Brazilian Cherry Flooring Pros And Cons

The Pros and Cons of Brazilian Cherry Flooring

Brazilian cherry, also known as Jatoba, is a popular hardwood flooring choice due to its striking reddish-brown hue, durability, and unique grain patterns. While it offers numerous advantages, like any hardwood, it also presents some potential drawbacks. Here's a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of Brazilian cherry flooring to help you determine if it's the right fit for your home.

Pros of Brazilian Cherry Flooring

Brazilian cherry boasts several attractive features that make it a desirable flooring option:

1. Durability and Hardness

One of the primary reasons for its popularity is its exceptional hardness. On the Janka Hardness Scale, Brazilian cherry scores a remarkable 2,350 lbf, placing it among the hardest hardwoods available. This high hardness rating translates to exceptional resistance to dents, scratches, and wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and living rooms, where furniture is frequently moved and foot traffic is heavy.

2. Stunning Aesthetics

The vibrant reddish-brown color of Brazilian cherry instantly warms up any space. Its distinctive grain patterns, characterized by subtle swirls, knots, and sometimes even darker streaks, add a unique character to the flooring. This rich color and natural beauty can create a sophisticated, elegant look in any room, complementing a wide range of interior design styles.

3. Natural Resistance

Brazilian cherry naturally possesses resistance to insects and moisture, making it a durable option for various environments. Its inherent oils act as a natural sealant, reducing the risk of water damage and making it suitable for areas prone to humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. This quality also makes it ideal for homes in humid climates.

4. Sustainable Source

As a sustainably sourced hardwood, Brazilian cherry is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Choosing FSC-certified wood ensures that the lumber comes from responsibly managed forests that are environmentally and socially responsible. This certification promotes sustainable forestry practices that protect biodiversity and reduce deforestation.

Cons of Brazilian Cherry Flooring

While Brazilian cherry offers numerous advantages, it also has some drawbacks that potential buyers should consider:

1. High Cost

Brazilian cherry flooring can be significantly more expensive than other hardwood options due to its scarcity and high demand. Its premium price tag is a major consideration for homeowners on a budget, as it may necessitate adjustments to other aspects of the flooring project.

2. Color Variation

The inherent color variation within Brazilian cherry planks can be a factor to consider. While this variation adds to the flooring's unique character, it can also pose challenges in achieving a consistent color scheme throughout the entire space. Careful planning and selecting planks from the same batch are essential to minimize potential variations.

3. Difficult to Work With

Its exceptional hardness makes Brazilian cherry demanding to work with. It requires specialized tools and skilled craftsmanship for proper installation. Improper installation can lead to uneven surfaces, gaps, or other issues that compromise the flooring’s appearance and longevity.

4. Potential for Color Shift

The color of Brazilian cherry can subtly shift over time, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight. This natural process may lead to a noticeable difference in color between areas that receive more sunlight and those that are shaded. While this color change is not a defect, it's important to be aware of this potential for those seeking a consistent color throughout the years.