Engineered Jatoba Flooring explored in depth
Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is one of the most prized hardwoods in the flooring world due to its stunning appearance and exceptional hardness. Engineered Jatoba flooring offers a combination of this exotic wood’s beauty with modern technology, making it a desirable option for homeowners seeking luxury, durability, and stability.
And we are delighted to have this product in our wood flooring shop
What Is Engineered Jatoba Flooring?
Engineered Jatoba flooring is made by bonding a real Jatoba veneer (top layer) to several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This structure provides greater stability than solid hardwood, making it less susceptible to the expansion and contraction caused by changes in humidity and temperature. Engineered floors are suitable for a wider range of environments, including areas prone to moisture, like basements or kitchens, where solid Jatoba might not be ideal.
Key Characteristics of Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Before exploring engineered Jatoba in more depth, it’s important to understand the key features of Jatoba itself:
- Color:
- Jatoba is renowned for its deep, rich reddish-brown hues that darken over time, giving it a luxurious, warm appearance. Initially, the wood can have orange and red tones, but exposure to sunlight causes it to deepen into a more mahogany-like shade. This natural color evolution is a key selling point.
- Grain:
- Jatoba has a distinctive grain pattern that is usually interlocking, with a medium-to-high natural luster. The grain is relatively tight, providing a smooth texture, though it sometimes features interesting streaks or swirls that add visual depth.
- Hardness:
- Jatoba is one of the hardest woods available, with a Janka hardness rating of 2350, making it extremely resistant to scratches, dents, and wear. This durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, though it can be challenging to work with when installing or refinishing.
- Natural Oils:
- Like many tropical hardwoods, Jatoba contains natural oils that provide some resistance to moisture, decay, and insects. These oils also enhance the wood’s natural sheen.
Benefits of Engineered Jatoba Flooring
1. Enhanced Stability
One of the primary advantages of engineered Jatoba over solid hardwood is its dimensional stability. The multiple layers of plywood or HDF beneath the Jatoba veneer are designed to expand and contract less than solid wood, reducing the risk of warping, bowing, or cupping. This makes engineered Jatoba a better option for areas with fluctuating humidity levels, such as:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Homes in humid or coastal regions
2. Durability and Longevity
Engineered Jatoba offers many of the same durability benefits as solid Jatoba, thanks to the hardness of the top veneer. Though the engineered structure improves stability, the wear layer of real Jatoba on top provides the same resistance to scratches, dents, and everyday wear.
- Thickness of Wear Layer: High-quality engineered Jatoba floors often have a wear layer 18mm thick with a 4mm engineered top. The thicker the veneer, the more times the floor can be sanded and refinished, extending its lifespan.
3. Installation Versatility
Engineered Jatoba flooring offers more flexibility in terms of installation methods compared to solid hardwood:
- Floating Installation: Many engineered Jatoba products use a click-lock system, allowing for easy floating installation without nails or glue. This makes it a great option for DIY projects.
- Glue-Down or Nail-Down Installation: Engineered Jatoba can also be glued directly to a subfloor or nailed down, depending on the specific product and installation site.
- Subfloor Compatibility: Engineered Jatoba can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, plywood, and even radiant heating systems, thanks to its improved stability.
4. Appearance and Aesthetics
Engineered Jatoba offers the same stunning aesthetics as solid Jatoba but with added flexibility. The top veneer showcases the wood’s rich color variations and interlocking grain. Since engineered wood doesn’t expand or contract as much, it is available in wider planks, which can create a more modern, streamlined look.
- Plank Widths: You can find engineered Jatoba in a variety of plank widths, including the popular wide plank format, which enhances the luxurious appearance of this exotic wood.
- Finishes: Engineered Jatoba can be prefinished or finished on-site. Prefinished options come with several layers of protective finish (often UV-cured aluminum oxide), which enhances durability and simplifies installation. On-site finishing offers more customisation options in terms of stains and finishes.
Limitations of Engineered Jatoba Flooring
1. Limited Refinishing Capability
While solid Jatoba can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan, engineered Jatoba’s refinishing potential depends on the thickness of the veneer. Engineered Jatoba with a thinner wear layer (2mm or less) may only be refinished once or twice before the veneer is worn through.
2. Price
Engineered Jatoba tends to be more expensive than domestic hardwoods (such as oak or maple) due to the exotic nature of the wood. However, it is often less expensive than solid Jatoba while offering similar durability and appearance, making it a good middle-ground choice for those who want the look of exotic hardwood without the higher price tag.
3. Sensitivity to UV Light
Jatoba is known to darken over time when exposed to sunlight. Engineered Jatoba will also experience this color change, particularly in areas with high natural light exposure. Using UV-blocking window treatments or rugs in sunny areas can help mitigate this effect.
Maintenance of Engineered Jatoba Flooring
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and beauty of engineered Jatoba flooring. Though it is tough and durable, regular care is essential:
1. Cleaning Practices
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Dust and dirt can cause fine scratches over time, so sweeping or vacuuming frequently (with a hardwood floor attachment) will help prevent damage.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: While engineered wood is more resistant to moisture than solid wood, it’s still important to avoid water pooling on the floor. Clean spills immediately and use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for wood floors.
- Use Protective Pads: Place felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture.
2. Refinishing and Repairs
As mentioned earlier, engineered Jatoba can be refinished, but this depends on the thickness of the wear layer. If the surface becomes dull or scratched, refinishing can restore its luster. Additionally, minor scratches can be treated with a wood filler or wax repair kits designed for hardwood floors.
Ideal Applications for Engineered Jatoba Flooring
Engineered Jatoba is versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces within the home:
- Living Rooms: The rich, warm tones of Jatoba make it a perfect choice for living areas where a touch of elegance is desired.
- Bedrooms: Engineered Jatoba adds a sense of luxury and warmth to bedrooms, especially when paired with wide planks.
- Kitchens: Thanks to its durability and stability, engineered Jatoba works well in kitchens, especially if you prefer exotic hardwood over tile or laminate.
- Basements: The moisture resistance and dimensional stability of engineered Jatoba make it suitable for below-grade installations like basements, provided the space is kept dry.
Conclusion
Engineered Jatoba flooring combines the best qualities of exotic Jatoba wood with modern engineered construction. It offers the stunning visual appeal, richness, and extreme durability of Jatoba, but with increased stability, versatility in installation, and better performance in areas with moisture or temperature fluctuations. While it is a premium product, its long-term value, aesthetic beauty, and adaptability make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a luxurious and long-lasting flooring option.