Species

The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: N. American Walnut
Botanical Name: Juglans, nigra
Lumber Name: Black Walnut, N. American Walnut
Grows In: North America
Products / Walnut, N. American
Description:
N. American Walnut is America's most prized hardwood and is used extensively in fine furniture.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: N. American Walnut has a wide range of color variability from a contrasting cream colored sapwood to tan to medium brown to chocolate brown heartwood. WFI offers a select quartersawn grade which does not include any of the cream colored sapwood.
Color Change: N. American Walnut exhibits a medium high degree of color change with the dark brown heartwood lightening over time to a more golden brown with the muting of the color variation found when freshly milled.
Hardness:
N. American Walnut is only 80% as hard as red oak (1010 on the Janka scale vs.1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
N. American Walnut may be used residentially wherever America's most prized furniture wood would make a design statement. N. American Walnut is not recommended for use commercially due to its softness.
Stability:
N. American Walnut is average in stability, similar to red oak. For additional information, see:
Allergic Reaction Potential:
N. American Walnut has been known to cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory allergic reactions so care must be taken when coming into contact with N. American Walnut dust. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.
Known Finish Issues:
There are no known finish compatibility issues with N. American Walnut. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Brazilian Cherry
Botanical Name: Hymenaea, courbaril
Lumber Name: jatoba in Brazil, paquio in Bolivia, guapinol in C. America
Grows In: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname,
Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, & the Caribbean
Products / Cherry, Brazilian
Description:
Brazilian Cherry, when first milled is a tan/salmon color w/black striping which turns a rich deep red color over time. This species is the most popular imported species given its inherent beauty, rich coloring and superior hardness.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Brazilian Cherry varies from yellowish hues to pink/reds to dark reds with black striping. Quartered selection yields the most uniform look/color range.
Color Change: Like domestic cherry, Brazilian Cherry will change dramatically over time from the yellow/tan/salmon color when freshly milled into a deep rich reddish color. In direct sunlight, the color change will occur within a few days. Out of sunlight, it will oxidize slowly over six months. Water based finishes tend to retard the color change while oil based finishes enhance it.
Hardness:
Brazilian Cherry is 228% as hard as red oak ( 2820 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak )
Where to Use:
Given Brazilian Cherry's extreme hardness, it may be used in residential and commercial installations.
Stability:
Average, similar to red oak.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
There is no known Allergic potential at this time. However, wood dust in general can be a hazard.
Known Finish Issues:
May be site finished with oil or water based finishes. Occasional pieces may have resin pockets that show up as white spots (almost like drops of skim milk) under the finish w/no known method to avoid other than not install these pieces. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: True Teak
Botanical Name: Tectona, grandis
Lumber Name: True Teak
Grows In: Burma and Thailand naturally and then in plantations throughout the tropical world.
Products / Teak, True
Description:
True Teak has been prized for centuries as one of the worlds most durable and stable woods for outdoor use. Traditionally used on boats and in outdoor furniture, Teak has also been widely used for flooring.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: True Teak exhibits a wide range of colors when fresh cut, from pale yellows to orange browns with darker striping, all of which mellows into medium brown tones.
Color Change: True Teak undergoes an extreme degree of color change with pronounced color change from the highly variegated coloring found in material fresh sanded which then darkens to a golden brown with substantial muting of the initial color range over time.
Hardness:
True Teak is only 90% as hard as red oak (1155 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
True Teak may be used residentially wherever the distinguished look of one of the world's most prized woods is desired.
Stability:
True Teak is one of the world's most stable woods.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
True Teak is known to cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory reactions when coming into contact with the dust. Care must be taken when cutting or sanding this wood. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.
Known Finish Issues:
True Teak is known to have adverse reactions when many oil based finishes are used with this wood. Many oil finishes will not dry properly when used on True Teak. In general, most water based finishes work with True Teak. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Brazilian Walnut
Botanical Name: Tabebuia, spp
Lumber Name: Ipe
Grows In: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Guatemala
Products / Walnut, Brazilian
Description:
