The boom in eco-friendly products has reached nearly every branch of the economy, from children’s toys to home improvement and interior décor. Homes are being produced on general “green” guidelines. Cars are being built on more environmentally sound guidelines. Virtually any product has a green counterpart somewhere. In flooring, there are several obvious choices for the green consumer, including cork, bamboo, and any product endorsed by the FSC. It is not any of these that we focus on here today, though its environmental benefits are significantly of note. Of course, Lyptus Flooring is what I refer to.

As the name implies, Lyptus is made from a Eucalyptus tree – two, actually. Lyptus woods are produced from a hybrid species of tree resulting from the natural conjoining of Eucalyptus Grandis and Eucalyptus Arophylla. As far as sustainable forests go, the plantations that Lyptus is harvested from are relatively unique. Located in Brazil, these plantations demote the clearing of old-growth forests. The plantations are entirely sustainable, and play off of Lyptus’ natural ability to reproduce independently. Saplings will normally sprout straight from the stump of the tree fallen.

A great advantage to Lyptus’ environmental standpoint is the time it takes to produce a growth of forest. Lyptus trees mature in about fifteen years – a full 45 years shorter than most other hardwood trees. A customer might think then, that this is a softer, less durable option for flooring. In fact, Lyptus’ Janka rating is 1550 – almost three hundred points higher than Red Oak, the benchmark hardwood used in referencing hardness.

Lyptus refers to the hybrid species used for hardwood flooring, but it also refers to Weyerhauser’s brand name for the line of Lyptus products. At the moment, Weyerhauser’s Lyptus line offers both engineered and solid hardwood flooring, in addition to lumber, plywood, and veneer. Since Aracruz Produtos de Madeira – a subsidiary of Aracruz Celulose – bred the hybrid species, they own the rights to it, as well as several plantations for its sustainable growth in Brazil. Aracruz abides by its own environmental standpoints, and is not FSC certified.

It is undeniable, however, that Lyptus is indeed a solid choice for green flooring, with much respect given to our global ecosystem.

Popularity: 96% [?]

In the flooring industry, no other wood beats Brazilian walnut flooring in terms of outright hardness. With an unmatched 3680 Janka rating, Brazilian walnut, or Ipé, excels in durability. Decking is a good use to put it to, as pressure washing can bring back the full, dark coloring of Ipé from graying. Unfortunately for woodworkers, this hardness also impedes the ability of this wood to be worked. It has a resistance to shaping and tends to dull blades quickly.

South American Ipé is particularly resistant to both fire and insects. Grade A – the fire-resistance grade assigned to cement – also applies to Ipé. Even in the natural form, a towering 140 foot tall, 6 foot wide tree, Tabebuia Serratifolia shows moderate aversion to flame.

The dark brown, chocolate coloring of this specie seems to entice people towards it, eliciting a positive response in any atmosphere. Like most hardwoods, Ipé darkens over time. It should be noted that decking is the popular choice for this wood because of its hardness. Finishing can be difficult due to the density, and outdoor use eliminates the need to apply extensive coating. The weathering process of outdoors negates quickly any finishing applied, especially in damp or wet regions. If indoor flooring is the intended use, it is recommended to compare pre-finished Brazilian Walnut with the added trouble of finishing at home. The overall durability, however, supercedes many finishes.

Engineered hardwood flooring may be preferred over solids for the simple reason of workability. Ipe is notorious for being difficult to nail. Most professionals recommend pre-drilling holes for the nailing process: yes, this wood is that hard.

Popularity: 99% [?]

The massive Amazon rainforest is home to thousands upon thousands of different specie of plant life. It is known as the most expansive collection of life on the planet, housing so many plants, insects, and animals that humans have not even recorded much of what lies within. Those we have identified are rare and beautiful specimen, renowned for their individual qualities. Amongst these, few stand out above the rest, and it is on one of those that we now home in on.

It is known in South America as Jatobá, but in North America, it is called Brazilian Cherry. In fact, this tree is not a cherry tree at all, but is a legume, the branch of plants responsible for things like peanuts, peas, and lentils. The rationalization for this seems to be a strategic marketing technique without any specific origin. Saying that Jatobá is Brazilian Cherry may make some potential customers feel somehow inclined to purchase something familiar. Everyone knows what a cherry tree is, but not many know Jatobá is, and thus a relationship is built and established. Since the inception of the name itself, it has simply become the most common title used in North America. There are dozens of other names as well, dependent on the region one is referring to. Hymenaea Courbaril is the botanical name, but this tree is also known as South American Locust, and Brazilian Copal.

Jatobá boasts one of the highest Janka ratings available at roughly 2800 Lbf (pounds-force), over double Red Oak’s rating. Because of this durability, Jatobá is used in many different fields. In addition to hardwood flooring, products are produced as furniture and in construction. The exotic coloring makes it a popular choice for any application in your home. It actually takes the role of the most imported from Brazil to the United States. Coloring crosses the spectrum from salmon pink and light brown in the heartwood, to a darker, streaked reddish-brown that darkens with exposure to sunlight, as so many woods do. Needless to say, the unique coloring adds to its appeal. Jatobá stands out as one of the more beautiful flooring products available today.

Popularity: 74% [?]