In your quest to compare and choose the right hardwood flooring for your property, you are likely to come across two essential types – exotic hardwood flooring and domestic hardwood flooring. What do these two terms mean, and how do they relate to your property?
It’s important to mention that each type of hardwood has its benefits and downsides. Each option is unique, a reason you need to understand the differences between domestic and exotic hardwood flooring options. Here is everything you need to know about these flooring techniques.
Domestic hardwood vs. exotic hardwood
These are hardwood species found within the North American region. They come in a warmer appearance and look more natural compared to exotic hardwoods. The most common domestic hardwoods include maple, cherry, birch, and oak. If you want a warm floor with a traditional appearance, it is recommended to install domestic hardwood flooring.
On the other hand, exotic hardwood refers to the species found in different regions around the world, particularly the tropical regions. Some of the common exotic hardwood species include Brazilian walnut, Brazilian cherry, Australian cypress, and Purple Heart. This type of flooring has a striking appearance and creates a modern or contemporary look.
There are key differences between domestic hardwood and exotic hardwood. The specific flooring option you choose will depend majorly on its availability, preference, and budget. When comparing these two types of flooring, there are important aspects that you must analyse. These include:
1. Colour
Nearly all hardwood species undergo a natural change due to the process of oxidation and exposure to light or other weather elements over time. This can happen on either finished or unfinished wood. The impact of this exposure varies by species and can either lighten or darken the wood flooring colour.
Most exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry are likely to change in colour rapidly and drastically compared to red oak and other domestic hardwoods. This is why you should consult with an expert in hardwood flooring and maintenance to get a better idea of what to expect with various flooring options, particularly when it comes to colour change.
2. Availability
When choosing between domestic and exotic hardwoods, availability is a key issue to think about. The availability of any hardwood species depends heavily on different trends in your region. For example, many choose domestic hardwood flooring over exotic counterparts to support local jobs and sustainable practices. In any case, you don’t want a product that isn’t available in the local markets.
3. Hardness
The hardwood floor’s hardness and durability depend on the specific species installed and not the finish topcoat. Many domestic hardwoods are softer compared to many exotic species. Additionally, the latter is considered harder and denser than domestic hardwoods.
Keep in mind that hardness is not the only important factor that you must consider to determine the durability of a floor. When installed and maintained properly, both types of hardwood floors will transform your home and last a lifetime.
