One of the most desirable qualities of Brazilian cherry wood is its luxurious reddish-brown coloration. When newly cut and milled, the heartwood of Brazilian cherry exhibits a vivid reddish tone interlaced with darker brown streaks. This vibrant coloration helps bring a warm, natural look to any space. As Brazilian cherry flooring ages and oxidizes, the wood takes on a deeper, richer brown hue with hints of red still visible. The color variations and ability to age gracefully add visual interest.
The red-brown tones of Brazilian cherry flooring can imbue a room with the cozy, organic feeling of the South American rainforests where the tree grows. The multi-toned wood evokes thoughts of lush mahogany trunks and falling crimson leaves. Brazilian cherry's color range pairs well with many design schemes from traditional dark woods to light airy spaces. Its versatility suits modern rustic, industrial, farmhouse and Southwestern decors. For many homeowners, the chance to have exotic rainforest wood tones right underfoot is the main draw of Brazilian cherry flooring.
Brazilian cherry, also known by the scientific name Jatoba, refers to a species of flowering tree native to Central and South America. The trees grow wild in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and scattered regions of Central America. Brazilian cherry trees can grow quite large, sometimes up to 100 feet tall with trunks over 3 feet in diameter. The trees produce small white flowers which develop into hard green fruit capsules. The seeds inside the fruits are round and olive-colored.
Brazilian cherry has been used by indigenous peoples of the Amazon for many years. The durable, reddish-brown wood was traditionally used for tools, weapons, flooring and furniture. Portuguese colonists began exporting Brazilian cherry wood from the port of Pará as early as the 17th century. Its rich coloration and hardness made it valuable for decorative purposes. Today, sustainably-harvested Brazilian cherry remains a popular exotic hardwood flooring option.
An important quality that makes Brazilian cherry suitable for flooring is its hardness rating. On the Janka scale, which measures the force needed to embed a steel ball into wood, Brazilian cherry ranks at 2,820 lbf. This places Brazilian cherry in the category of very hard exotic hardwoods like hickory, pecan and African padauk. It is denser and more scratch-resistant than domestic hardwoods such as oak, maple and cherry.
The natural hardness of Brazilian cherry wood translates to excellent durability for flooring. Properly installed and cared for, a Brazilian cherry hardwood can last for decades while still looking beautiful. The dense grain helps minimize the appearance of scrapes, scratches and dents that come from everyday wear. Brazilian cherry's tight grain structure also provides good slip resistance. For those wanting long-lasting exotic floors that can handle active homes, Brazilian cherry is an ideal choice. Its resilience pairs perfectly with its rich, red-brown aesthetics.
Brazilian cherry's exotic good looks make it a great way to bring natural rainforest warmth into any space. The multi-hued reddish tones and visible grain patterns reflect the biodiversity and beauty of the Amazon jungle. Contemporary homes and apartments can harness this organic style through modern Brazilian cherry floors and accents. For a more immersive indoor rainforest theme, use matching Brazilian cherry wood on ceilings and walls or incorporate stump stools and live edge furniture. Plants like philodendrons, monsteras and ferns complement the woody ambience. Whether used subtly or overtly, Brazilian cherry's sylvan aesthetics offer a sense of South American tropicality.
Brazilian cherry's russet hues provide a bold, yet versatile background for interior color schemes. Warm neutrals like beige, camel and slate amplify the wood's natural tones for a harmonious look. Creamy whites lighten up the space and make the floors pop. Nature-inspired greens, from sage to hunter, feel organic and grounded. For some contrast, navy blue and cobalt bring out the red undertones in Brazilian cherry. Jewel-toned ruby reds and sapphire blues also pair nicely as accents. Avoid very cool grays and silvers, which clash with the floor's innate warmth. With strategic color choices, you can highlight the best qualities of a Brazilian cherry floor.
Warm neutrals like tans, browns, and beiges to match the wood tones
While very durable, Brazilian cherry still requires proper maintenance like any exotic hardwood flooring. Sweep and mop regularly with wood-safe cleaners to prevent dirt buildup in the pores. Area rugs in high traffic zones help limit wear and scratches. Furniture leg pads should be used to minimize indentations and scuff marks. Keep humidity moderate and stable to avoid excessive seasonal gapping. For more in depth instructions read article "hardwood floor cleaning". Re-coat with a hardwood-appropriate urethane every few years to renew the protective finish. Avoid excessive direct sunlight which can cause uneven fading and discoloration over time. With the right care regime, a Brazilian cherry floor can retain its eye-catching appearance for decades.
Brazilian cherry is one of the more expensive exotic hardwood flooring options, with price ranges starting around $7 per square foot uninstalled. Solid planks typically fall between $8-12 per square foot depending on plank width and grade. Pre-finished options are usually on the higher end, around $10-14 per square foot installed. Engineered Brazilian cherry planks cost slightly less, averaging $5-11 per square foot.
What drives Brazilian cherry's higher costs compared to domestic hardwoods? Import fees and transportation expenses contribute due to sourcing the wood from South American rainforests. Limited availability and high demand for the exotic aesthetic also increase market prices. Furthermore, installation labor tends to be higher for harder, more durable floors like Brazilian cherry. The material's hardness means more wear on cutting tools and blades. The extra labor translates to higher per square foot costs.
Despite the higher initial price tag, Brazilian cherry offers long-term value from its extreme hardness and durability. Properly cared for, it can last for decades without needing full refinishing. For homeowners willing to invest more upfront, Brazilian cherry provides exquisite visuals and resilience to justify the cost over many years of use. Budget-conscious buyers can reduce expenses by going with engineered planks or searching for specialty sales on solid stock. With some research, Brazilian cherry can fit into diverse budgets.
Brazilian cherry offers exotic, rainforest-inspired beauty in a very hard, durable flooring option. If you adore the look of luxurious reddish-brown wood grains, Brazilian cherry could be perfect for you. Its resilience against daily wear-and-tear makes it suitable for active homes with kids and pets. The rich colors blend well with both rustic and modern designs. However, the hardness does make Brazilian cherry more challenging to refinish vs. domestic woods. It is also one of the more expensive exotic flooring options. For those seeking affordable flooring or easy DIY repairs, other woods may be preferable. But Brazilian cherry remains a top choice for many homeowners who appreciate its singular combination of gorgeous aesthetics, long-lasting durability and rainforest heritage.
Refinishing your hardwood floors in Allen County is an easy and fast way to completely transform the interior of your home.
A newly protected wood floor will appear as good as the day it was installed once the process has been completed.
There are certain circumstances in which hardwood floors do not require refinishing or replacement. Homeowners are often surprised to discover that their floors may only require a screen and recoat. This method is less costly than refinishing and can be completed in a single day. You will receive an honest consultation with options. This is what sets us apart from other companies. We will not upsell you services that you do not need.
If you are on a budget, we may be able to provide you with a custom solution. At the very least, we need to protect your floor from further damage. Contact us if you would like to schedule an assessment and consultation.
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