Tigerwood Flooring – What Is It?
Tigerwood grows in neotropical forests. Tigerwood flooring is from hardwood, usually imported from South America. Some compare the coloring of tigerwood to rosewood. The botanical name for tigerwood is Astronium fraxinifolium. Other common names for this type of wood include Goncale alves, kingwood and zebrawood. The Astronium fraxinifolium species is native to Latin America and some areas of Mexico. Most commercial tigerwood is harvested from Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Tigerwood is a hard and dense wood. It’s Janka rating varies from 1850 to 2160. The Janka scale is a means of determining a wood’s hardness by measuring the force it takes to embed a .444 steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. Higher scores indicate a harder wood. The rating may vary depending on where the wood was harvested.
Tigerwood Flooring
Tigerwood is a building material known for its striking color contrasts, to which its name alludes. Tigerwood typically darkens over time, particularly when it’s exposed to sunlight. As the lighter reds darken, it typically becomes less contrasting and more subtle in color gradation. This phenomenon is typical of most hardwoods and is not exaggerated or abnormal in the case of tigerwood flooring. Its tone is tan to red with dark brown and red striations. It goes by several names, including zebrawood, astronium, muiracatiara, goncalo alves, and cuta tigre. Tigerwood is sometimes confused with coula edulis, another hardwood of similar coloring. While a hard wood such as tigerwood offers durability and resistance to scratches and dents, it does provide challenges. Power tools with carbide-tipped blades are recommended for cutting Tigerwood. Because of its strength, it is often hard to install.
Caring for Tigerwood Flooring
Care for tigerwood flooring as you would any hardwood floor. Place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from scratches. Vacuum the flooring frequently by using a beater-free vacuum. Care for tigerwood flooring as you would any hardwood floor. Place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from scratches. Avoid using rubber-backed rugs as they may discolor the flooring. Consider using light-filtered window treatments to reduce uneven darkening of the wood.
Because it is an import, it is often expensive. Tigerwood is primarily used in flooring, panelling, and furniture and can even be used as decking. It lends an exotic, dynamic feeling to rooms and is quite durable. It can be expensive and conveys a sense of luxury.
Tags: Auto, brazil paraguay, caption, color contrasts, Draft, flooring care, hardwood, Janka, janka rating, janka scale, neotropical forests, Place, Vacuum, wood
Tigerwood Flooring _ How To Install
One of the largest purchases that many individuals initiate will be the buying of a home. It is a one-time financial commitment which describes someone’s lifestyle. Nevertheless, to be able to obtain the best from this, it’s essential that the individual makes use of the very best features to really make it convivial. Tigerwood flooring is usually a significant option for folks looking for outstanding functionality. I would say tigerwood flooring offers wonderful benefits covering anything from a fantastic appearance to a well-insulated room or space and more. To accomplish this objective, it isn’t essential that the individual employs an expert in tigerwood flooring. All that is required will be the fundamental knowledge and the individual is set up.
Tigerwood Flooring – Preparation
There are particular items that you have to comprehend, in order to end with outstanding outcomes with tigerwood flooring. One of these factors could be that the installing should be carried out over a moisture free, thoroughly fully clean, even, and also levelled subflooring. Failure to take into account this particular element will result in remorse. It’s very highly recommended for your specialist or you to invest a great deal of work-time making ready your subflooring. Dry it thorougly and make certain there are virtually no attributes making it uneven. Guaranteeing a flat flooring ensures longevity subsequent to finishing your tigerwood flooring project. Decay as well as damage will be avoided through this preceding prep work.
tigerwood flooring
Tigerwood Flooring – What Tools
Next, whenever resizing the materials intended for tigerwood flooring, it really is vital to make use of a sharpened cutting tool created for that task. Using a hand saw will be adequate although not as dependable as the powered saw. Badly trimming your timber will have an adverse effect on the entire task. In many instances, time, and cash could be squandered if you need to repalce your ruined timber. Make use of a powered saw modified for that particular undertaking. The option of a circular saw having 40-tooth saw blade makes sense. Make sure that your cut is going to be even to get the best outcomes when it comes to tigerwood flooring.
