Hardwood has long been a popular flooring choice across North America, and as technology continues to advance, new types of hardwood flooring begin to hit the market. One exciting type – is Tigerwood flooring. What is Tigerwood flooring? It’s actually Brazilian Koa flooring, and you may sometimes hear it referred to by its botanical name – astronium fraxinifolium. It’s also sometimes called Goncalo alves, and African Walnut. Whatever you call it, though, it’s available in a number of exotic colors that set it apart from the usual hardwood species. More than that, though, it offers one serious benefit over other hardwood choices – moisture resistance.
Why Is it Called “Tigerwood”?
Brazilian Koa flooring comes in an intriguing range of shades, from pale cream to rich reddish-orange. The name “Tigerwood,” then comes from the beautiful and dramatic pattern that streaks through the wood.
The beauty you see in this flooring choice at the outset, though, is just the beginning. It is known to change its hue over time with sunlight exposure. It develops a desirable patina, and the lighter sapwood tends to darken with the contrasting colors becoming more subtle. That means it’s absolutely stunning when you install it, but as time goes by, it becomes simply phenomenal, gracing your home for years to come.
The Best Places to Install Tigerwood
Tigerwood is a great choice for interior spaces, and it can be used in just about any room in your home or business. Based on the 1850 Janka scale rating, this flooring option is harder than most other choices including pecan hickory and maple. Because of its solid surface, it will resist dings, dents, and cracks and remain looking new for a long time. The density of Tigerwood helps it withstand the daily wear and tear from foot traffic with ease. Thanks to the varying patterns on the flooring, this flooring choice will also hide any minor scuff marks and scratches pretty well.
While the surface is fairly hard, it’s also an incredibly comfortable choice, and its moisture resistance makes it ideal for a number of spaces in your home. Tigerwood is packed with natural oils, which is why it displays moisture-resistant properties. After the application of a finish, the wood is less likely to crack or warp even if exposed to a wet environment. In general hardwood flooring is not recommended for the bathroom or kitchen, but that’s not true for Tigerwood. Instead, it’s even used to manufacture outdoor furniture and decking. Because this choice is moisture resistant, it is not prone to mold or mildew and unlikely to rot, so it really is ideal for any space in your home.
Cleaning Tigerwood
Keeping a Tigerwood floor clean requires only sweeping the dirt or using a mildly wet mop to remove all the marks. A small amount of detergent can be used. It is important not to use any harsh chemicals or unapproved solutions to clean it otherwise the flooring can be permanently damaged. In addition, use a minimal amount of water to clean the wood so that it dries up quickly.
Just One Drawback
The only real drawback of Tigerwood flooring is the cost. It can be a bit pricey, but if you are looking for an economical alternative for something that is moisture resistant, has good aesthetics with vivid coloring, and is very durable, you will never go wrong with this flooring.
Ready to Make a Purchase?
Tigerwood makes an exotic hardwood flooring that is attractive with a gorgeous finish. It has a bold beautiful color, and it ages gracefully and aesthetically. It is easy to clean, durable, and – best of all – it is easy to install with the right professionals by your side. With proper installation, tigerwood is a desirable flooring option that will serve your needs for style and durability for a long time to come.
Request a free estimate now from East Coast Flooring & Interiors to professionally install high-end tigerwood flooring in your home or business.