Tigerwood is a deep and stunning hardwood that is becoming an increasingly popular option for high-end wood floors.
Tigerwood, also known by its scientific name Goncalo alves, is a distinctive and sought-after hardwood known for its striking appearance and remarkable durability. Originating primarily from South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, tigerwood has become a favored choice for high-end wood flooring. Its unique properties make it an excellent option for those seeking both aesthetic appeal and practical longevity in their flooring materials.
Distinctive Appearance
One of the most notable features of tigerwood is its exceptional visual appeal. This wood is characterized by its dramatic, streaked grain patterns, which can vary from bold, dark stripes to more subtle, wavy lines against a background of reddish-brown or golden tones. The term “tiger wood” itself is derived from these tiger-like stripes that run through the wood, giving it a dynamic and vibrant appearance. When polished, the wood showcases a lustrous, almost iridescent quality, making it a focal point in any interior space.
Durability and Hardness
Tigerwood is renowned for its impressive durability and hardness. With a Janka hardness rating of around 2160, it is significantly harder than many traditional hardwoods such as oak and maple. This high density translates to excellent resistance to dents, scratches, and wear, which is crucial for flooring that experiences high foot traffic. The robustness of tigerwood ensures that it can withstand the demands of everyday use while maintaining its beauty over time.
Resistance to Moisture and Decay
Another important property of tigerwood is its natural resistance to moisture and decay. This hardwood has a dense grain structure that makes it less permeable to water, reducing the risk of warping and swelling in humid environments. Additionally, tiger wood contains natural oils that provide a degree of resistance to insect infestations and fungal growth, contributing to its longevity and low maintenance requirements. These characteristics make tigerwood an ideal choice for areas prone to humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Easy Maintenance
Maintenance is a key consideration for any flooring material, and tigerwood excels in this regard. Due to its hardness and density, tigerwood flooring is less susceptible to scratches and dents, meaning it requires less frequent refinishing compared to softer woods. Routine cleaning with a dry mop and occasional polishing can keep tigerwood floors looking their best for years. Moreover, its natural resistance to stains and spills makes it a practical choice for households with pets and children.
Installation Considerations
Tigerwood flooring can be installed in various formats, including solid planks and engineered boards. Solid tigerwood planks offer the benefit of being sanded and refinished multiple times, extending the floor’s lifespan. Engineered tigerwood flooring, on the other hand, consists of a thin veneer of tigerwood bonded to a plywood base, providing greater stability in environments with fluctuating humidity levels. Both options provide the aesthetic and durable benefits of tigerwood, but the choice between them will depend on specific installation conditions and budget considerations.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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