Types Of Exotic Wood Flooring

Exotic wood flooring, as the name suggests is flooring made from raw materials sourced from some of the far-flung corners of the earth.  Exotic hardwoods are typically found in warm or tropical climates, so by implication don’t grow in the UK.  Found in countries like South America, Africa, Australia, the Far East and certain parts of Europe, exotic woods are recognised particularly for their rich colour and distinctive grain patterns.

All of that said, exotic wood flooring gets its fair share of criticism for not always being harvested in a sustainable way.  Sustainable harvesting of wood is not only topical; it’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly when making your wood floor buying decisions.  Illegal logging is common in many of the countries in which exotic wood is produced, so it’s doubly important when making your exotic wood buying decisions that you make good choices.  Wood which is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited is certified as having come from forests which are responsibly managed and is a great way of making sure you’re making responsible decisions regarding your flooring project.

At one time exotic wood flooring was significantly more expensive than traditional hardwood flooring, but thanks to the opening up of global trading, the price differentiation is no longer quite so significant.  The likes of mahogany, Brazilian cherry, Black Acacia, African wenge and tiger wood are some of the exotic wood flooring options you’re likely to come across.  While it’s true to say that exotic woods can look really stunning in the right interior setting, it’s important to choose the right flooring for your project across the board.

When it comes to deciding which type of flooring is best for you, you need to take into account such things as:

• The traffic in the room where the floor will be installed.
• Whether or not moisture and temperature is likely to fluctuate significantly.
• The lifespan you’re expecting from your floor.
• Your budget.
• …and of course, the look you’re hoping to achieve.

So, if you’ve explored the options offered by exotic flooring and have reached the conclusion that it’s not quite right for you, what other alternatives might you consider?  Oak and walnut, are amongst the most common traditional woods selected for flooring in the UK, closely followed by the likes of maple and cherry.  Each of these flooring options comes with its own characteristics and charm and which you may opt for will depend ultimately on the look you’re trying to achieve.  What each of these woods have in common with their exotic counterparts is their durability and their authenticity.

So, no matter whether you opt for a more traditional solid wood flooring in oak or the likes of a black walnut or cumaru floor, you can be sure that your investment will last a very long time.  Equally with engineered wood flooring, irrespective of whether you plump for a traditional or more exotic look, you’ll be able to achieve a stable and eye-catching outcome, even in the likes of your bathroom or your kitchen.