Brazilian Walnut is very hard dense wood with a deep rich brown coloration and exceedingly fine graining.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Brazilian Walnut color range varies considerably based on where it grows. It can vary from a light yellowish tan color with greenish overtones to an almost blackish brown. We offer Brazilian Walnut in the medium brown tones.
Color Change: Brazilian Walnut when freshly milled will exhibit a large range of coloration, which will quickly mute into a more uniform range which then will darken over time to a medium to dark brown color.
Hardness:
Brazilian Walnut is 290% as hard as red oak (3680 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
Brazilian Walnut may be used residentially or commercially. With its extreme hardness it is an ideal commercial floor choice.
Stability:
Brazilian Walnut is one of the world's most stable woods down to a 10% equilibrium point and then becomes very unstable below that. When installed in dry areas it will shrink considerably unless it has been "over dried" in the kilning process. Extreme care should be taken when installing this specie to purchase it only from sources who dry it properly and then to properly equalize it prior to installation.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
Brazilian Walnut has been known to cause respiratory and contact dermatitis allergic reactions. Care should be taken when exposed to the dust of Brazilian Walnut.
Known Finish Issues:
Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Brazilian Walnut. Also stains may change color when used on Brazilian Walnut. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: N. American Maple
Botanical Name: Acer, saccharum
Lumber Name: Hard Maple, Sugar Maple, N. American Maple
Grows In: North America
Products / Maple, N. American
Description:
N. American Maple is the world's premier "white" flooring wood and offers the lightest coloration of any wood flooring.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: N. American Maple comes in an extreme range of color variability as the wood varies in color from the pale cream colored sapwood on through to the different tan/brown tones to dark brown colors found in the heartwood.
Color Change: N. American Maple undergoes a medium degree of color change, with slight ambering from a cream/white to a more golden cream color over time.
Hardness:
N. American Maple is 115% as hard as red oak (1450 on the Janka scale vs.1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
N. American Maple may be used both residentially and commercially wherever the fine grained "white" look of maple is desired.
Stability:
N. American Maple is less stable than red oak and care must be taken to properly equalize solid wood flooring before installation and for engineered floors to maintain relative humidity between 35% and 65% once installed in order to minimize movement. In very dry climates Maple is prone to shrinking.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
N. American Maple has been known to cause contact dermatitis. Care should be taken when coming into contact with the saw dust. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.Feedback / Maple, N. American
Known Finish Issues:
There are no known finish compatibility issues with N. American Maple. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Merbau
Botanical Name: Intsia, spp
Lumber Name: Merbau, Kwila
Grows In: South East Asia
Products / Merbau
Description:
Merbau is medium brown colored wood with reddish/orange highlights with a course graining. Many pieces exhibit yellow "flecking" in the pores.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Merbau comes in a fairly wide range of color variability, from light browns to medium browns to dark browns. Many pieces will have a yellow dust in the pores which show up as gold "flecking" when finished.
Color Change: Merbau undergoes a medium to large degree of color change, with the muting of the color variation from when fresh milled and with darkening over time to deeper orangey brown color.
Hardness:
Merbau is 150% as hard as red oak ( 1925 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak )
Where to Use:
Merbau may be used both residentially and commercially wherever the rich look of Merbau is desired.
Stability:
Merbau is one of the world's most stable woods and rivals teak in stability.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
There are no cases of allergic reaction known to us at this time. However, wood dust in general can be a hazard.
Known Finish Issues:
There are no finish compatibility issues known for Merbau at this time. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Patagonian Walnut
Botanical Name: Tabebuia, heptaphylla
Lumber Name: Lapacho
Grows In: Paraguay & Southern Brazil
Products / Walnut, Patagonian
Description:
Patagonian Walnut is in the same family as Brazilian Walnut / Ipe. It is a lighter brown color than Brazilian Walnut and offers golden/tan highlights. It also offers more rowed grain/curl figure than Brazilian Walnut.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Patagonian Walnut ranges in color from a golden tan to a medium brown color. Some pieces may have some darker brown graining.
Color Change: Patagonian Walnut exhibits a medium degree of color change as the the wider color range in the freshly milled wood will quickly mute to a more uniform range and in color will also darken from a fresh milled gold/greenish color to a medium brown tone with golden highlights.
Hardness:
Patagonian Walnut is 220% as hard as red oak. ( 2800 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak ).
Where to Use:
