Tigerwood comes with many other names including goncalo alves, African walnut, and Brazilian Koa hardwood.
By this alone, it is already a standout from its other hardwood counterparts.
Tigerwood is native to South America specifically Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
To get to know the tigerwood more, let us evaluate it with some tigerwood pros and cons.
It looks new and polished for a long time and it is also practically dent resistant.
Despite its hard surface, it is still relatively softer underfoot compared to cumaru and ipe wood.
This makes it good for homes with active pets and children.
Other than this, discoloration will not be visible until it reaches its seventh to the tenth year.
Never use harshfloor cleaners as it will damage the colorpattern of the tigerwood.
Its price range is comparable to cumaru, mahogany, and oak.
So talk about naturally unique color patterns in hardwood and tigerwood always comes up as a priority choice.
As a matter of fact, it is said that no other hardwood can achieve the same color pattern.
As such, tigerwood is mainly graded based on the color patterns that the wood has.
They are divided between clear and common grades.
Clear grade tigerwood has a deep orange base color with streaks of black and brown splashes/stripes.
Common grade tigerwood has lesser color patterns and would have ripples on the surface.
Here are some of the tigerwood downsides that you should be on the lookout for.
1.Discoloration
Like other hardwoods, tigerwood is also prone to color wearing especially in high-traffic homes.
There are amendments to this, however.
Present statistics show that tigerwood is now considered an endangeredtree speciesand the forests where they grow are overly forested.
As such, export restrictions from major African and South American countries are now passed.
American lumber companies have found a way to make tigerwood harvesting more sustainable by growing and culturing lumber-grade tigerwood.
These lumber companies are scattered around the country including Florida, Ohio, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
When buying one, you also have to verify that it has FSC certification.
3.Installation
Tigerwood cannot be installed DIY as it requires high-powered tools only.
According to online real estate and flooring advisors,tigerwood costs between $8-20 per square foot.
On top of this, installation ranges from $4-10.
This price range can change depending on the floor area and your location.
You must check and make an initial canvass for both wood and installation costs before going for it.
Where to use tigerwood flooring?
You have to understand that there are specific rooms in the home where tigerwood flooring is the best fit.
First, tigerwood flooring will look beautiful in the dining room.
Aside from its dramatic, classy flair, it is easier to clean after a family feast.
Second, it is one of the best flooring choices for the living room.
You could also use tigerwood flooring foroutdoor decksand patios.
It is water-resistant and its unique color patterns offer an illusion of space.
How do you clean tigerwood floors?
As have been mentioned too, tigerwood flooring is low maintenance.
Harsh floor cleaners are not required for tigerwood floorings.
it’s possible for you to easily clean them in three ways.
ensure that you only use soft-bristled brooms and vacuum for non-carpeted floorings.
Fortunately, when treated to be prepared for floorings, tigerwood does not pose any toxic threat.
However, eye and skin irritation triggered by tigerwood in the wild have been widely reported.
Is Brazilian Koa the same as tigerwood?
It also comes with other names such as African walnut and goncalo alves.
Conclusion
Tigerwood is a formidable flooring choice and for all the good reasons.
It is hardy, durable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
It lasts for more than 50 years and it takes a long time before visible discolorations become a problem.
Weighing in tigerwood flooring pros and cons, tigerwoods upsides trump its minimal downsides.
The only serious issue at hand is in terms of sustainability.
But overall, investment-wise, tigerwood flooring is one of thebest flooring choicesthat you will ever make.
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