Jatoba / Brazilian Cherry flooring is one of the most beautiful and vibrant choices in wood floors. The color is a rich red unique to Jatoba that can be the centerpiece of your home design. However, it is difficult to maintain. When it is first laid down its color is a bright orange that could almost be considered tacky. It only reaches its full potential through an oxidation process that can take a year or two.

The below image best illustrates the difference between a freshly laid floor and one that has gone through its oxidation process. The color difference is radical and unique to Jatoba.

When choosing Jatoba it is important to keep its extreme color difference in mind. If for any reason on room needs to be repaired or refinished it could take as much as two years for the color difference to be lessened, and it may never be the same as the original floor.

Jatoba is also prone to showing scratches and flaws. And if you invest in engineered wood flooring it can only be refinished once. It is imperative that you take care to not scratch the floor. All furniture should have foot pads, and it is best to use cleaning products designed especially for exotic wood. Harsh cleaning products can dull the finish and detract from the beauty of the flooring.

While it is difficult to maintain the extraordinary beauty of Jatoba can be well worth it. It can create a warmth and vibrancy that adds a joy to your home.