Eco Friendly Harwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are a good way to enhance the looks and also raise the valuation on your house. They are also eco-friendly. Hard wood is certainly well-known regarding both its attractiveness and sturdiness. That is because it’s really a naturally sourced commodity. Trees and shrubs, all things considered, tend to be exquisite as well as strong, also.
Choosing Your Fooring
As soon as the floor installing is finished, you won’t need to worry about the flooring for some time, However just before you purchase the first board, look into the many types of hardwood floors which can be found. You will discover a variety of colours, styles and fashions are on hand. There is one which is going to be ideal for your house. All that you have to do is locate it.
Putting in any real wood flooring isn’t really challenging, and it’s also a very gratifying undertaking. It might seem this is out of the question to do on your own. But that is far from the truth. When you prepare in advance and make certain you’ve got the correct gear, it’s less difficult in comparison to what you believe. The following is some good information to assist you in deciding if you should employ a specialist or just have a shot at the work your self:
Check Your Subfloor
The very first thing you have to do prior to the installation of hardwood floors is to discover which kind of sub-floor you have already. The actual sub-floor will be your specific bottom floor, that is possibly manufactured from plyboard or even cement. This specific necessity is crucial because there are quite a few kinds of hard wood flooring installing techniques but not all of them may be used on all types of sub-floor. By simply identifying the particular sub-floor you’ve got, you’re instantly reducing your alternatives which makes it relatively simple for you to determine which one will be ideal for the particular implementation.
Tags: Auto, cutting tool, Draft, financial commitment, flooring project, fundamental knowledge, hardwood flooring, harwood flooring, particula, specialist, task, tigerwood flooring, timber, wood, work
Sandra asks…
Does anyone know any manufacturers of a Tigerwood laminate floor?
Doug answers:
Faus Group is a manufacturer from Spain that makes some of the finest laminate floors. Faus Floors offers consumers laminate floors with sensational realism in slate, tile, travertine and exotic wood designs. These designs are combined with Faus’ patented technologies that create floors that look as real as the natural products but with all the benefits of a tough, durable laminate finish.
They also manufacturer a laminate floor collection of exotic wood species, which includes: Tigerwood, Santos Mahogany, Merbau, Walnut and Wenge. Within the collection you will be amazed at the design realism ombined with their tough, durable laminate finish. These floors are perfect for active areas of the home where durability, stain and fade resistance, along with price are the main concerns.
To view the entire line of fine laminate floors see their web site at: http://www.fausinc.com/fausfloor/index.html
Lizzie asks…
One year old house with “BR111 Tigerwood” wood floors. How can I clean the dull flim on floor.?
Floors are dull and I clean with cleaner but they don’t work. Do I buy a buffer and try to buff out the smudges of foot print on the floor? Any ideas. It’s the hardest floor to keep clean!
Doug answers:
Hi, It is important to regularly remove dirt and debris from your wood floors as it can wear the finish. I usually vacuum with a hard floor brush. If I don’t feel like pulling out the vacuum I use a broom or swifter.
I damp mop only when it looks like it needs it with only a slightly damp mop rinsing the mop regularly. I just use warm water as we like going barefoot and I like natural products. Do not use ammonia based or oil based soaps as they dull the finish of your floor. Once in a while I use a 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water. I attach a towel to my swifter and quickly dry mop it if it is cold out and it is not drying quickly.
It is also good to use preventative maintenance such as felt pads on your furniture. Area rugs should be placed in high traffic area and at entrances to help trap dirt. An area rug placed by your sink helps with water being splashed. Any spills should be wiped up right away. Hope this helps.
Http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/cleaning-hardwood-floors.html
Nancy asks…
Santos Mohagany or Tigerwood or Brazilian Walnut or Brazilian Teak?
Which Exotic wood floor would look best with a country white kitchen?
I am leaning towards Tigerwood.
More feedback wood be great!!
