Jatoba Hardwood Flooring

Exotic species flooring could account for about 30% of the total wood flooring market, nearly double its position earlier in the decade. Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, is the favorite of these species.

The American public is familiar with and has embraced Brazilian Cherry floors as the favorite exotic floor specie because of its durability, stability and beauty that have passed the test of time.

Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, originates from areas of Southern Mexico, throughout Central America and the West Indies, to northern Brazil , Bolivia and Peru . While it is not as dark as Ipe or Walnut, it is an exotic wood that would just barely qualify as a "darker wood" and will hold its own in any setting.

Appearance: The heartwood of Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, is typically salmon-red to orange-brown color when fresh, and becomes russet or reddish brown with dark streaks when seasoned.

Properties: In addition to its warm reddish tint, this moderately lustrous wood is notable for its hardness and durability — Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, is extremely dense wood and very strong.

Janka Hardness: 2350

Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, is one of the hardest choices for wood flooring. It is roughly eighty-one percent harder than red oak, seventy-eight percent harder than ash, about sixty-two percent harder than hard maple, close to twenty-three percent harder than jarrah, and is just over six percent harder than santos mahogany's ranking of 2200.

Workability: In view of its high density and interlocked grain, Brazilian Cherry is difficult to saw and plane; however, it sands nicely to a smooth surface. Due to its hardness, nailing may require pre-drilling and adjustment of the angle of penetration.

Principal Uses: Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) is frequently used where good shock resistance is needed, such as in wood flooring and tool handles. Other applications include railroad crossties, wheel rims, gear cogs, and other specialty items, as well as furniture and cabinet work.