Brazilian tigerwood, or otherwise known as Aspidosperma discolor, is a dense, weather-resistant hardwood native to Central and South America. Due to the unique coloration, durability, and strength of this species, it is considered to be a premium hardwood for flooring, decking, and other exterior applications.
As a result, Brazilian tigerwood can be costly when compared to other hardwood species and thicknesses. Assuming that you are purchasing premium quality, the price range can vary depending on the thickness and width of the material.
Generally speaking, prices typically range from $4 to $12 per square foot for 1-inch thick boards. Additionally, wider boards are often more expensive than thinner boards.
Is tigerwood a good wood?
Tigerwood is an excellent wood for a variety of uses. It is very strong and hard, making it great for flooring, furniture, and other projects. Tigerwood is also very durable and resistant to rot, making it a great choice for outdoor use.
The natural grain pattern of tigerwood is unique and gives the wood an attractive look. The wood is also perfect for staining, so you can customize the look of your project. In addition, tigerwood is relatively inexpensive compared to other hardwood species, making it a great choice for a variety of projects.
Is tigerwood the same as Brazilian Koa?
No, tigerwood (also known as Goncalo Alves) is not the same as Brazilain Koa. Tigerwood is a wood native to Central and South America and is known for its dark reddish-brown color with stripes of black and gold.
Tigerwood tends to have an interlocked grain pattern and an oily feel. Brazilian Koa is a very hard and dense wood native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Brazilian Koa generally varies in color from golden to a reddish-brown, and it has very few defects due to its incredibly dense structure.
It has a unique striped figuring, and its grain pattern is generally straight without any interlock. Both woods are primarily used in high-end cabinetry, flooring, and exteriors.
What tree does tigerwood come from?
Tigerwood is derived from the species of tree known scientifically as Astronium Graveolens and more commonly as the Brazilian Tigerwood tree. This tree is native to much of Central and South America, ranging from Nicaragua to Bolivia and Brazil.
It is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall and 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. The leaves are oval shaped and are about 10 inches (25 cm) long with a leathery texture.
The bark is gray-brown in color and has deep furrows. The tree produces yellow-green flowers that turn into clustered brown fruit.
Tigerwood is an extremely hard and heavy wood, with a unique striping pattern when cut and polished. It is prized for its durability and striking appearance, and is used in many furnishing and flooring applications.
The timber is known for its strong resistance to decay, making it a very popular choice for outdoor applications.
Tigerwood has a risk of being logged unsustainably in some areas and is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. As a result, conservation measures have been implemented in various Central and South American countries to ensure the protection of this species.
Does tigerwood need to be sealed?
Yes, tigerwood should be sealed regularly to protect it from becoming discolored, avoiding moisture damage, and to increase its lifespan. Sealing tigerwood is similar to sealing other types of wood, but the process should be done less frequently because of its naturally dense structure.
It is advisable to seal the wood every two to three years. Sealing not only helps protect the wood from moisture and discoloration, but it also enhances the natural colors and grain of the wood. When selecting a sealant, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for outdoor use.
This will ensure that the sealant is able to withstand the outdoor elements and provide adequate protection for the wood. It is also important to make sure the wood is clean and dry before applying the sealant.
How much does tigerwood cost?
The cost of tigerwood depends on multiple factors, such as the size, thickness, grade, and origin of the wood. Generally, tigerwood ranges in price from $5 to $16 per square foot, with an average cost of $8 to $12 per square foot.
Typically, lower grade tigerwood will cost less and higher grade tigerwood will cost more. The size, thickness, and origin of the wood will also affect the cost, with thicker pieces and larger sizes costing more.
Additionally, imported tigerwood is usually more expensive than domestically sourced wood. Therefore, it is best to get a quote from a local wood supplier to get an accurate estimate of the cost.
Does tigerwood darken over time?
Yes, tigerwood does darken over time. This is due to exposure to UV rays from the sun, as well as water and oxygen. Over time, its lighter color will develop into a richer, darker tone. The degree of darkening usually occurs very gradually and will depend on the various environmental factors in which the wood is exposed.
