Tigerwood Flooring For Boats: Pros And Cons

Tigerwood is a popular choice for flooring due to its durability, unique appearance, and water-resistant qualities. It is a dense and heavy wood with a Janka hardness rating of 1820-2160, making it harder than many other wood types and resistant to dents and scratches. Its natural oils further enhance its water-resistant properties, protecting it from rot and mould.

Tigerwood is also known for its striking colour and grain patterns, which resemble the coat of a tiger with its dark brown and reddish-orange background and dramatic grain patterns. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and exotic look.

However, tigerwood is not without its drawbacks. It is prone to discolouration when exposed to sunlight, and its hardness makes it difficult to work with, requiring professional tools and installation. Additionally, it is relatively expensive compared to domestic hardwoods, though it is generally less costly than other exotic hardwoods.

Overall, tigerwood is a durable and visually appealing option for flooring, but it is important to consider the potential challenges and costs associated with its installation and maintenance.

Tigerwood's durability

Tigerwood is a highly durable material. It has a Janka hardness scale rating of 2160, which makes it harder than many other wood species. For reference, red oak has a rating of 1210, hickory and maple have a rating below 2160, and pecan hickory and maple are rated below 1850. This durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas and resistant to dents and scratches from children and pets.

Tigerwood is also known for its water resistance. Its density and natural oils make it less permeable, and it does not easily absorb water. It is also resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting in damp environments. Additionally, its natural oils protect it from mould and make it insect-resistant.

However, tigerwood is prone to discolouration when exposed to sunlight, with the lighter sapwood colours tending to deepen over time, reducing the contrast between the lighter and darker parts of the wood. This process can be slowed by limiting sunlight exposure.

Tigerwood's unique appearance

Tigerwood is a unique and exotic hardwood species that is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for flooring, decking, and furniture. Here are four to six paragraphs highlighting the unique appearance of Tigerwood:

Tigerwood derives its name from its distinctive tiger-like stripes, which range from light orange, golden tan, or reddish-brown to a deep russet brown. These stripes vary in thickness from broad strokes to delicate lines, creating a dynamic and eye-catching visual effect. The background colour of Tigerwood can be a rich orange or a darker brown, accentuated by random black and brown splashes. This combination of colours and patterns gives Tigerwood a bold and dramatic look that sets it apart from plainer hardwoods.

The two main grades of Tigerwood are clear and common. Clear-grade Tigerwood features a deep rosy-orange base with prominent brown and black stripes. The common grade has a less pronounced colour variation and may include minor defects such as planer grooves or ripples. The unique grain patterns and colour variations in Tigerwood make each piece of wood one-of-a-kind, adding to its exotic appeal.

Tigerwood is also known by various other names, including Brazilian Koa, Zebra Wood, African Walnut, Goncalo Alves, Congo Wood, and Muiracatiara. This diversity of names reflects the wood's distinct appearance and its origin from different species, such as Coula edulis and Lovoa trichilioides. Despite the regional variations, all Tigerwood species share the same dramatic grain pattern that makes it so sought-after.

The colour of Tigerwood can change over time, with the lighter sapwood gradually deepening into a reddish or dark brown hue. This process can take up to 10 years, and it reduces the contrast between the lighter and darker colours. However, this colour change can be slowed down by limiting the amount of sunlight the floor receives or by using UV-filtering window treatments.

Tigerwood's density and natural oils contribute to its water-resistant properties. It has a Janka hardness rating of 2160, making it harder than many other types of wood. This high density makes it resistant to water absorption, and its natural oils further enhance its water permeability. As a result, Tigerwood is highly resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting, even in damp environments.

Tigerwood's water resistance

Tigerwood is a water-resistant wood, making it perfect for use in boats and other outdoor applications. Its density and natural oils make it highly resistant to water. It hardly absorbs water, and even after exposure, it does not expand or contract, preventing warping, buckling, or cracking.

Tigerwood is also easy to maintain. For deeper cleaning, a mixture of mild soap and water can be used without harming the finish. However, it is important to note that harsh cleaners not designed for exotic hardwoods should be avoided.

Additionally, Tigerwood is highly resistant to decay and rot. It does not attract mold or fungus growth, further contributing to its water-resistant properties. Its durability and resistance to bugs and rot mean that, with proper care, it can last for over 50 years indoors and over 25 years in outdoor settings.

