Exotic Hardwood and Bamboo Flooring

Exotic hardwoods are sourced outside North America from regions in Asia, South America and Africa. Exotic species are known for their extreme hardness and natural beauty. Carpet & Tile Mart carries exotic wood species such as Tigerwood, Brazilian Cherry, Acacia, Brazilian Oak and Peruvian Teak. Exotic hardwood flooring generally has the following characteristics when compared to its domestic counterparts:

• Vibrant colors range from Tigerwood's golden tones to Brazilian cherry's deep red.
• Bold patterns and an interesting grain with imperfections and natural knots.
• Higher hardness ratings than domestic species.
• Dense grain that withstands moisture and humidity better than most domestic species.
• Higher initial investment but with a high ROI.

Types of Exotic Wood Floors from Carpet & Tile Mart

Exotic hardwood flooring adds luxury and elegance to any space in your home. It is available in various grain patterns and colors to complement many architectural designs. Hardwood offers a variety of different species to create flooring in varying grades, allowing you to get exactly what you want. Our collection of exotic hardwood flooring species includes:

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. Its high oil content makes it highly resistant to decay. Most people will choose to install it in a room like the kitchen, where moisture might be a concern. It's a renowned wood for building yachts, boats and outdoor furniture. If you purchase teak from Carpet & Tile Mart, you will notice many naturally occurring knots and imperfections in the grain, giving the wood a 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.

Seringa Flooring

Seringa trees produce sap used in latex production. Historically, when they stopped producing sap, these trees were cut down, gathered and burned. Today, wood product companies use seringa to make long-lasting furniture and flooring. 

Seringa offers high stability even in difficult climates, making it less susceptible to damage. It has a Janka hardness of approximately 980 and features a beautiful grain pattern in a rich, warm color and can absorb stains and finishes really well. Seringa floors are easy to maintain, with no wax or oil maintenance required. 

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 on the finish. No two acacia planks have the same grain, so the flooring will always look different. 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 and hardwood flooring have similar aesthetics. Bamboo flooring is available in both ¾-inch-thick solid planks and an engineered version that is laminated with natural veneer over a synthetic core. It's important to note that bamboo is not a wood but a woody grass that grows much faster and is native to tropical regions with heavy rains.

In its natural state, bamboo measures around 1300 to 1400 on the Janka scale, which is comparable to hard maple and harder than oak flooring. When bamboo undergoes carbonization to darken it, it results in a lower Janka rating of about 1100, which is still higher than some hardwoods. Bamboo flooring has three types:

• Flat-grain: Thin flat layers glued together.
• Vertical-grain: Narrow strips glued on edge to give a striped appearance. 
• Stranded: Bamboo fibers bound with resin to look like shredded material.

Bamboo floors can be sanded and refinished when they become scratched or dented and offer longevity comparable to solid hardwood and a longer lifespan than engineered hardwood flooring. At Carpet & Tile Mart, you will find different shades of bamboo floors, 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

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, well-maintained hardwood floors can last over 100 years. Regular maintenance is essential to prolong their lifespan and preserve their aesthetic appeal. If you spill on your hardwood floor, do the following:

• Wipe spills immediately with a clean white cloth.
• Use ice on tough substances such as gum or wax to harden them, then scrape carefully with a plastic scraper.

Here are some tips for everyday care:

• Vacuum or sweep your floors every few days to prevent debris from scratching the surface.
• Opt for a vacuum with a hose attachment instead of rotating brushes.
• For wood stairs, use a dust rag by hand instead of vacuuming to save on cleanup time.
• Keep mats at entry doors to prevent debris from getting in.
• Cover windows to block UV rays and excessive heat to prevent fading.
• Rearrange rugs and furniture to help the floor age evenly.
• Put felt pads under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
• Check your manufacturer's instructions for what type of cleaning solution to use.  

Make Carpet & Tile Mart Your Destination for Exotic Hardwood and Bamboo Flooring 

Exotic hardwood floors offer unmatched luxury, durability and visual appeal for those looking for a unique floor that will last. Bamboo flooring, on the other hand, provides affordability, sustainability and customization options. Choosing between bamboo flooring and hardwood depends on your budget, style and sustainability goals. Both options are also highly durable, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist scratches and dings. 

If you are ready to transform your space with high-quality hardwood flooring, contact Carpet & Tile Mart or visit our store to bring your dream home to life.