Carpet & Tile Mart carries your traditional species of wood flooring, such as oak and hickory. We also have exotic wood species available, as well as bamboo. Wood species such as Tigerwood, Brazilian Cherry, Acacia, Brazilian Oak, and Peruvian Teak offer many benefits, ranging from unique colors and grains to a contemporary look. Let's take a look at why exotic hardwood flooring might be a good choice for your home.
Exotic hardwood flooring generally has the following characteristics when compared to their domestic counterparts:
- A more interesting grain.
- Some varieties will have natural knots and imperfections in the grain that add to their luster and brilliance.
- Most exotic hardwood floor varieties are hard on the Janka scale, making them a perfect fit for homes with a lot of foot traffic.
- Exotic hardwood is only slightly more expensive than traditional wood species.
The species of exotic wood that are available from Carpet & Tile Mart
Brazilian Cherry
Many people stray from American Cherry because it's too soft. Brazilian Cherry is extremely tough and durable. On the Janka hardness scale, Brazilian Cherry comes in at 2820, while American Cherry is 995. The main benefit of going with Brazilian cherry is that it's less susceptible to scratching and denting.
If you are looking for a little bit more vibrant version of cherry, Brazilian Cherry is a darker, intense red. American Cherry is more of a lightly toned red. Most people who get American Cherry will likely refinish it with a different sheen, texture, or shade. However, the Brazilian variant is the perfect color for most people.
Brazilian oak
Brazilian oak is fairly hard, falling in at 1650 on the Janka hardness scale. Essentially, it is about 13% harder than American oak. Many flooring specialists describe Brazilian oak as having a moderate luster. You'll end up with a medium tan color with moderate hints of red. You won't likely see knots in Brazilian oak planks.
Peruvian teak
Peruvian teak is known for its incredible durability and water resistance. With a high oil content, it has great decay resistance. Most people will choose to install it in a room like the kitchen where moisture might be a concern. It's just a renowned wood and is also used for yachts, boat building, and outdoor furniture. If you purchase teak from Carpet & Tile Mart, you will notice that there are many naturally occurring knots and imperfections in the grain. This gives the wood a little bit of character.
Tigerwood
At Carpet & Tile Mart, you will find two different varieties of Tigerwood. One of the lines has received an attractive stain treatment for a rich midnight color. This version preserves the natural grain of the Tigerwood, but will add a unique accent to your dining room or kitchen. Our regular variety of Tigerwood is more traditional. This hardwood is native to Brazil, and adds a contemporary take on design to your home. With a moderate brown/tan color, the smooth, curvy grains of Tigerwood are popular among wood enthusiasts.
Acacia
Acacia flooring is known for its relative hardness, with 2300 on the Janka scale. It's harder than white oak, hickory, and bamboo. It has a smooth texture and a darker, more brilliant brown color depending upon the finish. No two leaves of acacia have the same grain, so the flooring will have a brilliant look when laid out in your home. Acacia can be used in kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. It is very durable and will resist scratches well over the years.
Bamboo flooring
Bamboo flooring is extremely strong and durable. These planks are made of strands of bamboo that are woven together. Bamboo flooring works particularly well in moist and humid areas of the home, like the kitchen. Various types of bamboo flooring rival the hardness of oak. At Carpet & Tile Mart, you will find different shades of bamboo flooring, ranging from light to dark. One variety is the Bourbon Barrel. This shade will look great in a contemporary kitchen.
How to care for your exotic hardwood flooring
Exotic hardwood is not that different when it comes to cleaning. You should vacuum every few days to keep dirt and grime from accumulating. Some people recommend using a head on your vacuum with soft brush bristles. You should mop regularly and attend to spills the moment they happen with a cloth or paper towel.
Check your manufacturer's instructions for what type of cleaning solution to use.
If you are purchasing any exotic hardwood flooring, take care to keep direct sunlight from hitting it on a daily basis. Over time, this will fade the rich natural color of the wood. This can also happen with the stained varieties of exotic hardwood. Water spots can also form if spills are left unattended for a period of time.
Make Carpet & Tile Mart Your Destination for Exotic Hardwood and Bamboo Flooring
Exotic hardwood and bamboo flooring are great options for a home because they offer a unique and natural aesthetic, as well as durability and sustainability. Exotic hardwood flooring, made from rare and beautiful woods such as Brazilian cherry and mahogany, add warmth and character to a room. Bamboo flooring, made from a fast-growing and renewable resource, is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Both options are also highly durable, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist scratches and dings. Overall, exotic hardwood and bamboo flooring are excellent choices for anyone looking to add style and durability to their home.
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