Exotic Wood Floors, Are They Right For You?

You hear the word exotic used often in our business dealing with wood species. But many times we take for granted you know where these woods come from. The truth is we know very little about many of the new species that has been taking the market place by storm in recent years. But you should know that all parts of the world’s woods are being farmed and distributed globally for an every demand of owning something unique and beautiful. But what do we really know about these fantastic species of nature that grow so freely and bring so much joy to our humble abodes when used in designs from cabinetry to flooring.

Until most recently all the previous years in the U.S., we basically had several flooring species (domestic) to choose from which were (Oak, Maple, Pine and Fir, Beech, Walnut etc.) and the different sizes and shapes allowed for multitudes of patterns and designs. Today it is impossible to name all the choices that you can have to enhance your home. It is a constant challenge to learn how they will respond to our standard ways of sanding and finishing these woods and not to mention how they will hold up in our environment over time.   For the most part us professionals have learned from examples, experience, and sharing our wisdom throughout out industry to get vital answers on given subjects about these untried formulas for perfection. It is and will continue to be a part of our learning a process and the education that comes from that process to ensure that we make your selected choice of exotic wood flooring an experience you will love for a lifetime.

Exotic – of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized: exoticfoods; exotic plants.

The photo above are logs from the species “BOIS DE ROSE”

NOTE: “bois de rose” just means “wood that is red” and it is a name that is used for many woods, especially in South America. However … in the USA, it is generally used to mean Madagascar Rosewood, which is widely used by Luthiers (instrument makers). I believe that for the most part, this exotic wood is stable and will make a most dramatic statement in absolute beauty!