Tigerwood is incredibly durable and will typically resist rot, decay, and insects, making it a great material for outdoor construction and furniture. Additionally, it can be finished using various oil and varnish products for added protection and long-term darkening.
Is Brazilian Koa a hardwood?
Yes, Brazilian Koa is a hardwood. It is one of the most valuable and sought-after hardwoods in the world, due to its strength and attractive grain pattern. It is also known as “tigerwood” or “goncalo alves,” and is native to the tropical rainforests of South America.
It is about two to three times harder than most other hardwoods, and is extremely dense and heavy. Brazilain Koa is often used for furniture and high-end cabinetry because of its beautiful grain pattern, durability, and natural resistance to decay and pests.
What is the finish for tigerwood?
Tigerwood is an incredibly popular hardwood used for flooring, furniture, and woodworking projects. The finish for tigerwood is a combination of a penetrating oil sealer and protective top coats for semi-gloss sheen.
The first step is to ensure that the wood surface has been cleaned and sanded prior to the application of the sealer. The oil-based sealer penetrates deep into the surface of the wood and locks in the natural colors and grains of tigerwood, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to come out.
After the sealer has been applied and allowed to dry, two coats of high-quality polyurethane topcoat should be applied. This will provide additional protection and a semi-gloss sheen, giving your tigerwood surface a luxurious finish.
Lastly, you should use a soft cloth and a high-quality wax polish to complete the process and enjoy your beautiful tigerwood finish.
What type of wood is Tiger wood?
Tiger wood is a tropical hardwood that is part of the Lyctidae family and is scientifically known as “Goncalo Alves. ” It is primarily found in Central and South America, and is characterized by a luxurious, distinct striping pattern with dark brown and black streaks.
Because of its beauty and strength, Tiger wood is highly sought after for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects. It is an extremely dense wood and is very difficult to work with, but it provides lasting durability, with a beautiful finish and soft luster that adds elegance to any interior.
Its hardness also makes it resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for flooring. While it is not a good choice for outdoor use, Tiger wood can be easily stained, sealed, and polished to maintain its natural brilliance and a beautiful finish.
How do you clean tigerwood floors?
Cleaning tigerwood floors can be done in several ways. Firstly, regular dusting with a broom or vacuum cleaner should be done to remove loose dirt and keep the floors looking their best. Secondly, an approved hardwood floor cleaning product should be used to mop the floors and help maintain their original shine and luster.
Make sure to dilute the cleaning product as directed by the manufacturer, to ensure it does not harm the wood. Sucastone, an acid-free wood cleaner, is an excellent choice for tigerwood floors. Third, for tougher dirt and grime, a flat-head mop dampened with lukewarm water, and a small dot of mild dish soap can be used.
Be sure to use a clean, nonabrasive cloth or mop, with as little water as possible to avoid damaging the floors. Finally, wipe down the surface with a dry towel to remove any residue and to ensure the floors are completely dry.
Is tiger wood same as Ipe?
No, tiger wood and Ipe are not the same. Tiger wood is a type of hardwood flooring that is made from tropical trees, like Mahogany and Teak. It is known for its luxurious look and feel, and for its strength and durability.
Ipe, on the other hand, is a Brazilian timber that is known for its superior strength, durability, and resistance to rot, decay, and insects. It is often used for outdoor decking, siding and other projects that need an extremely hard and durable wood.
While tiger wood and Ipe both possess a great deal of strength and are often used in high-end applications, they are two distinct hardwoods and serve very different purposes.
Can you burn tigerwood?
Yes, tigerwood can be burned, although it is not recommended as it will damage the wood’s unique appearance and reduce its useful lifespan. Burning tigerwood will increase the texture, change the color, and reduce its natural luster.
There are some precautions that should be taken when burning tigerwood. Firstly, it should only be used with unseasoned wood since seasoned wood can emit more dangerous chemicals which can be damaging to your health.
Second, the wood should be securely attached to a nonflammable base as burning tigerwood is slow and produces a lot of heat. Third, it should be done in a well-ventilated space. Lastly, the temperature should be monitored carefully, as tigerwood can ignite between 180 and 220 degrees Celsius.