Adding “Brazilian” to hardwood flooring gives the name a more powerful resound, perhaps because the popular culture associates this country with vivid party images and fun. Therefore, customers are more inclined to purchase hardwood floors made in Brazil, because they believe the materials are superior in terms of durability and aspect.
Whether or not this is true and several other aspects involved in the purchase of flooring crafted from Brazilian hardwood can be found in the following article. Remember that the flooring is not cheap or something you want to change very often, so making a good decision from the start is mandatory.
The durability factor
The popularity of the Brazilian hardwood mainly comes from the higher sturdiness, compared to the types of wood frequently encountered in North America, Canada or Europe. The most resilient types of wood, based on the Janka scale include the cheery and walnut wood found in this region. However, the Purpleheart and mahogany are also extremely durable alternatives. In essence, from the toughness point of view, the Brazilian hardwood is perceived as better.
The environmental factors
One of the most popular misconceptions states that the harvesting of Brazilian wood has a tremendously negative impact on the Amazon jungle. This may have been true in the past, but recent changes in the way that hardwood is obtained deem it an environmentally safe choice. To put it simply, sustainable forests are the main source of Brazilian hardwood and the wood is never harvested to the point where it would have a negative effect on the environment.
The appearance factor
Brazilian hardwood tends to have a more vividly colored appearance compared to wood harvested in other regions. The cherry wood is one of the best looking ones around, but the deep red color is more suitable for sober rooms. On the other hand, if your redecorating ideas are a bit more exotic, you should give the orange striped Brazilian Koa a look, which is also referred to as tiger wood due to its appearance.
The cost factor
You will most likely spend a bit more on hardwood that has been harvested in Brazil, but if you are aiming for quality and resilience, you will be glad you did. It has been argued that the cheap labor in this country should entail lower costs for hardwood. However, keep in mind that the wood has to be transported over long distances and that the hardness of the wood makes the milling process slower and more difficult. In other words, the price of Brazilian hardwood is justified and not necessarily overinflated by the retailers.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind the slightly higher costs, then Brazilian hardwood floors are the perfect long-term solution for your home. However, if you cannot afford natural hardwood floors, then the engineered ones could be a better alternative, even though they are not nearly as durable. Before you decide on the type of Brazilian hardwood flooring suitable for your renovation project, it is advisable to analyze several varieties using the aforementioned guidelines.
