Species Library

Brazilian Hardwood Species: The Complete Guide

Brazilian hardwoods are among the hardest, most durable floors on earth. Each species has its own color, grain and personality. Here is how they compare, and how to pick the one that fits your home.

Why Brazilian hardwood?

Hardness is measured on the Janka scale. For reference, domestic red oak sits around 1290 and hard maple near 1450. Most Brazilian species land far above that, which means dramatically better resistance to dents, scratches and everyday wear. Combine that hardness with deep natural color and you get floors that look luxurious and hold up to real life.

The species at a glance

SpeciesAlso known asJanka (lbf)Character
IpêBrazilian Walnut3680Deep brown, extremely hard
CumaruBrazilian Teak3540Warm caramel, bold grain
JatobáBrazilian Cherry2820Rich red, deepens over time
MuiracatiaraTigerwood2160Dramatic striped grain
SucupiraBrazilian Chestnut2000+Chocolate brown, fine lines
GarapaGolden Teak1700+Light golden, clean look
TauariBrazilian Oak1460Pale, oak style, versatile

Species profiles

Jatobá (Brazilian Cherry)

The most popular Brazilian hardwood. A warm red brown that famously deepens and richens with light exposure. Very hard and forgiving of busy households. See Jatobá.

Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)

Warm caramel to reddish brown with a striking interlocked grain. One of the hardest floors available. See Cumaru.

Ipê (Brazilian Walnut)

The hardest of the group. Deep olive brown, dense and remarkably durable. See Ipê.

Muiracatiara (Tigerwood)

Unmistakable. Bold dark streaks over a reddish gold background make every plank a statement. See Muiracatiara.

Tauari (Brazilian Oak)

Pale and clean with a soft, even grain. The ideal choice for anyone who loves the light oak look but wants the pedigree of a Brazilian hardwood. See Tauari.

How to choose your species

Start with color. Do you want light and airy, warm and red, or deep and dramatic? Then consider traffic: every one of these species is hard enough for a busy home, so color and grain can lead the decision. When in doubt, order samples and view them in your own light before committing.

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