Exotic Wood Flooring

Exotic wood floors are a fun way to add extra style.

From Cork to Bamboo

Exotic-wood floors are among today's most popular ways to inject extra style. We talked with flooring expert Steve Simonson, CEO of Smooth Corp. and iFloor.com, to get the basics on the hottest exotics. All prices are for prefinished, 3/4-inch solid-wood materials as purchased from environmentally responsible flooring manufacturers. Surprisingly low prices on exotics often result from irresponsible harvesting. When buying exotic woods, look for the Forest Stewardship Council's FSC certification label as an indication of earth-friendly practices.

Brazilian Cherry

Look: Dark red-orange brown; darkens with age and exposure to light. Tight grain. Some boards have lighter yellow coloring that won't fade or darken.

Durability: Three times harder than red oak.

Cost: $6-$9 per square foot, uninstalled.

Bamboo

Look: Technically a grass rather than wood. Found in both a yellow maplelike color and a middle-tone brown. Tight grain. Won't darken or fade with age. Can be cut into two patterns: vertical or flat grain (which showcases the node of the bamboo stalk).

Durability: Slightly harder than red oak.

Cost: $4-$6 per square foot, uninstalled.

Cork

Look: Comes in many colors, natural and dyed. Granular appearance that sometimes includes eye-catching burls or linear patterns. Won't fade or darken.

Durability: Durable, resilient, comfortable, and acoustically pleasing. Flexible installation.

Cost: $5-$8 per square foot (comes in squares), uninstalled.

Santos Mahogany

Look: Dark, reddish brown, similar to Brazilian cherry but deeper in color. Acquires a deep red or purple hue with age and exposure to light. Uniform grain and coloring.

Durability: More than twice as hard as red oak; four times harder than American mahogany.

Cost: $8-/$12 per square foot; uninstalled.