Brazilian Walnut (also called Ipe or Lapacho) is the hardest type of hardwood available for kitchen flooring today. Brazilian walnut flooring is preferred to traditional Black walnut flooring because it has a much higher Janka hardness rating (an industry measure of wood hardness) of 3684. Brazil nut is even three times harder than oak.
This hardwood is grown in Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela and Guatemala. Due to its exceptional hardness and durability, Brazilian walnut flooring is ideal for kitchens, where there is damp and rugged use. Brazilian walnut flooring cannot be scratched or dented easily. So having pets should not be of any concern. Due to its immense density, Brazilian walnut flooring is resistant to insects, mold, rot and fire.
In addition to being durable, Brazilian walnut flooring is aesthetically appealing. It is available in various colors from yellowish green to dark brown, and various grain patterns from consistent to irregular. Although newly milled wood shows a variation of shades and hues of color, it seasons in a uniform rich dark brown color with time.
Brazilian walnut flooring adds style and sophistication to your kitchen and sets the theme. That’s why it gives your home a rich feel and a higher resale value.
Ground cost of Brazil nuts
Although Brazilian walnut flooring is more expensive than traditional hardwood flooring, it is a great investment as it lasts longer, and gives you value for your money. In addition to installation costs, basic quality Brazilian walnut flooring costs about $5 per square foot and goes up as you move up to higher quality, thickness and finish. Prices also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Tips for buying Brazilian nut flooring
1. You can choose from different quality grades; the higher the quality grade the more elegant it is, and the lower the quality grade the more natural and rustic it is. Brazilian walnut flooring of first grade material will have a more uniform color while lower grade material may have more variations and knots. Both extremes offer you their own aesthetics.
2. While choosing the size of the plates, consider the size of your kitchen. For larger kitchens always choose longer plates for more uniformity. Since the Brazilian walnut floor has a beautiful chocolate color, it is ideal for outdoor kitchens.
3. While choosing the thickness of the plates, it is obvious that the thicker the plates the stronger and more stable your Brazilian nut floor will be.
4. While choosing between unfinished and pre-finished Brazilian walnut flooring for your kitchen floor, it is better to go for the pre-finished one, as the planks are treated in the factory to give them a better finish and making them resistant to spills, scratches, UV rays and moisture. In addition, they have a better warranty than unfinished ones. Unfinished planks are cheaper and can be sanded and customized during installation.
5. For more rugged use, you can choose an engineered Brazilian walnut floor. This is a specially designed prefabricated material consisting of a lower layer or core made of fiberboard or plywood. The top layer is made of solid Brazilian walnut that is cross placed on the core. This not only gives structural stability to your kitchen floor but also makes it more resistant to moisture, spills and extreme temperatures. If your kitchen is at ground level or below, an engineered Brazilian walnut floor would be best for it.
Installation of Brazilian walnut flooring
Hardwood shrinks and expands as a result of changes in temperature and humidity. That’s why you need to get your Brazilian walnut flooring installed by an experienced and licensed contractor. Improperly installed floors can develop gaps between the boards as a result of contraction and expansion of the wood.
Maintenance of a Brazilian nut floor
Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the care and maintenance of your Brazilian walnut flooring. Get your doubts and questions answered by the manufacturer.
In order to keep your Brazilian walnut floor clean and beautiful, you can vacuum or use a damp mop to clean it.
To protect your Brazilian walnut floor from everyday wear and tear, you can place area rugs in high-action areas like the sink. This keeps the face from being removed or reduced.
Never allow spilled water or other liquid to sit on your Brazilian walnut floor. It can infiltrate the joints and make the edges of the plates expand. So wipe up any spilled liquid immediately.
Although your Brazilian walnut flooring can last a lifetime, it may show signs of wear over time. As with any hardwood floor, you can refinish your Brazilian walnut floor and bring back the shine.
How to get the best price on Brazilian walnut flooring
BuildDirect seems to be one of the best places to buy Brazilian walnut flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer-friendly policies make shopping from them a pleasure.
