Exotic Hardwood Flooring: Why They’re The Future of Modern Floorings

In 2021, the hardwood flooring industry reached around 8-12% growth after its two-year downward slide. Despite the price hikes brought about by the pandemic and raw materials inflation, these flooring options are becoming more in demand. Home remodeling trends are leaning toward exotic hardwood floors. And for a good reason! Aesthetic aside, there’s more to these floor designs that make them the future of modern wooden flooring.

What Are “ Exotic” Hardwood Floors?

Many hardwood flooring services go to great lengths to market exotic hardwood species to interested clients. While it adds to public curiosity, it also creates confusion about what exotic means. Contrary to popular belief, these types of hardwood are not from remote rainforests and wild jungles.

In truth, exotic hardwood floorings are any wood species that grow outside North America and Europe. The majority of the hardwood species come from tropical areas, but some come from other places. Although not as exciting, it doesn’t change how they’re the hottest flooring options this year.

Apart from their origins, what makes these floorings different is their variety and distinct looks. Unlike traditional hardwood floors made of oak or maple, they offer a creative edge that trend-setting remodelers need. In addition, they make interesting floor designs and patterns without much hardship.

Why They’re Today’s Go-To Flooring Options

Dazzling, remarkable colors and patterns, and a broader range of choices aren’t the only reason why people go for exotic woods. Remodelers and house owners are also in it for their durability, maintenance, and property value boosts. There are also considerations that hardwood installers and clients check that help in giving these floors more edge.

Appearance

Most, if not all, exotic hardwood floors have distinguished grain and color. These differences create striking patterns and colors on floors. Because of that, they give off a warmer and bolder statement. Domestic wood species, however, are more consistent and subdued.

Depending on the wood, exotic species can offer varied gold swirls with deep graining or tiger-striped patterns. Other trees have richer colors and undertones. Not to mention[j1] , these hardwood floor designs become more remarkable as it ages.

Maintenance

In general, hardwood floors require little maintenance compared to other floor materials. But some exotic wood species need no maintenance at all. Besides wood density and moisture content, these floorings also have unique features.

One great example is Teak. This wood has higher water resistance than other hardwood floors and is an ideal choice for bathrooms. Adding a layer of water-proofing finishes can help prolong the wood quality, but it can also work without it.

Durability

Durability is one of the more notable advantages of hardwood flooring. To ensure the long-term quality and strength of the wood, flooring services, and builders consider every species' density and moisture content.

The density of domestic hardwood floors often depends on the wood’s volume at a specific moisture content and oven-dried weight. But for exotic species, their location, genetic factors, and on-site conditions are necessary considerations. Any changes in this can affect how long the hardwood floor lasts.

All these factors allow remodelers to get the perfect exotic hardwood floors that can bear the present and future conditions in each room.

Environmental Sustainability

To many, the idea of hardwood floors and environmental sustainability in one statement is impossible. Despite its absurdity, installing this type of flooring has many environmentally-friendly benefits. Most modern floorings need raw materials that are difficult to replace or have been treated with harmful chemicals.

Although many hardwood trees need 40 to 60 years to mature, well-maintained wood floorings can last twice as long and still store carbon. Because of this, the USDA classifies wood floorings as carbon-neutral products.

Hardwood floorings can also use reclaimed wood. Its aging process provides distinct and unique graining, patterns, and color.

The Lacey Act also helps regulate lumber production processes in both the United States and overseas. Environmental organizations worldwide ensure that all harvested exotic hardwoods follow legal production pathways and control them.

Trendsetting Homes with Hardwood Floor Designs

While the hardwood flooring industry took a massive plunge in the past years, its increasing growth since 2021 shows promise. With more homeowners and project developers looking for ways to increase property values and add bolder statements within their homes, hardwood flooring installations are a long-term, beneficial investment.

Although traditional hardwood floors are still in demand, exotic hardwoods offer more variety to stay within the remodeler's aesthetic and interior design. Moreover, it showcases the versatility, durability, and availability of hardwoods worldwide. 

For more information on hardwood flooring, contact Kelly Hardwood Floors!

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