Is Exotic Hardwood the Most Durable Hardwood Flooring?

When you hear the word ‘exotic’, do you think about wild jungles and distant rainforests? When it comes to hardwood, it refers to any species grown outside of Canada.

Some of the most familiar exotic hardwoods include mahogany, teak, and rosewood. Many originate in tropical countries, such as ipe, cumaru, bubinga, merbau, and kempas.

When remodelling your flooring, it is easy to look for domestic hardwoods like oak, pine, or birch. But if you have unique tastes in decor and want to give your space an intriguing aesthetic twist, nothing can beat the beauty of exotic hardwood flooring.

Not only do they look beautiful in terms of their colours, shades, and graininess (or lack thereof), but they can fit any style and space. Don’t let the name trick you into thinking that they are an expensive treat. Acacia flooring, for example, is often more affordable than walnut.

Let’s find out why you should consider exotic hardwood flooring for your upcoming floor renovation.

Enhance Your Home with Durable Exotic Hardwood Floors

Exotic hardwood species are sourced from tropical countries like South America, Asia, and Africa. They have certain characteristics that make them easy to identify. For example, some woods have more vivid colours and more unique tints, including scarlet and purple; their grains are also often wide and noticeable.

They also have excellent durability, as they tend to be denser and harder than domestic woods. Most also test higher on the Janka Hardness scale.

Here, you will discover why homeowners often invest in exotic hardwood floors.

Exotic Hardwood Comes with Many Benefits

Exotic hardwood boasts a plethora of advantageous traits that make it a desirable choice for those seeking premium quality and exceptional durability.

• Exceptional Durability: Exotic hardwood floors are renowned for their exceptional durability, which makes them resistant to scratches and wear. Some are also resistant to rot, moisture, and insects. They are therefore a great option for flooring, decks, and outdoor furniture. The most durable exotic hardwood flooring is Brazilian walnut (ipe). It has a Janka hardness rating of 3680 pounds-force (lbf). This durable and resilient exotic hardwood flooring option has exceptional hardness and a beautiful, rich colour that adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.
• Distinctive Aesthetics: Exotic hardwoods are appreciated for their distinctive and appealing grain patterns, colours, and textures, which bring with them refinement and elegance. As with zebrawood and tigerwood, many exotic hardwoods exhibit a remarkable variation in colour – from heartwood to sapwood, from board to board, or even from grain to grain. As a result, a hardwood floor manufactured from an exotic species tends to be bolder and more striking, while still maintaining the warm, natural feel of wood.
• Long Lifespan: They have a long lifespan because they are hardy and have a robust nature. With adequate treatment, some types can last for decades or even centuries.
• Minimal Maintenance: Exotic hardwoods require less upkeep than other types of flooring materials. They are easily cleaned with a simple mixture of mild soap and water, though they may require occasional refinishing to preserve their natural charm.
• Sustainability: Many exotic hardwoods are sourced from forests that are sustainably managed. Because of their long lifespan and low replacement cost, they are a more sustainable option than some other materials.
• Improved Property Value: Exotic hardwoods are regarded as high-end materials that offer a touch of luxury and refinement. Therefore, using them in buildings and furnishings can raise a property’s resale value.

Exotic Hardwood Offers Several Flooring Options 

There are different types of exotic hardwood species to choose from that can be used for flooring.

• Brazilian Hickory: Brazilian hickory (also referred to as amendoim) is a South American hardwood renowned for its toughness, tenacity, and resistance to damage. It has a distinctive, warm, honey-brown colour and a medium-to-high amount of natural sheen, which gives it a radiant appearance. It has a lovely grain pattern with occasional knots and swirls that give the wood personality.It is also known for its hardness and stability which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. It also has a high level of dimensional stability, meaning that it is less prone to warping, cupping, or twisting over time. Overall, Brazilian hickory is a beautiful and durable exotic wood species that can add a touch of warmth and elegance to any space.
• Acacia: This is one of the most durable flooring hardwoods. It originates in Asia and Africa and works best in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the dining room and living space.It has a distinctive beauty, with unique grain patterns and striking knots throughout that give it a lively character. It comes in a colour range that includes golden tans and deep, dark browns, which bring a sense of vibrancy to any room.
• Brazillian Cherry: Don’t confuse this with domestic cherry. It comes from the Jatoba tree in South American forests and is one of the toughest hardwoods available. Its colour can be anything from orange-brown to deep red, and it occasionally has dark streaks.This kind of wood floor is a great option for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and staircases because of its aforementioned hardness. It is a very durable kind of wood that can be refinished and sanded several times over the course of its lifetime. The only drawback is that it is extremely photosensitive, which means that after several months of exposure to light, its colour can change.

With Proper Installation and Adequate Maintenance, It Can Be Used for Years

To ensure that exotic hardwood flooring lasts for many years, special installation and maintenance techniques are needed. The fact that many exotic hardwoods are pre-finished—that is, they have already been sanded, stained, and covered with a protective layer—means that they are already finished. Since there is no need to sand or finish the wood on site, this may save time and effort during installation. To avoid warping or buckling, the wood needs to be acclimated to the environment before installation.

Exotic hardwoods are often harder and more durable than domestic ones, which means they are less prone to scratches, dents, and wear and tear. As a result, they require less regular refinishing or repairs which makes them easier to maintain over time.

Exotic Hardwoods Are a Sustainable Flooring Option

People often shy away from indulging in exotic hardwood floors, thinking they are more costly than regular wood and not an eco-friendly choice. However, not all exotic hardwoods are endangered or unsustainable.

In fact, some are harvested from responsibly-managed forests. Some exotic hardwood species, like acacia, have a rapid growth rate and can be harvested in as little as three to five years, making them a more sustainable option. They can be replenished with proper forest management practices. This can help ensure that the resource is available for future generations.

Exotic hardwood flooring offers a unique combination of beauty and durability that makes it a popular choice for both domestic and commercial settings. So, if you are interested in exotic hardwood flooring, visit Amazon Hardwood. We are one of the leading suppliers of hardwood flooring products in Ontario. Our extensive collection of exotic hardwoods, combined with our commitment to responsible sourcing and competitive pricing, has made us the go-to choice for many homeowners and contractors in the GTA. To experience our collection, visit our showroom today.