Tigerwood's maintenance

Tigerwood is a beautiful and unique wood that is perfect for boat floors due to its durability and water-resistant qualities. Here are some tips to maintain your tigerwood boat floor:

Maintenance Tips:

• Keep the floor clean by regularly vacuuming or sweeping to remove any visible dust, dirt, or debris.
• Clean up liquid spills immediately to maintain the integrity of the wood and prevent water damage.
• Use rugs or mats in areas with heavy foot traffic to reduce wear and tear.
• Protect the wood from furniture legs by placing felt pads underneath.
• Trim your pet's nails to prevent scratching.
• Avoid rugs with rubber backings as they can cause discolouration.
• Rotate or rearrange furniture periodically to allow even exposure to sunlight and prevent uneven ageing.
• For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution (¼ cup of mild soap per 2 gallons of water) to wash away dirt without damaging the finish. Avoid using cleaners not designed for exotic hardwoods.

Sunlight Discoloration:

Tigerwood is prone to discolouration when exposed to direct sunlight over time. To slow down this process:

• Limit the amount of sunlight hitting the floor by using light-filtering window treatments or curtains.
• Rotate or move furniture to prevent uneven discolouration.
• If desired, apply a UV oil treatment to preserve the natural colour. This typically requires 1-2 coats per year, depending on your local climate and product used.

Restoration:

If your tigerwood floor has already discoloured or faded, you can restore its colour by:

• Washing the deck with a commercial deck brightener containing oxalic acid or oxalic crystals mixed with warm water.
• Sanding the deck with an oscillating flooring sander and a 'BLACK' abrasive pad, or pressure washing it. Ensure you wash off any dust or debris created during this process.
• Applying a coat of UV oil protectant when the deck is dry and cool. Use a roller, brush, or pad to apply the oil, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Optionally, apply a light second coat and use an oil-soaked towel to touch up any spots that need extra attention.

Tigerwood's environmental impact

Tigerwood is a tropical hardwood sourced from several tree species native to Africa, South and Central America. It is a popular choice for flooring, furniture, and boats due to its durability, unique appearance, and water-resistant qualities. While tigerwood is not an endangered species, its environmental impact should be considered, especially as it is often sourced from tropical forests that host diverse wildlife. Here is an analysis of tigerwood's environmental impact:

Growing Tigerwood

Tigerwood trees can reach great heights, with some species growing up to 150 feet tall. They are relatively fast-growing compared to other tropical hardwoods, with some species reaching maturity within 50 years. The growth of tigerwood trees contributes to carbon sequestration, as they absorb CO2 and release oxygen during their long lifespans. However, the harvesting of tigerwood from natural forests can lead to biodiversity loss and disrupt the habitats of various animals that depend on these trees.

Manufacturing and Transporting Tigerwood

The manufacturing process of turning tigerwood into furniture or flooring can be made more sustainable by utilizing wood waste to create by-products or biomass pellets, offsetting carbon emissions during harvesting and processing. However, transporting tigerwood, especially over long distances from Central or South America to consumer markets, contributes to carbon emissions. The use of fossil fuels and the distance traveled impact the carbon footprint of this stage.

Using Tigerwood Products

Tigerwood is known for its durability and resistance to water, bugs, and rot due to its hardness and natural oils. This contributes to the longevity of tigerwood products, which can last for 50 years indoors and 25 years outdoors. The long lifespan of tigerwood products means they can serve as effective carbon capture and storage solutions.

End-of-Life for Tigerwood Products

At the end of their lifespan, tigerwood products can be sustainably managed by reusing or burning the wood as bioenergy. Reusing or repurposing tigerwood furniture or flooring can extend their carbon storage capabilities. Burning tigerwood as biomass energy can displace the use of coal or natural gas, reducing fossil fuel emissions.

Sustainable Sourcing of Tigerwood

To ensure the sustainable sourcing of tigerwood, consumers should look for relevant environmental certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications indicate that the tigerwood is sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Additionally, consumers can minimize the environmental impact of transportation by opting for tigerwood sourced from closer locations.

In conclusion, while tigerwood offers unique aesthetic and functional qualities, its environmental impact should be considered. Sustainable practices in growing, manufacturing, transportation, and end-of-life management can help reduce the carbon footprint and ecological cost associated with tigerwood products.

Frequently asked questions