilian Cherry Wood Plank

Brazilian Cherry flooring’s strength and durability make it ideally suited for applications involving heavy foot traffic, such as commercial shopping centers or hospitals lobbies.

In addition to being durable, Brazilian Cherry flooring is also resistant to stains. This makes the wood even more inviting as a flooring option. Homeowners don’t have to stress over spills or accidents as they won’t damage the floor.

Brazilian Cherry Flooring Color

Brazilian Cherry flooring can range in color from deep burgundy to deep red or orange. Often it can be found with dark black stripes running through it highlighting the grain. Tonal variations in color can run from one piece of flooring to the next making interesting color patterns.

The coloring of the Brazilian Cherry flooring will deepen over time, as the wood ages. This is why it is recommended that any mats or rugs covering areas of the floor be rotated to allow all of the flooring to age consistently.

Brazilian Cherry wood has a natural gloss to it due to naturally occurring oils in the wood. This also helps the wood to polish into a nice luster.

Selecting Brazilian Cherry Flooring

Brazilian Cherry flooring goes well with any home or decor. However, to be certain that the flooring meets expectations, it is important to consider the various shades, geometric patterns, and grain tones before deciding to purchase.

Installing

Brazilian Cherry flooring can be difficult to work with and a professional installer should be consulted if there are any hesitancies concerning the installation.

The wood is difficult to saw and plane and requires pre-drilling for any screws or nails that are going to be used. When cutting is required, carbide-tipped cutting tools should be used. Gluing with waterproof glue is the recommended application method.

Brazilian Cherry flooring is an excellent choice for families with children as it is durable enough to withstand hours of play without being damage; it is also elegant enough to floor a formal dining room. Strength, beauty and durability all lend to the popularity of Brazilian Cherry flooring.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Unfinished Oak Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:36:54 +0000

Oak wood has long been a favorite flooring choice for homeowners. It is durable and beautiful in a variety of settings. In addition to its natural beauty, individuals can choose unfinished oak flooring and have a finish applied to suite their own personal tastes.

Oak flooring accounts for 80% of the sales of wood flooring. The popularity of oak flooring is the reason consumers have more oak-based flooring options than any other flooring option.

Color Rich

Many people automatically think of houses from days gone by either sandy colored or light reddish colored floors when oak flooring is mentioned. However, with unfinished oak flooring the possibilities are limited only by the homeowner’s imagination.

Unfinished oak flooring can be finished by the installer or other professional or by the homeowner with a little bit of instruction. Finishing options include stains, varnishes and lacquers in a variety of colors and glosses.

Other Oak Flooring Options

Interior of cottage galley-style kitchen with oak floor

In addition to unfinished oak flooring, consumers also have a choice between factory new oak flooring or distressed oak flooring. They have very different looks.

Another option is whether to choose Red Oak or White Oak flooring for the home. Both are available in finished or unfinished. Red Oak is light colored with a reddish tone and White Oak is a white to creamish or light brown color.

Red Oak flooring can show more variations in colors than White Oak does depending on the subspecies of tree the wood is harvested from.

Solid or Engineered Oak Flooring

In the past, solid wood flooring was the option most people chose when selecting wood flooring. Their thinking tended to be that solid flooring was more elegant and durable. However, there are some flaws to solid wood flooring that make engineered flooring a good option to consider.

Solid wood flooring is thick which doesn’t allow for anything underneath it like floor heating.

Engineered Oak flooring is very much like solid Oak flooring. It is just as durable and just as beautiful, only not as thick. The top layer is the Oak wood, either finished or unfinished. Underneath this layer is another wood for support. Engineered flooring leaves room underneath for floor heating.

Oak Floor Characteristics

Finished or unfinished Oak flooring is one of the most durable, long lasting floorings a homeowner can choose. On the Janka Hardness scale, the Red Oak and the White Oak both score in the 1200’s. The Red Oak is a little stronger than the White Oak.

However, the White Oak is more water resistant than Red Oak and resists rot better than the Red Oak and other woods which is why it can be found in homes from hundreds of years ago and still be beautiful.

Finished or unfinished, Red Oak or White, engineered or solid, these are just a few of the questions consumers have to answer when choosing their wood flooring. The most important answer is longevity and of that they can be assured when choosing Oak flooring.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:28:30 +0000

New homebuilding projects and home renovations projects both offer the homeowner the opportunity to install hardwood floors. Recently, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors have seen an increase in popularity.

In addition to bring added value to the home, Brazilian Cherry floors bring a classic beauty and elegance to any room. The open grain is similar to that of Oak with dark streaks on deep red to orange background. Overtime the Brazilian Cherry wood will deepen to a darker cherry color.

Strong and Beautiful

Brazilian Cherry hardwood floorings popularity is no accident. These floors have two characteristics most people look for in a wood floor – durability and beauty.