Doug answers:
Hand scraped distressed wood flooring would look awesome in your country white kitchen, It would take it to the next level of “WOW” but if that’s not even an option I would suggest the Tigerwood, not only because it would give it the richness it deserves, but because you should always go with your first impression. Cheers!
Betty asks…
If my wood trim is dark, what color pergo flooring/furniture should I get?
I’m thinking about buying a house that has beautiful dark wood original trim around the windows and floor in the living room and dining room. Right now, both of those rooms are carpeted with a lightish tan color. I want to rip out the carpet in the dining room (these two rooms are next to each other) and install pergo laminate because I have dogs. I’ll keep the carpet that’s in the living room.
I was thinking I would go with all dark wood furniture, a dark leather couch that has a “distressed” look, and Indian Tigerwood Laminate Pergo Flooring.
Some visual examples to help:
Dining room furniture: http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/ASF/J_1192566_SA?$lg$
Floors: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=235114-35938-080510&lpage=none
And this isn’t the room, but this trim is EXACTLY the same as my house: http://pa-lvar.photos.mlsfinder.com/photos/3/2/7/1/1/1/327111-10.jpg
Would all of this look good together? I think what’s throwing me off is the dark wood trim. Everywhere I’ve looked the trim was white and seemed to be easier to decorate with.
Doug answers:
I love it – all of it!
If you want to add color, do it with wall pictures & artifacts…
Steven asks…
Which kind of finish should i pick in hardwood flooring for all my bedrooms.?
I am confused between oak, tigerwood and brazilian cherry . i have kids and have heard that darker finish wood show off damage sooner n more . need guidance
Doug answers:
The darker the wood (color) the more it shows dust and dirt. The oak will show the least, since it has lighter tans and reds, that a similar to the color of the dirt or dust. I really tent to think this is more critical in living rooms, or areas of high traffic. Bedrooms tend to see less dirt and abuse. So a dark color might not be so messy.
As for showing the least abuse, tigerwood and brazilian cherry, are naturally harder woods than the oak. Therefore are less likely to dent.
Also the amount of finish on the floor will determine how well it holds up to scratching. Usually, a good rule of thumb is, the less the warranty, the less the coats of finish were sprayed on the wood at the factory(or sometimes thinner coats).I think 15-25 yr warranty on the finish is good. I think that’s around 5-7 coats of factory finish.
Good luck
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Mary asks…
How much do hardwood floors cost?
I understand there are different species and brands. I am looking for something economical but decent quality. What is the difference price wise to laminate. Is is really hard to install them yourself? (house is new so I take it floors are leveled and there is only carpet on there right now) Does it really save you money.
I would appreciate any input.
Doug answers:
Basic 2 1/4″ oak hard wood will run in the 3$ a s/f range. Of course you can get close outs, overstocks and cabin grade hardwood ( 2 nds) for less but 3$ is a basic cost. Installation runs around 3$ also ( +-). So your looking at 6/7 $ a s/f for hardwood installed ( +- of course).
And yes laminate is easy to install if you have basic DIY skills. It will save a lot of money but won t last near as long as a good hardwood.
If you are handy, hardwood isn t that hard to install if you rent the right tools to do it.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL
Maria asks…
Approximately, how much hardwood floors cost to install in a kitchenette or dinette area?
Doug answers:
I couldn’t give you that without the dimensions, however, the installation is normally 1.75-4.00 per foot, prefinished or sanded.
As for the wood, I’ve paid 1.50-6.00 ft for oak and 11.00-22.00 dollars a square foot for hickory.
Shop it and you’ll find the Price gets cheaper with the more bids you get.
Hard woods are your best choice as they stand the test of time with all the chairs and table legs places upon them.
I just spent 10k on 1000 sq ft of hickory and that was 1/2 price and because the guy got the next job, I put in oak in my RV barn and theatre room for 1.50 and 1.75 installed & sanded. My kitchen looks great, just keep it clean
Susan asks…
Can anyone suggest the best and cost effective hardwood floors to install. Not laminate floors?
