With a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to hardwood flooring, it can be confusing to choose just the right one. The different materials, finishes, and stains leave you with endless opportunities for design. We’re here to break down all you need to know about one specific type of hardwood; Brazilian Cherry. This type of hardwood became increasingly popular in the early 2000s and is still a popular flooring option today. Depending on your aesthetic, it comes in several forms, to coordinate well with other materials in the room. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Brazilian Cherry, and the different forms it’s available in!
Origin
As you may have guessed, Brazilian Cherry does indeed come from the rainforests of Brazil. The Jatoba trees, which the wood is derived from, are sourced across the entire country, making it plentiful and available year round. The trees typically grow to be approximately 100-130 feet high. The wood is dense and durable, making it an optimal choice for both indoor and outdoor use. In fact, it has a Janka hardwood rating of 2350. (For reference, white oak only has a rating of 1360). The deep red color makes it a beautiful choice for interior floors and decking. When used outside, it should be regularly treated to avoid lightening/graying from the sun. Once you’ve decided on Brazilian Cherry as your material, now it’s time to choose from the several forms it’s available in!
The Forms of Brazillian Cherry Hardwood
Solid Hardwood: For a classic look, Brazillian Cherry can be installed as solid hardwood, in one of two standard sizes; ¾ inch thick by 3 ¼ inches wides, or 5 inches wide. The lengths will vary from 6 to 7 feet, and typically will be mixed together on your floor.
Laminate Flooring: Although it is not truly wood, you can also opt for a Brazilian Cherry laminate, which still offers the deep red color. This is an optimal choice if you’re working within a smaller budget and have a large area to cover, as you’ll notice there is a significant difference in price. It won’t feel quite as sturdy underfoot as actual wood, as you’ll realize with any laminate flooring.
Engineered: The best of both worlds. A cross between solid hardwood and laminate, the engineered hardwood is a thin veneer of wood, which is applied to a durable plywood-like material. Because you’re using less of the actual hardwood, you’ll not only be saving money, but trees too!
Prefinished: By choosing a prefinished wood, it speeds up the installation process. You won’t have to wait for the finish to cure, as it has already had time to do so in the factory, meaning you can walk on it right away. You also won’t have to deal with the smell or mess of the staining and finishing!
Contact Central Mass Hardwood
Want to learn more about Brazillian Cherry, or the other types of hardwood we work with? Our team of experts can help determine the material, finish, and stain that will best suit your project. Fill out an online form for a free estimate or give us a call today at 508-460-0199 to get started!