The durability of Brazilian Cherry is evident in its hardness. On the Janka Hardness scale it rates a 2820 – compared to a 1260 for Red Oak. Brazilian Cherry hardwood owes its strength to the stability of its horizontal and vertical structure.

The beauty of Brazilian Cherry is evident at first glance and continues to improve as time goes by. The beginning colors range from a tan to a salmon color. As time goes by, the wood deepens to a rich reddish brown.

Brazilian Cherry Wood Plank

In addition to rich, dramatic colors, Brazilian Cherry also has a natural shine and luster. This is due to the fact that it produces its own natural oils. This exotic hardwood will hold its shine and elegance for many years.

Applications

Because of its strength, beauty and durability, Brazilian Cherry hardwood has many applications. The strength alone makes it an ideal medium for high traffic areas such as malls. Inside the home, there is no fear of scratching or marring from everyday normal use. This eliminates the need for covering the beauty of the floor with rugs and mats.

The beauty of Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring lends itself well to more formal, elegant settings such as upscale restaurants or formal dining rooms in the home.

Workability

Working with Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring is a little difficult due to the extreme hardness of the material. This hardness has a definite blunting effect on tools and the use of carbide-tipped tools for cutting.

Nails can be used for attaching Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring if the holes are pre-bored and insertion is at an angel. Gluing is the recommended method of installation using waterproof PVA glue.

The Green Factor

As with other exotic woods, Brazilian Cherry wood flooring should come from a dealer who can authenticate that it is indeed being harvested on farms that practice sustainability techniques.

The Brazilian government has become very aware of the dangers of losing their Brazilian Cherry trees and has implemented strict rules governing the logging of Brazilian Cherry hardwood. Reputable logging companies will harvest older, weaker trees first.

Floors made with Brazilian Cherry hardwood are an elegant addition to any home. Their strength and durability combined with their timeless beauty that improves with age make them one of the most popular exotic flooring choices today.

-Sharon V Chapman

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Exotic Hardwood

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:06:22 +0000

Hardwood flooring’s popularity explosion in the past has led to a new trend in wood choices. Exotic hardwoods are fast becoming the wood of choice for many homeowners who are adding hardwood floors. Exotic hardwood offers the same non-allergen traits as traditional hardwood floors with the addition of a unique beauty and color range not found in typical hardwood choices.

Consumer demand for more diversity has pushed the availability of exotic hardwood farther than ever before. Today, it is not uncommon to find floors made from hardwood harvested in Africa, South America, Asia and all around the world.

Exotic Hardwood’s Strength

Consumers should note that exotic hardwood doesn’t mean that the wood is flimsy or unreliable. In fact, some of the hardest, most durable hardwoods on Earth are found outside of the United States. For example, Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood, has a Janka Hardness rating of 3,860 pounds. Compare this to the hardness of Red Oak with a Janka rating of 1,290, a U.S. hardwood considered strong.

Exotic hardwoods will last for many, many years in whatever form they are crafted. Exotic hardwood flooring, particularly beautiful and durable, will last longer through many generations of use.

Exotic Hardwood Beauty

Hardness and durability would be useless characteristics for flooring if the wood was unattractive. Exotic hardwoods offer hardness, durability and beauty. Each species brings with it its own range of colorings and markings to complement the room where it will be used.

The coloring of many exotic hardwoods change over time and so the consumer should keep this in mind when making decisions on exotic wood type. When rugs are used on exotic wood floors, they should be rotated to allow sunlight to reach all areas of the floor.

Coloring in exotic hardwood can be as amazing as the yellow, red and black stripes of the Tarara Amarillo to the crisp, clean ebony of the African Wenge. Some exotic woods are dramatic and deep in color while others are light and clean. These broad differences in color are what make exotic hardwoods versatile and suited to any room in the house.

Environmental Concerns

Trees take a tremendous amount of time to grow; however, exotic hardwoods grow in lush, tropical locations that tend to facilitate a shorter growing time. In addition, most reputable exotic wood dealers only work with growers and harvesters who practice sustainable techniques, such as harvesting older, weaker trees first.

Consumers can help the sustainability effort by purchasing only exotic woods that are clearly marked as a ‘green’ product or have a LEED certification indicated. These identifiers help consumers and companies know that they are dealing with products that are contributing to the sustainability effort.

Cleaning and Care of Exotic Hardwoods

Consumers often think that exotic hardwoods are difficult to maintain. The truth is that they are no different from other hardwoods in care and cleaning. The manufacturer of the exotic hardwood floor will have specific advice on cleaning the exact wood being used; however, exotic hardwoods are generally cleaned in the same way other hardwoods are cleaned and maintained.

Exotic hardwood has become the trendy choice in hardwood flooring for new home builders and homeowners who are renovating their existing floors. Strong, beautiful and available in many different colors and styles, exotic hardwood flooring offers something for everyone.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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