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.

Sustainable Wood flooring

The wood flooring sector is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, demonstrating that real wood is the most environmentally friendly flooring option available. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has even published a children’s book to educate young readers about tree harvesting, regeneration, old- growth forests, biodiversity, and other forestry-related topics. Wood is generally considered a sustainable material, largely due to the ability of timber trees to absorb carbon.

Additionally, wood is renewable, although renewal rates vary among different plant species. The environmental impact of using wood also depends on transportation and forest management practices.

Waterproofing flooring

Wood-look products such as LVT, WPC, and laminate have been promoted as waterproof, durable, and low-maintenance options. Waterproof wood flooring incorporates a water-resistant finish layer and an engineered wood core to prevent swelling and water damage. It is an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Technological Advancements in Hardwood Flooring Finishes

In recent years, hardwood flooring has benefited from various technological advancements in finishes, leading to improved durability, reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and a wide array of sheen options. Water-based polyurethane is a well-liked finish known for its durability, low VOC content, ease of application, and quick drying. Another popular option is oil-based polyurethane, valued for its durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Wax finishes offer an eco-friendly alternative, providing a natural look and feel to the wood, although they are not as durable as polyurethane finishes.

Additionally, acid-cured finishes are recognized for their durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Furthermore, advancements in core construction have also contributed to the enhancement of hardwood flooring, further improving its quality and longevity.

Don’t worry, the care that we must give our floors is very simple and in this new post on our blog we will show you everything!

Cleaning routine

Maintaining a cleaning routine may be an idea incompatible with the stressful life of the city. However, it’s the deciding factor when it comes to having a splendid home.

Cleaning for a couple of hours once a week while your favorite music plays in the background can be an excellent plan to disconnect from the routine!

Choose only premium products

Whether you choose to routinely cleanse more or less frequently, we recommend that you use only high-quality products.

Although their prices may be a little higher than the competition, the components from which they are made can make a difference in the health of your hardwood floors.

Curtains and carpets

Another good idea may be to place curtains and rugs where the sun hits the most.

Sunlight, while very rewarding to receive, does severe damage to wood due to dangerous UV rays. If you know that in a certain place in your living room your wood is a bit more unprotected, don’t hesitate to place a rug to protect it or some pretty curtains on the window. These accessories will also add style and elegance to your home.

Have you heard about refinishing?

At Renova we carry out a special hardwood refinishing job to give new life to your floors. Do not worry, leave everything in our hands and in just a couple of hours you will find your floors as you saw them for the first time.

In addition, we assure you that, thanks to our vast experience in the field, you will not find dirt or dust and, also, you will be able to stay at home while we work.

These have been some of our tips for maintaining your hardwood floors. If you have not yet placed yours and do not dare to take the step, write to us: we are experts and we will advise you in the best way. In addition, you can ask us for a free quote today!