Brazilian cherry wood flooring has fast become one of the most popular hardwood flooring products on the market. Whenever this happens, we ask ourselves why? With this one the answers seem pretty clear. Brazilian cherry floors have a beautiful rich color and unique graining pattern that seem to be quite desirable to many consumers. Not to mention it is nearly the strongest most durable of all the frequently uses hardwood flooring species. It carries a Janka hardness rating of between 2,350 and about 2,800 which is nearly DOUBLE that of red oak which has long been the hardwood floor hardness standard. As if all this isn’t enough, “some” even claim it to be somewhat green friendly. I am not so sure I fully agree, but it is a more sustainable resource than Most domestic (US) species of wood flooring.

Is Brazilian cherry wood flooring for me?

First, the color and graining should be considered..These two factors seem to be the main source of popularity of this species of wood floor. Perhaps the biggest draw of this wood is its appearance. In our general opinion it truly is one of the most beautiful hardwood floors available today. Its coloration will range from the sapwood being gray-white, the heartwood is almost like a salmon red to orange-brown when fresh and becomes a much deeper and richer russet or reddish brown when seasoned. It is also enhanced by intricate dark grains that cross the wood in straight runs and subtle patterns. The grain is for the most part interlocked and has a medium to quite coarse texture (in the graining). Consider if the appearance of an installed Brazilian cherry wood flooring product is right for your tastes and your decor. If you feel good about that part then go on to other much less important considerations.

Next consider it’s dimensional stability rating. It is said to be about 1% more stable than Northern red oak. But do be aware that actual installations have shown significant movement. (though not excessive when compared to other hardwood flooring species.) Because of this a slightly longer than normal acclimation time is recommended. In general Brazilian cherry wood flooring is of better than average dimensional stability.

Other considerations are that a Brazilian cherry wood floor can be re-finshed or “screened and re-coated” with about the same difficulty as any other wood floor. Brazilian cherry also will hold the finish very well if it is applied properly. Also know that it will hold stain (although we cannot imagine why you would wish to change it’s beautiful natural color). Brazilian cherry wood flooring has the same care and cleaning as any other wood floor, and remember it’s original color WILL darken and “redden” over time.

Brazilian cherry hardness

The hardness factor (also referred to as Janka hardness rating) is nearly twice that of red oak for example so that means it is twice as resistant to deep scratches, scrapes, and dents, as well. However, the thing to be aware of with a hardwood floor that is as dense and hard as Brazilian cherry is it may be more difficult to work with and it may be in your best interest to hire a professional to install it. Remember that a wood floor with such a high hardness rating such as Brazilian cherry wood flooring offers some additional “protection” from dents and damage from normal household use. It will also stand up “better” to abuse, but please remember just like anything else we teach you here at The Flooring Professor. KEEP IT REAL there is not a flooring product available that you can expect to be BULLET PROOF!! Common care and reasonable expectation of performance must be considered.

Green friendly Brazilian cherry wood flooring?

Some consider Brazilian cherry wood flooring to be a green friendly product. I suppose that could be true as long as it is harvested in a sustainable manner. Unfortunately a measurable portion of these products sold in the U.S. may not meet green building standards. So if you are green sensitive and drawn to this product for its green friendly allure, be sure to verify that your Brazilian cherry wood flooring is being harvested responsibly. The best way to do this is to make sure you’re buying wood with a LEED qualification of MR7, designating it as a Certified Sustainable Harvested Wood. It could be very possible that if you do not check this out you could be purchasing wood that was illegally culled, meaning you’re actually supporting anti-environmental logging, rather than sustainable practices. Keep also in mind that a shortcut if you are using quality brand of pre-finished Brazilian cherry flooring the manufacturer is ensuring responsible harvesting before they put their name on it!

Brazilian cherry hardwood floor installation

As mentioned earlier on this page, the hardness of Brazilian cherry flooring can pose some installation challenges. It is important that you understand and be conscious of this and you may wish to have a qualified installation professional do the work to ensure you get a quality job. One of the most important considerations is the fastener. It is highly recommended you use a “cleat” nailer rather than a stapler. the hardness of Brazilian cherry wood flooring causes it to “push upward” if the fastener is even slightly above the tongue, rather than the wood compressing or conforming to it like with an oak wood floor and most others. This can cause the flooring to appear to have “bumps” where each fastener and will cause you to be unhappy with your job! The settings on your nailer, and cutting are other considerations to pay attention to. If you should decide to install your own Brazilian cherry wood flooring just be sure to be attentive to these ADDITIONAL issues and you should be ok.

Additional Brazilian cherry wood floor information

In recent years Brazilian cherry wood flooring has greatly increased in popularity. Mostly because of the reasons stated earlier on this page, and partially because the price dropped dramatically. it saw a huge spike in sales in late 2005 to early 2006 in the US, But sadly much of the material coming in was being harvested irresponsibly. After the local governments cracked down on those not following lawful harvesting, the supply went down and demand was high. This now makes Brazilian Cherry wood flooring a bit more pricy than most domestic brands. However, most feel it is worth the small extra investment to won one of these stunningly beautiful wood floors. After all we are of the opinion that this world has far to little of people doing the responsible thing when faced with the choice. Please be sure to realize that if you find a Brazilian cherry wood floor at a “phenomenal price”, it is likely (unless they are willing to supply proper documentation) it was harvested in a irresponsible manner and we suggest you try to refrain from supporting such activity. It’s just the right thing to do!! :)

Article by: theflooringprofessor.com

In the Calgary area, view the showroom at Signature Floors for many flooring options.  Also, CTC Distribution provides exotic Valentino hardwood flooring products.

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