Exotic wood flooring remains a popular choice for homeowners, and Tigerwood flooring is among the most sought-after styles for South American exotic woods. Tigerwood offers dramatic color and excellent durability, ideal for making a statement.
What other benefits can you expect from this popular wood species? And why if you select Tigerwood over other wood types available?
Benefits of Tigerwood Flooring
A deep, dark brown streaking across a tan or deep orange background color characterizes this timber species, also referred to as Brazilian Koa or Zebrawood. It makes sense that most refer to it as Tigerwood, given that the distinct appearance.
This wood is even-grained and quite consistent, growing straight and strong in South American land. Regularly exported in Brazil, Tigerwood can also come from Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
Tigerwood provides a dramatic look to any ground, with rich oranges and browns setting off additional colours in the room. Give your home a custom look with this exotic wood flooring, therefore markedly different than the normal walnut and maple offerings. Be mindful that this wood darkens when subjected to sunlight, and the colour variance will mellow with time. This phenomenon is not uncommon for particular South American exotics.
Obviously strong and durable, Tigerwood or Brazilian Koa wood flooring has a Janka hardness rating at 2160, much above other common flooring types and providing solid protection against the very consistent wear and induce. Harder than Hickory, Tigerwood carries a premium price tag and is available in long lengths.
As an additional bonus, this kind of timber is extremely resistant to pest infestation, especially beetles. Many exotic timber imports provide similar advantages, thanks to the climate and growing conditions of the indigenous Central and South American land.
How to Care For Tigerwood Flooring
Much like all hardwood floors, Brazilian Koa should be well cared for so as to maximize appearance and longevity. Normal vacuuming removes little debris and dirt that can mark the wood finish. Tigerwood is hard wearing, making it an perfect choice for high traffic areas like halls and living rooms. But as with genuine wood flooring, it's important to wipe up spills right away to preserve the ground.
Some people today prefer to install light-filtering sheers and window treatments, so as to reduce the darkening that occurs with this exotic wood.
