When it comes to Brazilian Cherry, also known as Jatoba, it’s important to understand that this exotic wood boasts natural beauty with rich red, brown, and often gold tones. Over time, exposure to light deepens its color, making it even more attractive. The grain of Brazilian Cherry is typically straight, with occasional interlocking patterns.

Some may debate whether Brazilian Cherry wood flooring requires staining, given its inherent color and beauty. However, the picture below illustrates the wood’s sensitivity to light. It showcases a Brazilian Cherry floor with a piece of furniture on the left, revealing the original color on the left and the darkening effect caused by light exposure over time.

Brazilian Cherry is photosensitive, much like many other woods. It naturally darkens and becomes richer in color as time goes by, a quality that many homeowners find appealing.

Brazilian Cherry Color Transformation
Most flooring manufacturers, like Brazilian Wood Depot, offer Brazilian Cherry Flooring in its natural color, available in both prefinished and unfinished options. While some opt for tinted Brazilian Cherry flooring to minimize photosensitive color changes, it’s worth noting that tinted options are usually special orders, and the preference is typically for the wood’s natural color.

The decision not to recommend staining floors or ordering them tinted stems from the fact that when these floors get scratched, the scratches can penetrate through the finish and stain, making them more noticeable.

Nonetheless, Brazilian Cherry remains a sought-after choice due to its remarkable durability, attributed to its Janka hardness rating of 2,350, surpassing Red Oak, which rates at only 1,290. This hardness is crucial for hardwood flooring as it reflects its resistance to denting, especially from factors like high heels. Dents in hardwood floors can lead to finish chipping and necessitate more sanding.

The combination of durability and the stunning grain of Brazilian Cherry leads many to select it as their flooring option while still desiring to alter its natural color.

Unfinished Brazilian Cherry Flooring: A Smart Choice
Ordering unfinished Brazilian Cherry flooring and staining and finishing it on your own offers several advantages:

  • Test Multiple Stain Colors: You can experiment with various stain colors before committing to your entire floor. Once you’re satisfied with your choice, simply sand your test swatches.
  • Retouch Scratches: If your floor suffers scratches beyond the finish and stain, it’s easier to touch up the affected area if you know your stain color and finish. Matching factory stains and finishes can be a challenge.
  • Seamless Finish: Unfinished flooring allows you to apply the finish yourself, ensuring a seamless floor without micro-bevels found in prefinished floors, which can trap dirt and dust.
  • Adapt to Trends: Trends change over time. With unfinished Brazilian Cherry flooring, you can refinish and stain it in more trendy colors as per the evolving preferences.

Brazilian Cherry readily accepts stains, but due to its dense and oily nature, it demands special care during application. While the stain options are vast, it’s advisable to choose a stain that complements its natural reddish-brown color. Popular choices include:

  • Natural Color: Allowing the wood to naturally darken with exposure to light enhances its intrinsic beauty, and homeowners often accentuate it with wall and furniture colors.
  • Mahogany or Cherry Stains: These enhance the wood’s natural reddish tones.
  • Walnut or Dark Oak Stains: Ideal for a darker, more traditional look.
  • White Wash Stains: For a lighter, brighter appearance. Note that solid color pigments might not adhere as well to Brazilian Cherry due to its density and oily characteristics.
  • Custom Stains: By mixing different stains, you can achieve a custom color tailored to your preference.

If you opt to use your own stain and finish, order a box of unfinished flooring and test your choices before applying them to the entire floor.

Brazilian Cherry Finish Options
When it comes to finishing, there are three main types commonly used for hardwood flooring:

  • Polyurethane (Oil-Based and Water-Based): These finishes provide a hard, durable protective layer for your floor. Oil-based polyurethane imparts a slight amber tone, enhancing the wood’s natural color, while water-based polyurethane remains clear, maintaining the wood’s natural, unstained color.
  • Hardwax Oil Finish: This finish soaks into the wood, offering a natural, matte look. It’s easy to repair and touch up but requires more regular maintenance.
  • Aluminum Oxide Finish: Among the most durable finishes, often used in prefinished hardwood flooring. It offers excellent protection but can be challenging to refinish when it starts to wear out.

The choice of finish depends on your specific needs in terms of durability, the desired look, and your willingness to engage in maintenance.

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