Exotic woods are used to make guitars. Unusual cars from overseas turn heads, and often contain exotic woods. Exotic fruits are an exciting experience. Why not install an exotic hardwood flooring? Guests will walk in and wonder: What is so different, unique, and wondrous about this wood? If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, hardwood provides a great return on investment. If you are building the perfect home to spend the rest of your life in, hardwood lasts for decades when maintained properly. It merely needs periodic refinishing. With so many different types of exotic hardwood flooring available, which one should you choose? We’re here to help you find the best exotic hardwood option to fit your style, and needs.
Overview of Exotic Hardwood Flooring
Exotic hardwood flooring typically has a wide grain that is very pronounced. These woods produce very unique colors, especially when compared to domestic hardwoods. Different shades of reds, browns, and even purple hues. Some Brazilian hardwoods produce stark contrasts within the wood. From deep blacks to pale brown. And these contrasts are sometimes found side by side in one single plank. For this reason, most people choose to use a light finish on exotic hardwood floors to allow its natural beauty to shine through.
Common Exotic Wood Floors Options
There are dozens and dozens of exotics hardwoods available. Here are a few of the most commonly installed exotic woods in US homes:
Brazilian Tigerwood
It is named for the dark stripes that run the length of the planks. This dramatic pattern is sure to impress any guests. Brazilian Tigerwood is also a great flooring option because it is resistant to moisture. However, sunlight may fade those beautiful dark stripes over time.
Kempa
Kempa is an exotic hardwood that comes from Malaysia and Indonesia. It contains various red, pink, and brown hues that darken very beautifully with a light stain. It is very durable, and priced very well for an exotic hardwood because it is almost exclusively used for flooring.
Sapele Mahogany
Bored with the same old straight grain of hardwood planks? Sapele Mahogany has an immediately eye-catching wavy grain. Hailing from Africa, this unique wood is softer than other exotic hardwood options, and has a very upscale appearance. Unfortunately, Sapele is that it is very sensitive to light. Any sections that are covered by rugs and furniture will produce an outline.
Australian Cypress
This wood is a perfect accent to a home with rustic decor. The grain contains a lot of unique circular grain patterns. These whorls produce a lot of character from the planks. It is the perfect exotic hardwood flooring for a cabin style home. For even more of that rustic feel, it can be used for cabinetry or even paneling. However, it is softer than other exotic options, and is best left out of a home with dogs.
Ipe
Also called ironwood and Brazillian Walnut, this wood is extremely durable. No worries about your pups scuffing up Ipe. It is so tough that you can use it for your interior flooring as well as an exterior deck. No worries about wear with this wonderful wood. However, the hardness of this wood makes it very difficult to cut, shape, and install.
Need some more help choosing an exotic hardwood flooring? Call or email FM Pro Remodeling today for a free consultation. We know you only want the best in flooring and remodeling. That’s why it’s important to hire the best in the business, and at FM Pro Remodeling, we can guarantee you that’s us.
FM Pro Remodeling have been flooring and remodeling Kentuckiana for over 30 years. Our certified installers have the ingenuity and know-how to assist you in choosing the perfect floors for your home. Don’t take matters into your own hands—let us guide your next project.
