Exotic hardwood flooring has carved out a niche in North American markets, and the most popular species out of the dozens available is Brazilian cherry flooring. Known for a distinct red color with highlighted grain, this flooring has a rating of 2350lbf on the Janka scale. The wood, despite its name, isn't related to domestic cherry species and, in fact, is not a cherry tree. Sold as "Brazilian cherry" in North America, the common name for the species is Jatoba. As the tree occurs in Central and South America, the wood may also go by such names as "Brazilian Copal," "South American Locust," or "Stinking Toe" because of the odor the tree's pulp creates.
Brazilian cherry flooring is often only available in higher grades. It's most common characteristic is the color, a tan to pink tone overall highlighted by darker red stripes. The wood itself is fine-grained and stain resistant. The wood, however, is heavy and installation procedures vary to those used for adding domestic species.
The flooring should be brought indoors to adjust to the temperature before Brazilian cherry is installed into your home or building. While all boards need to line up for installation, Brazilian cherry must be installed perpendicular to floor joints. Once the flooring has been added, it should be swept and vacuumed once a day to keep up the appearance. As little moisture should be used when the flooring is cleaned, and the boards should be air-dried afterward. Additionally, no products with wax, vinegar, or an acidic base should be used to clean the floor.
Retailers carrying Brazilian cherry flooring offer it in unfinished and prefinished varieties, in addition to engineered hardwood. As with all types of flooring, prefinished is ideal for replacing or adding new flooring to an entire area, while unfinished blends in better with existing hardwood.
