Tigerwood flooring is an attractive option for when you want your floors to be the focal point of the room. Unlike its plainer counterparts, tigerwood is an exotic wood species with stripes over a deep reddish-orange background. These vibrant stripes can range from a golden tan to a dark brown and from broad strokes to thin lines. Tigerwood also has a naturally glossy look. There’s no other flooring that looks quite like it.
This wood comes from South America, and it goes by many other names. It is sometimes called Brazilian koa, Zebrawood or Congo wood.
Why Choose Tigerwood Flooring?
This unique flooring comes with a range of benefits.
Vibrant Color
Tigerwood is usually sought out for its striking color patterns and ability to capture attention. The tiger-like stripes have a range of colors and thicknesses, giving the hardwood a look that’s incredibly different from typical flooring. Natural oils within the wood give it a lustrous appearance.
Tigerwood is graded based on its coloring. Clear grade wood has a deep color variation between the stripes and the deep orange base. Common grade wood has less color variation.
Hardness and Durability
Tigerwood is also harder and tougher than most flooring. On the Janka scale, Tigerwood is ranked as harder than many other hardwoods, including hickory, maple, walnut and oak. It resists denting better than your typical floor options. The exceptional hardness of the wood also means that it’s more resistant to rot, pests and even water damage.
Water-Resistant Qualities
The natural oils and high density of tigerwood give it a water-resistant quality. Your flooring will be unlikely to warp or crack due to moisture after a professional applies the finish.
What You Should Know Before Getting Tigerwood Flooring
While tigerwood flooring is a stunning option, it comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.
Look for Color Changes
Some people report color changes in their tigerwood floors due to sunlight exposure. The wood can darken, making the color variation less obvious over time. You can avoid this potential problem by using UV-filtering curtains or by using the wood in rooms with little sunlight. Even without these precautions, the color changes will likely not start for many years.
Opt for Professional Installation
The hardness level of tigerwood means it’s not a great candidate for DIY projects. Cutting and drilling into it require professional tools, like carbon-tipped saw blades and carbide bits. The natural oils of the wood can also make it challenging to glue and stain. Instead of attempting installation on your own, hire a professional with experience in working with exotic woods.
Schedule a Flooring Appointment
Not sure if tigerwood flooring is the best choice for you? At 50Floor, we offer a shop-at-home experience where you can clearly see what flooring options will look like in your specific space. A trained flooring expert will bring different flooring options to you so you can see what each one could look like with your decor and lighting. Schedule your free in-home consultation appointment today and contact our team of experts if you have any questions.