We bought a house in Plano, TX and we are planning on installing decent looking and cost effective hardwood floors, not laminated in the family room, study room, formal dining and living basically entire 1st floor. Can anyone suggest any good hardwood floors manufacturing company. Just to make better selection/decision. Can any one also suggest the reasonable stores to select hardwood floors.Thanks
Doug answers:
Check out this website. This is the company that Extreme Home Makeovers uses for all of the wood floors in their projects. I use to work for a construction company as the owners assistant. And from research I did there I can definitely say these prices are pretty good.
Http://www.lumberliquidators.com/home.jsp
Sandy asks…
is there a cost benefit to contract out installing hardwood floors in a new modular home vs the company doing?
I am purchasing a new modular home at 2800 sq ft they are quoting to install hardwood floors at a cost of 31500 (11.25 sq ft). Should I get a local flooring company to install instead?
Doug answers:
You just might be able to save a few bucks by having a local installer put the floor in for you…. Take your floor plan with you to a few retailers/installers, and see what kind of quotes you can get.
You didnt say where in the home you are planning on putting the hardwood flooring….. In the kitchen area, for instance, it would actually be easier to install the flooring before the cabinets and appliances go in.
If your local installer price is anywhere close to the manufacturer’s price, you may want to go with the local installer, and have it done after the home has been set…. This would eliminate any problems with the flooring coming loose, during transit. But, If a local installer is going to cost a lot more, go with the factory… And let their warranty cover any problems with the floor down the road.
Another consideration is financing…. By having your manufacturer install the flooring… It will be covered in the home financing… If you go with a local installer, you may have to come up with the cash, or get a seperate loan….which may cost you more in interest… Just something to think about.
By the way… You did say ‘hardwood’…. Expect sticker shock… Lol… Hardwood flooring is not cheap.
Good Luck!
Paul asks…
How much should it cost to have hardwood floors sanded and re-finished?
I am closing on my new house this week and the floors need to be re-finished. Any idea how much it will cost and how long it takes to get the work done? The house is about 1500 sq. ft. and every room is hardwood. The house is totally empty right now, but I would like to move in before mid-June.
Doug answers:
Ideal situation to get the best price, however I would get at least two bids. These guys are slow right now and would love a job like this. Just make sure that you get everything in writing and go with your gut feeling not just price. Remember, when this is finished and full of furniture, it will cost alot more. Good luck.
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Ruth asks…
How can I REALLY clean hardwood floors that have not been cleaned in years?
I just moved into an old house that was recently renovated. The all original hardwood floors had not been cleaned in years prior to us moving in. We’ve Swiffer-ed multiple times, vacuumed, and mopped with Murphy’s Oil Soap (and immediately hand dried with a towel) to remove the layers upon layers of dust and grime. But no matter what we do, the floors are still noticeably dirty from the years of build up and renovations. What can I do?
Doug answers:
You will probably have to have them refinished to get that glow back.I know when I use to use the products you mantioned my floors looked worse and also had streaks.After talking to many floor specialist the only way I clean them now is with a Steam cleaner made just for hardwood floors..It’s made by Shark and sold at Lowes.I use just Distilled water and my floors are perfect everytime.They do sell Rejuvinators but once you use this you’ll never be able to clean them again the regular way as it leaves a wax coating,so be careful
George asks…
What is the best type of flooring for a kitchen?
My husband and I are renovating our kitchen and I’m torn about what kind of flooring I want in this room. I love the look of hardwood floors but I’ve never had them in a house before, are they a good choice of flooring (hard to maintain)? Or what flooring do you have in your kitchen that you love?
I’m so glad I asked this question! I hadn’t thought about how easily wood floors could be damaged, and I really want something that will last, not something I need to replace in 5 years!
Doug answers:
I wouldn’t use wood in a kitchen, even though I love hardwood floors. There are too many ways to damage one-water leaks, dropping things, etc. I have ceramic tile in the kitchen/mudroom. With the variety of styles available, you should be able to find one you like easily. You can also get grout that matches or compliments the color of the tile. Hope this helps.
