The Benefits of Using Brazilian Cherry Flooring

Brazilian cherry flooring, also known as Jatoba, is one of the more common exotic species available domestically. The tree for this flooring grows in South and Central America, but the tree itself does not produce cherries and is not related to the domestic cherry tree. While "Brazilian cherry" or "Jatoba" are used domestically to sell this flooring, other names, such as "Brazilian copal," "South American locust," and "stinking toe," are used. The latter of these three comes from the odor of the tree's pulp.

The durability and density are an advantage for this flooring. The wood has a rating of 2350lbf on the Janka scale - a number higher than that of all domestic species. The appearance of the wood, however, makes it one of the most distinct. Brazilian cherry has a tan-to-pink patina accented by darker red stripes. The wood is fine-grained and stain resistant and feels heavier than most.

Because of the density, Brazilian cherry flooring requires a different approach to installation. Bringing the wood inside before adding it is recommended, as the wood can adjust to the temperature of your home or building. Once you need to install it, all planks need to line up and must be installed perpendicular to all floor joints.

After the wood has been installed, Brazilian cherry flooring needs to be cleaned regularly. Sweeping and vacuuming any dirt and dust every day is recommended, while the surface should be cleaned once a week. The solution for cleaning should use as little moisture as possible, and the floor should air dry afterwards. The cleaning solution used, however, shouldn't contain wax, vinegar, or acid.

Because Brazilian cherry flooring is one of the more common exotic species sold by retailers, the wood is offered in unfinished, prefinished, and engineered options. Engineered hardwood, in general, lasts longer in homes with a radiating heat source. Prefinished and unfinished woods, on the other hand, vary with need. If an entire floor needs new Brazilian cherry flooring, prefinished will make installation go quicker. If you're trying to match new flooring to existing hardwood, unfinished is a better choice.

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Adding Brazilian Cherry Flooring

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.

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