When you hear the word ‘exotic’, what usually comes to mind? Is it something unusual, strange, or rare? When used in the world of furniture and hardwood flooring, the word exotic means something that is rare and has a distinct characteristic of being uniquely beautiful and elegant.

Most exotic hardwood floors can’t be grown in North America and you can only order them from other countries like Brazil, Africa, Australia, and the Far East.

Like any other hardwood, exotic hardwoods are easy to maintain and are known for their durability and beauty. If you examine them closely, you will see that the wood grain and texture have very unique characteristics that can instantly set your home’s flooring apart from anything else. The unique color tones blend well when applied with almost any hardwood finish.

What is an Exotic Hardwood Floor?

Because of its dramatic look and versatility, exotic hardwoods compliment antique wood furniture pieces very well. With all the technological innovations and developments that have refined these hardwoods, it is not surprising to see that these types of hardwoods mix well with both traditional and modern design themes.

There are hundreds of species of exotic hardwood trees but the more popular ones are the Angico preto (Janka rating= 3900), Brazilian ebony (3692), Brazilian walnut (3680), Almendrillo (3540, also named the Tiete chestnut), Brazilian cherry (2350), and Brazilian maple (2345). The Janka hardness test provides a measure of the ability of a wood species to resist wear and tear. It can also provide facts of how easy or difficult a tree species is to nail and saw. The higher the Janka rating is, the harder the wood.

Popular Exotic Hardwoods

Angico Preto

Angico Preto (black) is a native tree from Brazil well-sought after because of its distinct irregularly interlocked grains and unparalleled strength and durability. It is also highly resistant to decay making it a good investment for the home.

Brazilian Ebony

With its dense and uniformly ultra fine texture and almost straight grains, the Brazilian ebony will leave any room looking immaculately crisp and sophisticated. The woods of the Brazilian ebony can range from a solid color to a streak or marble like figure. The hardness and durability of this hardwood is definitely remarkable.

Brazilian Walnut

Another native tree found in the rainforests of Brazil, it is a major commercial species due to the great value of its wood in the production and manufacture of high end furniture pieces, veneers, and floorings. The Brazilian walnut hardwood has an almost perfect uniform and straight grain appearance and fine texture with a dark color tone.

Tiete Chestnut

The Tiete chestnut is another import from Brazil that has a soothing and natural look reminiscent of old country houses and antique taverns. The graining is moderate and yet the effect is fabulous. Unlike the domestic counterpart, the Tiete chestnut is twice as durable and readily available.

Brazilian Cherry

Perhaps the most popular exotic hardwood tree, the Brazilian cherry has been heavily exploited due to its high value and excellent appearance. The wood color is reddish brown, with an interlocking grain and a golden glow beneath. The usefulness of its hardwood extends from making elegant furniture pieces, flooring, veneers, architectural details, stairs, parquets, etc.

Brazilian Maple

The South American native Brazilian maple tree demonstrates an average level of stability similar to red oak. It has a straight grain appearance and fine texture with beautiful curl markings that appear at different angles. The wood color undergoes a moderate degree of change and slight ambering over time, transforming a pale shade to a yellowish cream tone.

Disadvantages of Using Exotic Hardwoods

• Highly expensive
• Not advisable for use in moisture prone areas (bathrooms, kitchen)
• Can be difficult to order a bulk supply
• Some species are near extinction

Flooring is an investment. It is important to choose the right kind of floor that will fit your home. Frequent replacement of flooring, especially of exotic hardwood flooring, is detrimental to these endangered tree species and your wallet.

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