Patagonian Walnut may be used residentially or commercially wherever the rich medium brown color is desired.
Stability:
Patagonian Walnut is relatively unstable and in very dry climates prone to shrinking. Care must be taken to properly equalize this wood and to source it only from reputable suppliers who dry it properly.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
Patagonian Walnut has been known to cause respiratory and contact dermatitis allergic reactions. Care should be taken when exposed to the dust of Patagonian Walnut.
Known Finish Issues:
Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Patagonian Walnut. Also stains may change color when used on Patagonian Walnut. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus, regnans/obliqua/delegatensis
Lumber Name: Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash
Grows In: Australia - on Tasmania & in the State of Victoria
Products / Ash, Victorian
Description:
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash is a straw to tan colored wood, all of which is rift sawn, and is similar in appearance to straight grain American Oak.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash, depending on the areas it is sourced from, can have a medium high degree of color variation from a pale straw color, some with pinkish highlights, through to tan colors and some medium gray/brown colors. We offer a color/species selected range which encompasses the straw to tan tones with some pinkish highlights.
Color Change: Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash over time undergoes a slight degree of color change with a muting of the overall color variation and an ambering of the straw colors to a slightly darker tan color.
Hardness:
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash is 80% as hard as red oak
( 1010 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak ). 
Where to Use:
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash may be used residentially wherever a specially selected straight grained "oak" look is desired.
Stability:
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash is less stable than American red oak and in very dry climates is prone to shrinking. Care should be taken to properly equalize this wood prior to installation.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash has been known to cause contact dermatitis so care must be taken when coming into contact with the sawdust.
Known Finish Issues:
There are no known finish compatibility issues with Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: Wenge
Botanical Name: Milletia, laurentii
Lumber Name: Wenge
Grows In: Central Africa
Products / Wenge
Description:
Wenge is a uniform dark chocolate brown color that is used primarily for contrasting accent strips or in those areas desiring such bold dark look. Wenge is offered in selected straight grain for a very uniform look or in mixed graining, where the flat sawn figure yields a visible "flower" look. A related species from East Africa, Panga Panga, is also offered in the trade. It has the same graining as Wenge but with a more yellowish tone to it and never darkens as much as Wenge.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: Wenge, once aged is very uniform in color. Selected straight grain yields the most uniform selection.
Color Change: Wenge exhibits a large degree of color change with pronounced darkening from the yellowish color it is when freshly milled to a deep chocolate/black brown when aged. This process happens within a few months.
Hardness:
Wenge is 30% harder than red oak, (1630 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
Wenge is used wherever a strong contrast is desired when used as accent strips and may used residentially & commercially.
Stability:
Wenge is very stable.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
Wenge has been known to cause respiratory and contact dermatitis allergic reactions. Care should be taken when exposed to the dust of Wenge.
Known Finish Issues:
Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Wenge. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

The Species:


Flooring Trade Name: White Oak
Botanical Name: Quercus, alba
Lumber Name: White Oak
Grows In: North America w/related species throughout Europe & Asia
Products / Oak, White
Description:
White Oak is the American classic, used widely in "Mission" style furniture where the distinctive rays found in the quarter sawn grain are sought.

Color Range & Color Change:


Color Range: White Oak has a medium high degree of color variability and ranges from light tan colors to medium tan colors with a grayish cast to medium brown colors. WFI offers highly selected straight grain offerings, which are color selected to yield a uniform medium tan color.
Color Change: White Oak undergoes a medium degree of color change, with a slight ambering over time.
Hardness:
White Oak is 108% as hard as red oak (1360 on the Janka scale vs.1260 for red oak).
Where to Use:
White Oak may be used both residentially and commercially. It is sought after for the "fleck" found in the quarter sawn selection, which yields a distinguished classic look to any formal setting.
Stability:
White Oak is average in stability, similar to red oak.
Allergic Reaction Potential:
White Oak is known to cause contact dermatitis so care should be taken when coming in contact with White Oak saw dust. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.
Known Finish Issues:
There are no finish incompatibilities known for White Oak. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.