What you should know about exotics

What you should know about Exotic Hardwood Floors.

Consumers are now more than ever turning to exotic woods to obtain a distinct look that domestics may not offer. For contractors this change in customer preferences only add to the problems of different job sites, changing moisture conditions and difficult customers with even more problems.



Having to repeat an installation job cost time, money, and sometimes customers business. With wood flooring products originating from all parts of the world, there are now more things to consider. Here we discuss what are common reasons that reinstallation request are made and how to avoid them.

Color Change

Just as with light sensitive domestic species such as cherry, color change with exotics can be problematic in two ways. The most common is when part of the floor is covered with either a rug or furniture creating an area that is a different color. Some exotic species that can change color quickly may even be a problem when the floor is covered only temporarily on a job site. The second way color change creates a problem is with the entire floor experiences color change. After installation the floor can quite possibly look different from the sample that the customer has chosen from. This is due the floor not having yet aged. Most woods darken with light exposure but some lighten with exposure.

Occurs With: Brazilian Cherry/Jatoba, Tigerwood, and many others

Solution-
In many cases color change cannot be avoided. The most effective solution is communication. Let the customer know that color change is common. Show them both new and aged samples to let me know what to expect. Inform them of which species is known for drastic color change. On job sites be sure to cover every inch of the wood flooring. Re-sanding can also be a solution but does not always work. Allowing time for covered areas to catch up to the uncovered is beneficial. Also if the client does not accept a board, replacement maybe needed.

Color Variation

Customers have also had problems with the wide variation of colors in their newly installed wood floor.

Occurs With: Timborana and others

Solution-
Again communication here can avoid future headaches. Show the customer an accurate representation of the species and not just a small board sample that does not show the wide variations of colors the species possess. Deal only with reliable and reputable manufactures with clear grading rules in order to receive the same product that you ordered.