Exotic Hardwood Floors Problems

A homeowner needs to keep in mind that some of the more exotic types of wood flooring is more susceptible to cupping and other problems associated with variable humidity levels.

Exotic hardwood floors problems. You may have to use oil based finishing products or even wax based products depending on the species. The first decision about hardwood floor options will be whether to go with domestic hardwood flooring such as red oak white oak american cherry american walnut hickory maple or reclaimed pine flooring or to choose an exotic hardwood flooring such as santos mahogany eucalyptus ipe brazilian walnut brazilian cherry or australian cypress flooring. Flooring installers report that this wood is hard to cut hard to nail. Domestic versus exotic wood flooring.

While you won t find any exotic species of trees in their lineup they have an excellent range of engineered flooring if you prefer oak hickory and maple. Although engineered bamboo planks aren t waterproof they re more moisture resistant than solid bamboo planks thanks to the wear layer and the waterproofing on the bottoms of the planks. These changes can also present a less than desirable change in the appearance of your wood flooring. Like other styles of exotic wood grading standards are nonexistent so you ll need to dig deep for details.

Somerset hardwood flooring s products carry the manufactured in the usa label and they specialize in appalachian hardwoods. Be sure to check with your retailer if you are planning to finish your unfinished exotic material as some of the woods present problems with traditional finishes such as brazilian teak. Throw a multitude of exotic species into the mix and the likelihood of problems seems to increase exponentially. Sourced from all corners of the earth today s wood flooring doesn t always behave the way we expect wood flooring to and that can cause major headaches.

Finishing your exotic hardwood floors. Engineered bamboo flooring is the easiest bamboo flooring type to install and you can do it yourself. Primarily wood flooring problems can occur when the wood expands and contracts. Domestic woods tend to be heartier and less susceptible to significant issues associated with humidity fluctuations.

This wood movement occurs naturally according to seasonal shifts or when ambient rh levels change in the home. In fact it is often recommended that installers pre bore it before nailing and this can be a time consuming process. You also won t find many eucalyptus flooring reviews. In other words you may have floor installers who hesitate at working with kempas or who may add a surcharge.