By Lukasz Piatek Sales manager, Elegance Exotic Wood Flooring
Exotic hardwoods are one of the fastest growing sectors of wood flooring. They offer more color and grain options than species like oak or maple. Most of all, exotics offer consumers an opportunity to create a unique and fashionable statement in their homes.

But exotics also have properties that require some special education, both of the retail salesperson and the consumer, to prevent easily avoidable problems. Exotics require more careful education of the consumer than, for instance, an oak. That is typical of almost any desirable or higher-end product: A Maserati requires more care than a Chevy; a high definition plasma TV requires special tuning to get the best quality picture. In the same way, exotic wood floors require the proper acclimation and environment for long-term durability and beauty.

If educated during the sales process, the consumer can make a well-informed decision to invest in a beautiful, unique species that is perfect for her home. Some important topics include:

Hardness: Hardness has always been a measure of durability, and the Janka rating scale is used extensively to compare products. Exotics compare favorably with oak and, in some cases, far outperform oak. However, all hardwood floors can dent or scratch, no matter the species or hardness. Basic floor care should be part of every salesperson’s education.

Color variation: Exotics have a broader spectrum of varying grain patterns and colorations from board to board than other woods. A consumer who wants a more monotone pallet should not select an exotic. A good installer will select various pieces from several boxes to create the best blend for the floor.

Better with age: Like fine wine, exotics also change and get better with age. Most exotics are not stained. Their natural coloration is protected with a clear finish. Depending on the exotic, the natural color will darken, sometimes considerably, as time passes. There is no exact scale that will measure how much the color will deepen. The consumer should be aware of this and enjoy the natural beauty of these species.

Proper acclimation and installation: Most exotics are sold as solids, and any solid requires specific timeframes for acclimation, verified by moisture-content testing. Exotics may require some extra acclimation time. Using a qualified, certified installer is the best way to protect your flooring investment. Always follow NWFA and manufacturer guidelines for acclimation, environmental control and installation, and let the consumer know a little extra time prepping and installing the floor properly in the beginning will pay off handsomely as she enjoys her floor in the years ahead.