Maria asks…
how to put down hardwood floor in a tight area?
My fiance and I are renovating our basement and we are installing a hardwood floor. We are coming along very nicely, however we’ve gotten to a part where the majority of the floor is done, but we’re getting into some tight spots up against the wall where the rest of the floor is done and the wall is there so we have to put maybe 1 or 2 more rows in. What is a good way to get the wood nice and tightly in the small space without gaps or damaging the wood?
Doug answers:
When you start from one side and run to the other side of a room, you typically have to face nail the furthest edge (closest to the tongue) at 6″ o.c. Pre-drill the holes for the finish nails (make sure they are the thickness of the board +/- 3/4″), hammer in place, and use a tapping pin. Most flooring manufacturers make a putty that can be bought with the flooring; you can cover up the nail holes with the putty,
As you come up close to a wall, you will have to use either a piece of discarded flooring or a crowbar to pry the floor planks/pieces together. When setting the last board, permit about 1/2″ to 1/4″ between the floor and the wall for movement. When complete, run a piece of quarter-round wood molding to finish off the floor.
Jenny asks…
I would like a good recomendation on a hardwood floor refinisher. Can you offer any suggestions?
Am renovating my home and would like the name of a great
hardwood floor refinisher. I live in the southwest part of the
city in Chicago. Can anybody offer any suggestions? Especially
if they have had excellent results. Thank you much!!
Doug answers:
You can stain the floor any color you want after sanding with minwax stain, apply and wipe off, then apply several top coats of a good polyurethene or the sealer that they use on gym floors which is more durable. Good Luck
David asks…
DIY Home renovations? I want to renovate my home from new walls, flooring and landscaping. How do I learn?
I want to learn how to do these things myself to save money and I know it can be done. I will leave the plumbing and electricity stuff to the professionals. But I want to learn how to put up dry wall, windows, and hardwood floors. Where do I find quality material such as granite, cabinets for less in my area
(washington, dc) Are there any professionals willing to walk my through the process?
Doug answers:
I know many people that have made a good honest living in the construction field that pertain to the needs that you have. No individual will go out of his or her way to spill about how he/she has experienced life. What you can do is work for habitat for humanity. Then you might gain some basic experience. Oh and there is no better experience than renovating yourself on your own home. I am a painter and for years, I have learned about flooring, carpentry-rough and finish, electricity, plumbing on my house and others. The other people are correct, you can learn carpentry from a coop school.
Oh why granite, it chips. I am not sure granite is as high quality as you think it is. Cabinets-confusing to look for. There are many brands and low levels of high end makers. My advice is to ask a builder who buys cabinets.
If you meet one of them at a trade show then they might teach you a little. But most of it you learn by doing.
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Helen asks…
How can I remove Glue residue from newly installed engineered hardwood floors?
I laid the floors using Bostik’s Best glue. It was a messy job leaving glue in many areas on the new floor. I’ve tried removing it with mineral spirits, goo gone, and Bostik’s adhesive removal towels but it all still leaves a residue/stain behind. I just want my floors to look the way they are intended to look. What can I do to fix this?
Doug answers:
This type of glue is an SOB to remove… Go over it some more w/ mineral spirits as recommended. It will take a few tries and you ll have to have several rags to keep wiping it up. GL
Lizzie asks…
Is it better to glue down hardwood floors or use padding or moisture barrier apoxy?
I will be installing hardwood floors to the living room (another question is should I include the tiled kitchen that is adjacent/connected to make it continuous or not?)
Installer wants to know if he should use glue on cement and stick it directly that way, or originally he wasn’t even suggesting glue so it would be cheaper, but to only interlock the pieces which I said no too. He’s also saying padding is not needed since it’s on the bottom floor with nobody below to hear the footsteps. I told him my concern isn’t only about reducing sound but also to make a barrier with the cement to avoid the wood floors absorbing moisture, so he suggested he could apply an apoxy (spray or whatever) such as Dritech that will create a barrier.
So much to pick/choose. Any ideas on what to go with???? Thanks for your help!
