Sapele
Hardness: 7.0 Stability: Very Good
Coming from Africa, Sapele is growing in popularity as an elegant alternative to True Mahogany. Considerably harder than Mahogany with a fine interlocking grain and rich mid brown color with a hint of red, Sapele is an ideal choice for a more formal setting. Also available in a distinctive Ribbon grain cut, Sapele will perform well over radiant heat installations.
Spooky Maple
Hardness: 5.0 Stability: Average
Great name! Incredible look! Spooky maple is indeed a different kind of look for a hardwood floor; the stripes in the floor were created by little worms which made their home in the tree before it was cut down. Don’t worry they aren’t there any more, but the work they did will give you a casual floor that will have every visitor talking.
Tiger Oak
Hardness: 5.7 Stability: Average
What is Tiger Oak? A Red Oak tree that is grown in areas where there are mineral deposits in the soil. The tree absorbs the minerals as it grows and so creates a dark fleck or stripe in the grain pattern. Generally a rich reddish brown in color, the effect can be truly stunning. Some 20% harder than Red Oak, it is a beautiful and practical floor. Sadly it is often hard for us to find, and when available the price can reflects its rarity.
Wenge
Hardness: 7.3 Stability: Very Good
Wenge is a Wow wood. It really has to be seen to be believed. Very dark brown to almost black when finished, and with an animal print grain, Wenge is truly one of nature’s wonders. It is hard and stable and it finishes very well. So what, may you ask, is the problem? Sadly this wood is very expensive, so maybe it’s better if you don’t fall in love with it.
White Ash
Hardness: 5.9 Stability: Good
Almost white with just a hint of yellow and beige – and with a deeply defined grain – Ash is a beautiful and under-used flooring wood. Because of its hardness and light color, Ash is a very difficult wood to stain. However, its natural color for those who are looking for a light floor is simply gorgeous. Most of our Ash comes from around the Canadian border, so it’s slow grown in a cooler climate, which makes it harder and more durable than oak. Why else would they make baseball bats out of it?
White Oak
Hardness: 5.8 Stability: Average
Well White Oak is really brown to yellowish brown – not at all white as its name suggests. Slightly harder, more durable and stable than Red Oak it is truly a sturdy, rich looking floor which will add a touch of class and stability to any home. Perhaps the finest wood for staining, White Oak will enable you to blend the color to suit your décor. A little less common than red, white oak is a floor that can be made to look as if it’s been in your home for years with very little work.
