Exotic Hardwood from South America

Tigerwood is a highly durable hardwood that is ideal for high-traffic areas due to its hardness. It has a unique blend of dramatic grain patterns and rich reddish-orange tones, adding a touch of luxury to any space. Tigerwood is water-resistant and naturally resistant to rot and decay. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, including outdoor deck boards, shutters, deck furniture, and boats. It is also common to use for decorative items because of its beautiful grain patterns. This wood is easy to maintain, requiring only a dust mop or vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning. It also has a moderate price compared to other exotic hardwoods.

Brazilian cherry hardwood is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of decorating styles, from traditional to contemporary. It comes in different shades, allowing homeowners to pair it with various wood furnishings and create a warm environment. The wood’s rich, warm color and distinctive grain pattern make it a popular choice for its aesthetic beauty. It naturally varies in color from burgundy to red, orange, and even some pink tones, and it darkens over time. Those tones of color add character and depth as it ages.

Acacia wood is one of the most durable hardwoods. It is ideal for furniture and flooring that will be used frequently. It is also resistant to scratches, dents, and other damage, and it has a natural shine that lasts for years. This wood has a beautiful natural grain and color, ranging from light amber to dark mahogany. Of course, this will add an elegant and rustic touch to any room or outdoor space. Acacia trees grow fast and can be harvested sustainably, so it’s an environmentally friendly choice compared to slower-growing hardwoods.

Exotic Hardwood from Central America

Santos mahogany is a very durable hardwood species commonly found in Central America and southern Mexico. This wood features a range of colors, from a lighter golden brown to a darker purplish red or burgundy, with a distinctive interlocking grain and a medium-to-fine texture. It has a high natural gloss, and quarter-sawn sections may display a striped or ribbon pattern, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Santos mahogany is also easy to work with and has good finishes, making it a popular choice for flooring, furniture, and interior trim.

Exotic Hardwood from Oceania

Australian Cypress is a highly durable and versatile softwood. It is extremely durable, with a Janka hardness rating of 1,360 lbs, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and resistant to decay, rot, and insect attacks. It has a varied color range, from light tan to darker brown, with a straight grain and a medium uniform texture. The wood has a moderate natural luster, adding to its aesthetic appeal. It is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insect attacks, making it a long-lasting and low-maintenance option. Australian Cypress is an environmentally friendly choice.

Resume

Domestic hardwood and exotic hardwood represent two distinct categories of hardwood flooring. Domestic hardwood derives from trees native to the United States, such as oak, maple, ash, cherry, birch, walnut, or hickory. On the other hand, exotic hardwood originates from various regions worldwide, particularly tropical areas. The most common are Brazilian walnut, Brazilian cherry, Australian cypress, and purple Heart.

Domestic hardwoods are generally more affordable and readily available than exotic hardwoods. They offer a traditional, warm appearance and are suitable for a wide range of designs. In contrast, exotic hardwoods tend to be denser, harder, and more expensive due to their striking visual impact and the costs associated with importing them. The choice between these two types of flooring depends on factors such as availability, personal preference, and budget. Important aspects to consider when comparing domestic and exotic hardwoods include color, availability, and hardness. Domestic hardwoods typically undergo gradual color changes, are more widely available, and may be less dense, while exotic hardwoods often exhibit more rapid color changes, are less readily available, and tend to be denser and harder. The decision ultimately hinges on individual needs and priorities.

Hardwood floors, one of the most commonly used types of flooring, can be light or dark, and the decision can be hard because both have their pros and cons. So, how to know if you should choose a light or dark wood floor finish for your home?

Do not worry; we will tell you the main qualities of each one so you will be able to choose. Don’t forget to see the other entries in our blog to learn everything about hardwood flooring!

Dirt and cleanliness

First, when it comes to dirt, dust, and stains, white floors will be more discreet. As stains or dust are generally light colored, this type of cover will be better hidden and you won’t have to clean it every day. The stripes are also more camouflaged, since the wood below tends to be of light color, so it will not be distinguished from the main color.

In contrast, dark floors can hide spots or dirt less as it will be more visible to the eye. So, it is likely that you will have to do a cleaning routine to make it look shiny. Moreover, the stripes of furniture or pet claws will be more visible, as the light color of the wood below will contrast.

The spaciousness of the environment

On the other hand, the colors of the floor also denote the spaciousness of the environment. You have to keep in mind that dark colors make the room thinner and smaller, but warmer and more welcoming. In cold towns, rooms with dark wood floors will make you feel warm and welcome.

On the contrary, the light-colored floors widen the bedrooms, making them bigger and longer. In them, the furniture and decoration will stand out more and can be combined with Nordic furniture as well as minimalistic. The environment will also be left cooler, as the light colors are associated with icy and white spots.

In addition, you have to consider that the color of the floor has to be accompanied by the color of the walls of the room, so that the sensations are prolonged and concentrated.

Home lighting

If we talk about luminosity, it is undoubtedly the light floor that takes the spotlight. Rooms with light hardwood floors will be brighter and reflect sunlight, natural light, and lamps. On the other hand, dark wood floors absorb light, it is not reflected or duplicated, so if you consider dark floors, you must take into account the brightness of the environment as it should be sufficient.

Styles that match the colors

In all cases, the two floor colors can be combined with a variety of styles. The dark colors are combined with elegance, traditional, Indian and ancient styles. Light colors are associated with modern, new, or postmodern styles like the Nordic style.

By considering all these points, you will be able to correctly select the type of floor for your home. suitable for your needs, tastes and home amenities such as windows, high ceilings, lights and space.

Don’t forget that the important thing is to create the home you want, tailored to your tastes and needs. Ask us for a free quote today to bring back the shine to your home!