The Facts On Brazilian Walnut Flooring

Consumers with upscale homes have always made Brazilian walnut a popular flooring option and the demand is increasing. The dark colors and patterns have kept this flooring a consistent choice for years. Also referred to as Ipe, these trees are found in the rainforest regions of Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. They can grow to a height of 160 feet, with a diameter that can reach six feet.


Durability & Hardness

The Janka hardness scale gives this hardwood a score of over 3500, making it one of the hardest in the world. The density of Brazilian hardwood enables it to endure most types of damage, particularity in areas inside and outside of your house that get a lot of foot traffic. Because of this benefit, it is often used in restaurants, businesses, and outdoor decking.

Resistance To Fire, Water, & Insects

Due to the denseness of the wood fibers, Brazilian walnut is especially resistant to fire damage. The National Fire Protection Association gives it a Class A rating, meaning it can resist fire as well as steel and concrete. The surface of the wood won't absorb water, which makes it the only wood that's unable to float. Being moisture resistant also means the wood is not susceptible to mold. The oils contained in the hardwood give it a natural resistance to spores and insects.

Installation and Cost

Due to the hardness of the wood, industrial strength tools are required for cutting the boards and precision trimming. Before the boards can be nailed on the floor, you have to drill holes in them beforehand, due to the density of the wood. No extra coatings are needed to install this flooring with a radiant heating system, due to its heat resistance. This is not a do-it-yourself task, you need professionals for the installation of this type of flooring. You should do your homework and check to see that the contractors you hire have experience working with Brazilian walnut, and in many cases, they will charge more for their services. 

Since the cost of exotic hardwoods can run high, consumers should be skeptical of dealers who seem to be advertising low prices, this could mean they're selling an inferior product. If budget factors are a consideration, you can go with engineered Brailian walnut flooring which is priced less, but can still cost more than traditional wood floors.

Maintenance

The dark colors of Brazilian walnut can cause any amount of dust and dirt to be visible, but a damp rag or paper towel can take care of that. This floor will require meticulous care to make sure that dirt particles do not accumulate that would dull the finish. A vacuum set on the hardwood setting should be used on a regular basis. Unlike other hardwood floors, Brazilian walnut can be refinished multiple times, and still retain its vibrant appearance. With proper care, the flooring could last as long as 60 years. 

Appearance & Feel

Brazilian walnut comes in rich colors, that range from tan to a dark brown hue, that's almost black. These colors will resist fading over the years. There may be some variations in the color since the whole tree is used in the manufacturing process. The dark colors will work well for larger, more spacious rooms in your house.

 

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