Tigerwood hardwood flooring is another variety in the ever-growing trend of exotic hardwood floors. Tigerwood is found in South America, most often in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. It also goes by other names, including Cuta Tigre, Goncalo Alves, Astronium and Zebrawood.

Tigerwood is an excellent hardwood choice for those people looking for a lighter colored flooring and yet want a wood that is more durable and exotic in appearance than a maple or beechwood floor would be.

Appearance

Tigerwood’s name comes from its resemblance to tiger stripes. It has a background that is typically a lighter color than the accentuating chocolate brown stripes. Tigerwood that is freshly cut will range from light tan to dark brown. As it ages and is exposed to light it will darken in color.

The heartwood and sapwood have differing colors. The heartwood will typically be a russet brown, orangish brown, or reddish brown to red, with thin to wide varying stripes of browns ranging from medium to dark.

The sapwood of Tigerwood, on the other hand, is typically ranges from a brownish white to a dirty gray color.

Tigerwood has a mottled, wavy or even interlocked grain that is irregular. The texture is quite fine and the luster appears dull.

Characteristics

Tigerwood is a durable hardwood that is resistant to insect attack. As a hardwood flooring option, Tigerwood is harder and more durable than many woods. It falls between hickory and pecan for hardness and is harder than maple.

Tigerwood is a difficult wood to dry and care must be taken during the drying process to prevent damage to the wood. It resists twisting and remains stable and splinter free for many years through many different uses.

Tigerwood ages well and is considered weather resistant due to its resistance to moisture. This is why it is also used to make boats.

Working with Tigerwood

Tigerwood is used in many different applications, from cabinetry to flooring and as a decorative veneer for shutters, knife handles, archery bows and billiard cue butts.

Because Tigerwood will scratch, working with it is a little different than some of the other hardwoods. Tigerwood should be cut using carbide-tipped blades, and not a saw.

In order to use nails, it is suggested that the holes be pre-bored. Gluing is another option for securing Tigerwood and presetting is suggested if this method is used.

Tigerwood can be sanded must it must be done very carefully to prevent scratching. It does polish quite well and is quite beautiful when finished properly.

Cleaning Tigerwood

As with all hardwood floors, the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning solution should be used. Never use ammonia or other harsh cleaners on hardwood flooring. A substitute cleaning solution that is safe to use on hardwood floors is a mixture of water and 10% Windex. Use a soft, clean mop to apply to floor. Do not drench the floor in the solution.

Hardwood floors should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt buildup which can scar hardwood floors. Heavy traffic areas should have rugs or mats put down to catch dirt and debris. All furniture should have felt pads to prevent scratching during moving.

Tigerwood hardwood flooring is a beautiful, exotic hardwood that offers the light color of a Maple or Beech wood with more durability and strength. This exotic flooring is climbing in popularity as the exotic hardwood trend continues into the future of flooring.

-Sharon V Chapman