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Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba
JANKA HARDNESS – 2,600 – 2800 ORIGIN – Brazil, Mexico & Peru COMMON NAMES – Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba SCIENTIFIC NAME – Hymenaea courbaril Characteristics For a number of years, Brazilian Cherry flooring was considered one of the most high-end floors that could be installed in your home. The deep, rich red tones, natural luster and clean, delicate grain pattern made it obvious that it belonged under the category of “high end.” Although the popularity of Brazilian Cherry has declined in the more recent years, mainly due to new advances in stain colors, like all the trendy grey we’ve seen in the past few years, its high-end stature remains the same. For those who…
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Keep your hardwood floors looking like new during this Holiday Season
The holidays are upon us, and as we bustle around the house hanging festive decorations and preparing for holiday guests, it’s easy to forget about one of your homes main focal points; the flooring. While your holiday décor may look spectacular, neglecting your floors can put a big damper on your homes overall appearance. Knowing that you’re going to want to impress your holiday guests, taking into consideration the humidity levels in your home will help maintain the tight spacing in your hardwood floors. With the winter weather being in full effect here in the Northeast, that means a warm and cozy but extremely DRY climate in your home. The…
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Cocobolo, King Rosewood
JANKA HARDNESS – 2960 ORIGIN – Central America, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua COMMON NAMES – Cocobolo, King Rosewood, SCIENTIFIC NAME – Dalbergia retusa Whether installing a wood floor in a residential or commercial setting, exotic woods add a sense of class and luxury as well as structural durability. There are many different species of hardwood that are classified as a “Rosewood.” They’re all known for their defining beautiful colors and notable figured graining, but Cocobolo wood is deemed the best and most unique and sought-after of all the Rosewoods. It’s a bit more rare than some other Rosewood species and is treated and thought of as a “rare gem.”…
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Tiete Rosewood
Common names- Bolivian Rosewood, Patagonian Cherry, Sirari Scientific name- Guibourtia hymenaeifolia (syn. G. chodatiana) Origin – South America, Venezuela, Brazil, French Guyana Janka – 2790 – 3280 There are many different hardwood species that are classified as “Rosewoods,” and similar to a rose flower, they each hold their own special and unique beauty. Tiete Rosewood is not actually a true Rosewood, which are from the “Dalbergia” genus. It’s named as a Rosewood, typically for its color, having a pinkish-brown hue and turning into a deeper red with age. Appearance – Tiete Rosewood flooring in a clear grade has a clean and clear appearance and overall color tone. There isn’t a…
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African Danta
Scientific Name – Nesogordonia papaverifera AKA – “Kotibe” Origin – West Africa Janka – 2100 Installing an exotic hardwood floor is a sure way to set your home apart from the rest. Exotic wood species are sought after because of their bold and vibrant natural colors and unfamiliar graining. Not only are many exotic wood species aesthetically remarkable, but many are structurally superior to traditional domestic hardwoods that are found here in the U.S. So, if you’re considering hardwood flooring for your home, choosing a custom exotic hardwood floor won’t only get your home noticed, but will give your home added stability and floors that will last. There are…
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Bocote
Scientific Name = Cordia dodecandra Janka Hardness = 2,010 Origin = Mexico and Central/South America Bocote is a truly distinct exotic hardwood species. Although Bocote is not a rare wood, and is not listed as an endangered species, this hardwood exudes luxury. The appearance of Bocote’s unique figuring and graining can only be compared to one other species in the world, Brazilian Rosewood, and even that only just comes close. If you’re looking to renovate your home and add something special; something with character; yet something that will last a lifetime and still be as special and unique as the day it was installed, an exotic hardwood floor is a…
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Zebrawood
Scientific Name – Microberlinia brazzavillensis Common Names – African Zebrawood, Zebrano Grown – West Coast of Africa Janka rating – 1575 Continuing in our exotic species series, this week we’re discussing Zebrawood. This rare and remarkable hardwood is unlike any other. Zebrawood is named after its appearance, looking similar to the stripes on a Zebra when cut quartersawn. It has incredibly distinct striping that is completely natural, and only something that mother nature could have conjured up. The sapwood is a pale creamy yellow, while the striping is a highly contrasting dark brown, and darkens over time. Zebrawood definitely isn’t for everyone; it is a truly special hardwood that…
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Purpleheart Hardwood
This week, continuing with our Exotic Species Series, we’d like to introduce you to another beautifully unique hardwood – “Purpleheart.” Genus: Peltogyne Common Name: Purpleheart Country of Origin: Tropical Rainforest regions of South and Central America. Brazil, Guyana, Panama Janka Rating: 2520 Whether you’ve heard about this bazaar and gorgeous hardwood species or not, believe that the rumors are true: this hardwood is actually purple! That’s right, purple. It’s hard to believe that a tree can grow and naturally have this wonderful color. Most people, when thinking of wood in general, tend to think of all shades of brown. And that’s true in many cases. But that’s why we’ve introduced…
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Flooring Patterns, Directions and Layouts: What to choose to get the most out of each space
Choosing your floors layout pattern is a very important step in planning your renovation/remodel. It has an unknowingly huge impact on how big the space can appear, as well as influencing the overall flow of your home. You may be very surprised at how different a room can look, simply by changing the direction the flooring is laid. When considering solid hardwood flooring installation layouts, there are a few different options. From classic straight strip flooring to eccentric mosaic parquet designs, we want to provide you with the floor you’ve always dreamed of, while guiding you to something that works the best in your particular space. Here’s an overview –…
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Best Flooring For Your Kitchen
What is the best flooring for a kitchen? Hardwood, tile, laminate or luxury vinyl? In order to choose a flooring material for your kitchen, or any of the rooms in your home, the type of subfloor has to be determined first. (“Subfloor” basically meaning your current floors foundation, or what’s underneath; typically plywood or concrete). Once we determine what kind of subfloor your kitchen has, we’d be able to recommend a floor covering material that makes the most sense, and follows the look you’re trying to achieve. If the subfloor is concrete, then chances are it’s best to install tile or a luxury vinyl. Tile: Tile is easy…
