Exotic Hardwood Flooring in Toronto: A Guide to Unique Species and Climate Considerations

For homeowners in Toronto and the GTA who want their home to stand out, exotic hardwood flooring offers a truly unique and luxurious alternative to traditional domestic species like oak and maple. Exotic hardwood flooring is sourced from diverse regions around the world, bringing with it a rich tapestry of distinct grains, colours, and textures that cannot be replicated. Beyond their stunning aesthetic appeal, many exotic species are renowned for their exceptional durability and hardness. At Markville Carpet & Flooring, we are proud to offer a curated selection of exotic hardwoods and provide a professional guide on how to choose the right option for your home, especially given the unique climate considerations in Toronto.

The Unique Aesthetic of Exotic Hardwoods

The visual appeal of exotic hardwood is what first captures the imagination. These species possess a natural beauty that makes them a perfect centerpiece for any room.

Distinct Grains and Colours

• Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Known for its striking reddish-brown hue that deepens over time, Brazilian Cherry has a bold, interlocking grain pattern. It adds a warm, elegant, and sophisticated touch to any space.
• Tigerwood: This unique species gets its name from its distinctive striping, which features a background of light golden-brown with dramatic dark streaks. Tigerwood creates a dynamic and modern look that is perfect for a statement floor.
• Wenge: A very dark, almost black hardwood with fine, subtle grain patterns. Wenge is an excellent choice for a contemporary, minimalist, or high-contrast design.
• Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): A dense and incredibly durable wood, Ipe has a beautiful rich brown colour and a fine, uniform texture. It is highly resistant to rot and insects, making it a premium choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Santos Mahogany: With a rich, reddish-brown colour and a slightly wavy grain, Santos Mahogany brings a classic, refined look to any room. It’s also known for its superior hardness and durability.

Durability and Hardness: A Difference You Can Feel

Many exotic hardwoods are significantly harder than their domestic counterparts, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The Janka Hardness Scale measures a wood’s resistance to denting and wear. For comparison, Red Oak, a common domestic hardwood, has a Janka rating of about 1290.

• Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Janka rating of 2350
• Tigerwood: Janka rating of 1850
• Wenge: Janka rating of 1930
• Ipe: Janka rating of 3680
• Santos Mahogany: Janka rating of 2200

This superior hardness means that exotic hardwoods are less susceptible to dents, scratches, and everyday wear, making them a fantastic choice for busy households in the Toronto area.

Climate Considerations for Toronto Homes

Toronto’s climate, with its hot, humid summers and dry, cold winters, is a significant factor to consider when installing any hardwood flooring. Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in moisture and temperature.

Acclimation is Key

• Let It Settle: Before installation, all exotic hardwoods must be properly acclimated to the home’s environment. This means letting the wood sit in the room for several days to a week. Proper acclimation helps the wood stabilize and reduces the risk of gapping or buckling after installation. At Markville, our “Five Star” guaranteed installations include a thorough check for proper acclimation to ensure a perfect fit.

The Role of Humidity Control

• Maintain Consistent Humidity: The most important step for maintaining any hardwood floor, especially an exotic one, is to maintain a consistent humidity level. A home humidifier and/or dehumidifier can help keep indoor humidity between the recommended 35% and 55% year-round. This is particularly important during the dry winter months when a lack of humidity can cause the wood to shrink, leading to unsightly gaps between the boards.

Choosing the Right Exotic Hardwood for Your Home

While their aesthetics and hardness are a huge part of their appeal, the right choice for you will also depend on your lifestyle and budget.

• For High-Traffic Areas: If you have a busy household with children or pets, a very hard species like Ipe or Brazilian Cherry is a fantastic choice that will stand up to the rigors of daily life.
• For a Statement Look: If you want your floor to be a work of art, a species with a dramatic grain and colour variation like Tigerwood will make a stunning impression.
• For a Classic, Rich Look: For a warm and traditional aesthetic, Brazilian Cherry or Santos Mahogany offers a beautiful, timeless look.

At Markville Carpet & Flooring, our knowledgeable staff can guide you through our impressive selection of exotic hardwood floors. We understand the specific needs of homes in the Toronto climate and can help you choose a species that is not only beautiful but also suitable for your environment. We provide professional supply and installation services to ensure your exotic hardwood flooring is a lasting feature of your home for many years to come.

Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre, established in 1980, has built a reputation on serving the entire GTA and City of Toronto with high-quality products and exceptional service for over 38 years. As a full-service carpet and flooring company, we specialize in the supply and expert installation of residential and commercial carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, laminate, and sheet vinyl. Our “Five Star” guaranteed installations and unwavering focus on quality ensure your complete satisfaction. To find the perfect flooring solution for your needs, contact us or visit our showroom locations in Markham, ON, and Toronto, Ontario.