If you're in the market for the perfect flooring for your home, why not consider going exotic? Exotic hardwood floors offer a unique look and feel that will instantly make your house stand out from the rest.
But it isn't just about looks—found in all corners of the world, exotic hardwoods are often extremely durable and provide added environmental benefits over traditional hardwood floors. So if you're looking for a unique flooring option that is also good for the planet, look no further than exotic hardwood floors!
In this article, we'll provide an in-depth look at everything you need to know about these special floors so you can make an informed decision when it's time to purchase. From the species available to types of finishes and installation methods, get ready to explore the awesome world of exotic hardwood floors!
The Basics of Exotic Hardwood Floors
Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your home, or just searching for the highest-quality hardwood floors, exotic hardwood floors may be the perfect choice for you. Exotic hardwood floors add a unique beauty and durability that can't be matched and are sure to bring elegance and sophistication to any home.
What sets exotic hardwoods apart? For starters, these special varieties of wood, such as teak and Brazilian cherry, come from tropical regions around the world. As such, these woods are not only harder than other species—but they’re also more resistant to scratches and dents.
In addition, these woods often have unique grains and colors due to their tropical origins, making them more highly sought after than other options.
Finally, exotic hardwood floors last much longer than most other flooring options—in fact, they can easily last two or three times as long. This makes them a great long-term investment that will give you beautiful flooring that lasts for years to come!
Different Types of Exotic Woods Used in Hardwood Floors
If you're thinking of installing exotic hardwood floors in your home, there are a number of options to consider. Knowing the different types of wood used in these floors and understanding their characteristics can help you find the perfect type for your space.
For starters, there's Brazilian Cherry, which has a deep, reddish brown color that darkens over time. It's naturally dense and durable, making it ideal for busy areas with plenty of foot traffic.
Then there's Tigerwood, which boasts a unique tiger-like striped patterning in its grain that adds an exotic touch to any room. It's also naturally resistant to weather changes, so it holds up well in high-humidity environments and is great for areas like kitchens or basements.
And finally, there's Teak (yes, the same wood used to make boats!) which is renowned for its rich golden hue and natural water resistance—a great choice for bathrooms or covered porches.
No matter what type of wood you pick, all varieties of exotic hardwood floors are known for their strength and beauty—not to mention they will add character and elegance to any home!
Pros and Cons of Exotic HardwoodFloors
Exotic hardwood floors can be a great addition to any home, but there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if it's right for you. Let's look at both sides of the equation.
Pros
First, the positives; these floors are incredibly durable and will last a long time—up to 50 years or more in some cases. They also add a beautiful touch of elegance to your home, with their unique patterns and colors. On top of that, exotic hardwood will maintain its value if you ever decide to resell your home.
Cons
Now for the negatives; just as with regular hardwood, exotic hardwood is expensive—prices for even relatively common species like cherry can range from about $4 per square foot up to $15 or more depending on the variety and condition. Plus, these exotics aren't as widely found as other types of flooring, making installation slightly more complicated.
Finally, they require regular upkeep such as sweeping and mopping; failing to do so can leave your floors scuffed or stained over time.
Overall, exotic hardwood floors are certainly an option worth considering if you want a quality flooring product that will last for decades with proper maintenance—but make sure you’re aware of all the potential drawbacks before making your investment.
How to Clean and Maintain Exotic Hardwood Floors
Cleaning and maintaining your exotic hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a dread. In fact, it’s a lot easier than you think! With the right steps, you can keep your exotic hardwood floors looking like new for longer.
Dust and Dirt
First off, it’s important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt so it doesn’t get ground into the surface of your floor. This is especially important in high-traffic areas, as dirt can become embedded in the finish and make your floor appear duller over time.
Mopping
Next is mopping. You want to use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. It should not contain any wax or petroleum-based cleaning agents as this can damage the finish of the hardwood flooring over time.
After mopping, make sure to dry the surface with a lint-free cloth so that there is no standing water left on the floor.
Stain Removal
In case of spills or other stains, it’s best to use white vinegar and water mixed in equal parts with a soft cloth or sponge and gently scrub away at the stain until it lifts out of the wood grain. If you must use harsh chemicals such as paint thinner or nail polish remover be sure you are working on an inconspicuous section first as they can discolor dark wood surfaces.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your exotic hardwood floors stay looking beautiful for years to come!
Design Considerations for Exotic Hardwood Floors
When it comes to designing with exotic hardwood floors, the choices are almost endless. You can create very unique and interesting, one-of-a-kind looks that you can't get with other flooring options.
Here are some of the design considerations you'll want to think about when using exotic hardwood floors.
Hardness & Durability
Different species of wood come in different levels of hardness and durability. This means you can choose a wood that works within your budget and lifestyle—from ultra-durable woods like teak and mahogany to more affordable options like ipe or tigerwood.
Stain Resistance
Certain species of wood are naturally more stain resistant than others, so be sure to do your research and choose a species that will best suit your lifestyle. For instance, teak is one of the most stain resistant woods available.
Grading & Color Varieties
Exotic woods are available in various grading levels, which refer to the number and size of knots as well as color varieties within the species. Higher grade woods typically have fewer knots and more consistent coloration throughout the grain, while lower grade woods have thicker grain patterns with more pronounced coloring variations throughout.
So make sure you check out all available grades so that you can find the perfect fit for your home.
Finally, remember that exotic hardwood floors add a unique look to your home that you just don't get from other flooring materials—so make sure you take full advantage of this great opportunity!
Cost and Installation of Exotic Hardwood Floors
You might be wondering how much exotic hardwood flooring costs, and whether it's a good fit for your home. Well, let's start off with the cost—installing an exotic hardwood floor on average costs between $10 and $14 per square foot, depending on the type of wood you choose.
That's just a starting point, however—extra features such as hand distressing or intricate inlays can add up to your total cost.
The good thing is that you don't have to do the installation yourself—most local flooring contractors have experience installing exotic hardwoods. They'll start off by measuring your space so they can calculate how much material you'll need for the job.
Once you've chosen the wood and any additional features, like woods of different colors or widths, installation goes like this:
- Make sure your subfloors are level and clean
- Start laying out tiles pattern-wise in rows
- Start nailing the tiles down one row at a time
- Finish up with trim along walls and other areas, plus putty for nail holes
With expert installation and proper care, your exotic hardwood floors will last years to come, giving your home an elegant look and luxurious feel that will never go out of style!
Conclusion
Exotic hardwood floors are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and durable flooring option for their home. Their stunning visuals and long-term lifespan are worth the extra cost, and you can be sure that, with care and maintenance, these hardwoods will keep your home looking stylish and beautiful for years to come.
Keep in mind that each species and each varietal of wood has its own unique care and maintenance requirements, so when choosing an exotic hardwood, make sure you understand the specific needs of that wood.
With the right tools and the right expertise, you can make sure your exotic hardwood floors provide your home with a lifelong of beauty and value.
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