Doug answers:
All timber expands and contracts throughout the year. If you glue the timber directly to the floor it wont be able to expand or contract properly. Without a doubt the floor will lift eventually. When it does lift and warp you’ll have a major and expensive job on your hands trying to repair that kind of damage.
The correct way to lay a timber floor on a concrete foundation is to put your underlay (padding) down first and place your timber on top of this.
YOU MUST glue the interlocking pieces! You can fit the timber floor flush, top, bottom and on one side of the room, but leave a gap – or the final piece – to fit in on one side of the room to allow for expansion just in case. If you fit the floor tightly all round, it might expand and lift. Leave it for a few months before fitting the final pieces around the edge. If you do it this way, you’ll never have any problems.
When I put down my floor in the living room I was also going to run it continuous with the kitchen but I changed my mind for two reasons: 1. Kitchens are damp, steamy and humid so it’s not an ideal place for timber. 2. Kitchens are messy places, no matter how clean we are, things spill on the floor like grease, water etc., People also bring in dirt from the back garden so it’s hard work trying to keep it clean no matter how well sealed the floor is. I’m glad I tiled my kitchen floor with a light off-white colour (I think it’s a light beige) that will go with any colour scheme in the future. The tiles are easy to clean and will last for a lifetime.
Hope this helps you.
PS. I wouldn’t let that guy lay your floor. Take your time and do it right. Get a good and experienced carpenter in to do the job.
Susan asks…
I have just installed a hardwood floor but their is a glue residue on the surface. How can I remove this?
I have just installed a American Black Walnut Hardwood floor. I installed it using Sika glue which is like a treacle but sets like rubber. I wiped up any excess glue with a cloth but it has left little spots of glue residue all over the floor. Does anyone know how to get this up without damaging the varnished vinish?
Doug answers:
There are a few remedies.
The first is are you going to sand and lacquer the floor?
If you are then the sanding proccess should remove it.
If not, here are a few suggestions.
1. Eucalyptus oil. – (Australia) will dissolve almost anything.
2. Vinegar – It is a mild acid and a good cleaner.
3. Lemon Oil – Just a good old lemon and some elbow grease.
4. WD40 – (CAUTION) This will soften even the most stubborn glues enough to make it possible to wipe off. You may have to let it soak for a while. I use it to remove road grime and tar from the paintwork on my car. It will also remove tree sap and bug guts.
I would be inclined to use a natural timber oil first.
Please make sure you do a test section first. To make sure that the wood does not stain.
Hope this helps.
Charles asks…
Installing hardwood floors…where do I begin?
We’re buying a house that needs new floors. It currently has 40 year old carpet. My husband and father want to install hardwood floors. They’re handy, but they’ve never done this before. They’d like to hire someone experienced to lead them, and then they would provide most of the labor.
We would have to buy the flooring somewhere. I know it comes in so many formats. We would definitely go with prefinished, and I’d like to stay away from fume-y glue if possible.
Where do I begin to learn about this? Should I sit down with someone at home depot? Is there an article I should read? I just don’t know how to go about getting estimates and figuring out which product we should use.
Thanks for any advice!
Doug answers:
Begin on the floor
William asks…
Flooring product with easy installation like laminate, beauty of real hardwood?
My husband and I would never attempt installing real hardwood flooring between the glue and all that. However, laminate (Pergo) is easy to install for us. Is there any product out there that is either real wood or bamboo or some other natural material that looks great yet still is just as easy to install like pergo (no glue). Thanks.
Doug answers:
Engineered wood flooring (Bruce, etc) can be installed “floating”, meaning no glue (like laminates). It’s not solid wood, but has a layer of real wood on top of a plywood type base. We had our maple engineered wood floor installed glue-down, but the installers said that floating is just fine, except you still get that slight hollow sound during footfalls (like floating Pergo installs). One note, be very very very cautious about moisture levels when installing on concrete slab, and opt for the vinyl moisture barrier versus the liquid roll-on type. We learned this the hard way… 
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