Tigerwood is a type of lumber that is sourced from several exotic species of trees. It is referred to by several other names including Brazilian Koa, African Walnut, and zorro wood. It is known for its reddish tone which is complemented by dark, bold stripes.
There are an abundance of reasons as to why tigerwood is considered to be great for flooring. First and foremost, it is extremely strong and durable with a rating of 1850 on the Janka scale. It is impressively tough when compared to most other types of hardwood flooring.
If any objects are accidentally dropped onto the surface you needn’t worry about tigerwood becoming dented or ruined. Even intense use will not affect its quality. The durability of tough wood also makes it a worthy option for families that have pets.
Tigerwood is renowned for its eye-catching patterns. As implied by its name, it has similar markings to a tiger. The color of the background can vary from light orange to dark brown. The thickness of the stripes can also differ between planks. WFC is delving into details below:
If you are looking for flooring that is uniquely designed, tigerwood certainly will not disappoint. The gorgeous and distinct look of this type of wood is also believed to increase the value of your home.
Another reason why tigerwood is good for flooring is its water resistance. Not only is it very dense but it also contains a lot of natural oils.
Sealing this wood with a finishing product will prevent it from cracking, rotting, and warping. If there are any areas in your home that are prone to dampness, tigerwood remains suitable for installation.
Although tigerwood is an exotic species it is fairly affordable. Whilst it may not be the cheapest option available when compared to other types it certainly isn’t going to break the bank. Because of this, it is great for those who want to add beauty to their home without feeling as though they are making a hefty investment.
Whilst there are many factors that make tigerwood good for flooring, there are also a few disadvantages to note. As tigerwood is hard, it is not recommended for those who want to try and install it as part of a DIY project.
You will encounter great difficulties if you do not have the necessary professional tools to hand. The natural oils in this wood can also affect how well the glue adheres to the surface.
Just like many other types of wood, you should expect the color of tigerwood to change over time. Rather than fading, the background typically tends to darken and blend in with the markings that once set it apart from other types of wood.
Ultimately tigerwood is a good option for the floors in many rooms in your home. It is sleek and will introduce a distinct appeal to the room that it is going to be fitted in.
How do you care for them?
Caring for and maintaining tigerwood floors is a pretty straightforward task. To enhance the lifespan of this wood and protect it from heavy footfall, you may wish to dress it with some mats and rugs. Such accessories will absorb the impact and this is particularly important in areas that are subject to a lot of foot traffic.
Upon noticing any spills on your tigerwood floors you should respond by cleaning them straight away, rather than letting them linger. Doing so will ensure that the floors do not get damaged by water.
To keep your tigerwood floor looking fresh and clean, damp mopping it on a weekly basis is recommended. Alternatively, you may wish to give it a quick clean using a vacuum cleaner.
On occasions where your floor looks like it could benefit from a deep clean, combine some water with mild soap and then apply it to the surface. This will not affect the finish of the floor but it will leave it looking much cleaner. You can also polish your tigerwood floor if you feel as though its shine needs reviving.
It is important to make sure that all products that are used on your floor are suitable for exotic species of food. Using products that are not intended for this type of wood increases the risk of the floor becoming damaged and deteriorating in quality sooner than you would like.
Also, if you are going to be giving your floor a deep clean, remember to avoid leaving the water sitting on the surface of the wood. Instead, you should start working on it right away.
Do you have to seal it?
Sealing tigerwood is going to increase its durability as it will form a layer that protects it from daily wear and tear. It is worth noting that tigerwood copes well when it has not been sealed so it is likely to be a matter of preference. If you want your floors to last for the maximum amount of time, sealing them is advised.
If your flooring is currently unfinished using a sealer along with multiple coats of a finishing product is important. Aside from this, sealing your tigerwood floor is going to make sure that it retains its beauty over a prolonged period.
Although tigerwood contains a lot of natural oils, as it ages these oils will begin to dry out. As a result of this, it will then start to deteriorate in quality fairly quickly. Sealing the surface will ensure that this is not an issue.
Another reason why you may choose to seal your tigerwood flooring is to prevent the immediacy in which it begins to discolor. As we have touched upon previously, tigerwood is known for its bold colors but these can become less distinguishable as time passes.
Sealing your tigerwood flooring isn’t going to be an overly challenging task and there are many products available that are going to be suitable for this type of wood. Though it isn’t compulsory, there are many benefits associated with sealing your tigerwood floor.