There’s no denying the luxurious and timeless aesthetic appeal that wood flooring brings to any home. But for those who yearn for something more unusual and exotic, there is a world of wood flooring options out there that most people aren’t even aware of. So if you’re in the market for an upgrade in your flooring, consider exploring the beauty of wood types beyond the typical maple and oak.
What is Exotic Wood Flooring?
Exotic, tropical, or imported wood flooring is sourced from wood species not native to North America. While wood flooring adds warmth and sophistication to any space, exotic wood flooring brings an extra level of elegance with its unique grain patterns, rich colors, and fascinating history.
Benefits of Exotic Wood Flooring
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, exotic wood flooring has many advantages over traditional wood species.
- Durability: Many exotic wood options are naturally more durable and resistant to scratches and wear because of their density and hardness.
- Sustainability: As responsible consumers, investing in wood flooring that is responsibly sourced is essential. Choosing wood species that are harvested from well-managed forests or plantations is an intelligent way to ensure that your flooring has a low impact on the environment.
- Uniqueness: Because exotic wood flooring is less commonly seen, it adds a sense of rarity and distinction to any space.
Popular Exotic Wood Flooring Choices
Some popular exotic wood flooring options add a unique flair and style to your home.
Brazilian Cherry Wood Flooring
Brazilian Cherry wood flooring, also known as Jatoba, is a reddish-brown wood that boasts a hardness comparable to oak. It has a distinctive grain pattern with tight knots, complex swirls, dark striations and ages beautifully over time. Brazilian Cherry is easy to maintain, but professional installation is recommended as it requires extensive cutting and shaping.
Tigerwood Flooring
Named for its bold striping and dramatic color variations, Tigerwood is a genuinely striking exotic wood flooring option. It is even more robust than Brazilian Cherry and has a unique resistance to rot and fungus, making it an excellent choice for humid climates. It is also known for its dimensional stability, so it’s suitable for use in high-traffic areas.
Ipe Wood Flooring
Ipe, pronounced “ee-pay,” is a tough and dense wood species that has grown in popularity for outdoor and indoor applications. It has an incredibly rich chocolate-brown color and a natural resistance to insects, decay, and fire. In addition, Ipe wood has a Janka hardness rating of 3684, making it one of the most durable wood species available. It is also naturally slip-resistant, ideal for households with young children and seniors.
Mahogany Wood Flooring
Mahogany wood flooring is known for its exceptional beauty, versatility, and durability. It has a uniform texture with a straight grain complements any interior style, from traditional to modern. Mahogany is also one of the most stable wood species available, making it less susceptible to warping and shrinking that can plague other wood types over time.
With so many exotic wood flooring options available on the market, it’s essential to consider all the unique properties offered to make the best decision for your space. So whether you want to add some natural warmth to your rustic retreat or create a sophisticated look in your modern home, an exotic wood flooring option can meet your needs.
Remember to choose a flooring contractor who can guide you through the process and provide installation services to ensure a smooth and quality finish. Wood floors can take extra care, so make sure you read up on ways to maintain and repair scratches on hardwood floors. Exotic wood flooring is an excellent way to add a level of luxury that is hard to achieve with traditional wood species, and as an added bonus, it can last for generations to come.
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