Exotic Hardwood Flooring

Domestic wood species – think oak, maple, cherry, birch and walnut – never go out of style and are usually easy to find and purchase at a fair price point. Lately, however, due to lumber shortages and mill delays, we’re seeing that some domestic species can cost as much as exotic ones. It’s no surprise then that there’s been an increase in interest in the exotic species of wood flooring.

What makes wood exotic?

Exotic hardwood is simply wood that is sourced outside of North America. Most exotic species are imported from South America (especially Brazil), the Caribbean, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

What are the advantages of exotic wood?

Exotic wood species are especially durable, dent-resistant, and rank high on the Janka hardness scale. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as entrances and hallways. Above all, exotic wood is known for its natural beauty, no staining is required! Colors are dramatic and rich, with striking and unique grain patterns.

When it comes to exotic wood, make sure you purchase from a reliable source. Often, exotics are harvested and imported illegally. At Macon Hardwood, we source all of our wood from suppliers that maintain sustainable practices and meet the requirements outlined in the Lacey Act.

Here is a just selection of exotic wood flooring we offer at Macon Hardwood:

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Brazilian cherry, known for its hardness and rich color, is one of the world’s most popular exotic flooring species. As it wears and gets exposed to light, Brazilian cherry wood will darken, turning from a salmon-red to a deep, reddish-brown hue.

Brazilian cherry flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial properties.

Santos Mahogany

Santos mahogany, which is native to South America, is one of the hardest and most durable wood flooring species. In fact, it is 200% harder than Douglas fir and 50% harder than maple. Santos Mahogany has a dark reddish-brown color with striped figuring in quarter-sawn selections.

Santos mahogany is ideal for high-end residential and commercial installations and ornamental design applications.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood features deep orange hues and various dark stripes that mimic the appearance of the famous jungle cat. A photosensitive species, tigerwood will darken with exposure to light and eventually achieve a more uniform look.

Tigerwood is a great choice for contemporary interiors that want to make a bold, dramatic statement, but it’s especially known as a fine choice for decking. That’s because tigerwood is low maintenance, durable, and naturally resistant to rot and decay.

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