Exotic Species - Pros and Cons

Hardwood flooring is making a comeback, and more and more people are truly beginning to understand the benefits of a well-maintained hardwood floor. There are several exotic species of hardwood out there, and although some of them may be beautiful and unique, they might have a few downfalls, too.

Brazilian Cherry

Brazilian cherry was once one of the most popular types of wood for flooring. It boasts a beautiful red color with minimal grain, and it can only be found in certain parts of Peru, Mexico, and Brazil. Over the years, though, people have turned more toward unique exotic wood with unusual grain patterns. Because of this, the price of Brazilian cherry has dropped dramatically. While it is one of the cheapest hardwoods available today, people often find it antiquated. Unless you’re going for an antique style, you might want to skip this exotic species.

Australian Cypress

In stark contrast to Brazilian cherry, Australian cypress is incredibly rustic and has very pronounced swirls in its grain. It is an amazing choice when you want a cottage-like appearance inside your home, and it falls somewhere on the middle of the scale as far as its impact on your wallet. However, it is quite soft, even though it is technically a “hardwood”, so you might want to think twice before buying this exotic – particularly if you have dogs or small children.

Brazilian Walnut

It seems that many of the world’s most popular exotic species come from Brazil, and that’s not surprising when you consider the sheer number of trees in the rainforests there. Brazilian walnut is harvested more than any other exotic species there, and its popularity is due to its sheer hardness. In fact, people are just as content to use it outdoors for decking as they are indoors for their floors. However, you might be hard-pressed to find a company to install it because it is so difficult to work with.

Sapele Mahogany

When homeowners or businesspeople want the best of the best in their homes and offices, they often turn to Sapele mahogany. This is one of the lushest, most beautiful exotic species in the world. It just looks upscale, which is what people want when they pay for these exotic species. Despite its beauty, though, this type of mahogany is photosensitive. If you put down a rug or cover an area with a sofa, you might notice that the flooring retains outlines - even if it is never exposed to natural light.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood takes its name from the beautiful striped pattern of its grain. When you want something that looks exotic, tigerwood has you covered. The dramatic contrasting stripes can make your flooring the centerpiece in any room, but you have to be very careful. Over time, the sun can fade the dark stripes in the grain. This means that the wood you chose for its beauty may end up fading into the background.

Exotic species are certainly beautiful, and they can add some unique style to any room in your home or office. However, like anything, you must properly maintain them in order for them to hold onto their beauty and charm for years to come.