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Exotic Hardwood Collections: Rare Beauty from Around the Globe

Exotic Hardwood Collections: Rare Beauty from Around the Globe

Exotic hardwoods offer a rare combination of unique beauty and outstanding performance not found in domestic hardwoods.

Our exotic species are native to the rainforests of South America, where they evolved under dense, competitive growing conditions and extreme weather.

These factors produced hardwoods that are exceptionally dense, remarkably durable, and visually striking.

Today, companies like Indusparquet and Mason Wood Floors sustainably harvest these hardwoods to create flooring with rich color, bold grain patterns, and long-lasting strength.

Exotic Species Guide

Brazilian Classics

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Origin: Central & Southern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Deep red color that darkens to a rich brown over time

Hardness exceeds that of domestic species, providing superior durability

Brazilian Chestnut (Sucupira)

Origin: Northern & Central Brazil, Amazon Basin

Deep brown to purplish tones with striking dark streaks and coarse, interlocked grain

Similar color range, but dramatic alternative to smoother species like cherry

Brazilian Oak (Tauari)

Origin: Southern & Eastern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Light golden-tan to medium brown with a fine, straight grain for a clean, understated look

Combines the durability of an exotic with the clean, familiar look of oak

Brazilian Teak (Cumaru)

Origin: Northern & Central Brazil, Amazon Basin

Distinctive for its bold mix of honey-gold, amber, and reddish-brown tones, lively interlocked grain

Trusted to deliver lasting strength and performance even in demanding conditions

Brazilian Walnut (Ipe)

Origin: Northern & Central Brazil, Amazon Basin

Dark brown to olive-black coloring with fine, straight grain and occasional lighter highlights

Considered the most durable species in hardwood flooring

Brazilian Pecan (Brazilian Hickory)

Origin: Southern Brazil, Paraná & Santa Catarina

Striking contrast of cream, tan, and chocolate brown, swirling grain and dramatic variation

Extreme color shifts, offering more contrast within a single floor than most any other exotic species

Smooth & Sophisticated

Red Cumaru (Red Teak)

Origin: Northern & Central Brazil, Amazon Basin

Rich reddish-brown tones with interlocked grain, darker and more consistent than Brazilian Teak

Appreciated for its refined, formal appearance that adds warmth and depth to interiors

Santos Mahogany (Cabrueva)

Origin: Northern Brazil & Eastern Peru

Deep red to dark burgundy with a fine, uniform grain that creates a rich and elegant floor

Consistent color and polished appearance, refined alternative to Brazilian Cherry

Amendoim

Origin: Central & Southern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Warm golden-tan to light brown coloring with subtle rose undertones and a fine, straight grain

Stands apart for its natural luster that gives floors a soft, glowing finish

Rare Exotics

Tigerwood (Gonçalo Alves)

Origin: Eastern & Southern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Golden-brown base with bold dark striping that creates contrast and movement across a floor

Instantly recognizable for its distinctive “Tiger-Stripe” pattern

Golden Tamboril (Canarywood)

Origin: Northeastern Brazil, Atlantic Forest

Light golden to pale honey tones with straight, even grain that creates a smooth, uniform floor

Rare consistent light color, competes directly with the clean look of maple or birch

Hardness Ratings: Domestic vs Exotic

Hardness Ratings: Domestic vs Exotic

Find Hardwood Flooring For Sale at Panel Town & Floors

With over five decades in the flooring business, the expert team at Panel Town & Floors can help with your next project whether you need assistance with material selection, design or installation. We can even help you choose the right hardwood flooring supplies and finishing products.

Browse our extensive online selection of hardwood flooring for sale today!

What our customers are saying:

      
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   Bocho Amaro 
 October 2, 2026
 
 
  Está muy bien
  
 
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   Mark Young 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
  I love this place.   They have what I need, ship it immediately and their customer service is top notch.  It is nice to support a family business.
  
 
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   Kathy Bluemel 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
  If you have stumbled upon Panel Town, for flooring, look no further.  They have a great selection of floors.  Herman helped me out, he was very helpful, knowledgeable, gave me thoughts & ideas, and also best price match around.  Panel Town quoted me a couple thousand less than my quote from my installer.  Needless to say, I paused on my flooring install.  When I came back months later, the quote was less & they have recommended installers.  I went with Krumlaff floors.  Herman ordered my flooring, held onto for a week & had it delivered.  I definitely recommend Panel Town!
  
 
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   Isaiah Ocasio 
 September 21, 2026
 
 
  We went into panel in town because we needed advice on how to deal with some issues regarding our bamboo engineered hardwood floors. Herman was the employee that helped me and he did a phenomenal job at answering all of my questions giving me solutions on fixing scuff marks and some of the peeling finish on the floors and overall alleviated a lot of anxiety that we had on the integrity of our floors. Amazing service. Could not ask for more would recommend and will be back in the future.
  
 
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   Bryan Albright 
 September 17, 2026
 
 
  Jordan and Ian were super polite, considerate of my house, and delivered 82 boxes safely and quickly.
  
 
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   Rick Chapman 
 September 14, 2026
 
 
  Very attentive and helpful
  
 
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   Kyle Jenkins 
 September 11, 2026
 
 
  I can’t say enough good things about Panel Town & Floors! We’ve  been doing business with them for the last 20 years, and they’ve always been great to work with. Homdi, the owner, and his son Attia have been absolutely great, along with their team — Chris, Marcos, and Herman. They’re knowledgeable, hardworking, and always go above and beyond to take care of their customers.

What really stood out to me recently was their customer service. I was looking for a brand-new Bona PowerDrive, and when no one else could get one for me, Homdi and his team came through and got it for me. That kind of service and dedication is hard to find!

As a flooring professional, I truly appreciate working with a company that understands the industry, stands behind what they sell, and takes care of its customers. I highly recommend Panel Town & Floors to anyone in the flooring business.

After 20 years of doing business with them, I’m looking forward to the next 20 years! Thanks again to Homdi, Attia, Chris, Marcos, and Herman for always taking care of me. You’ve earned every one of these 5 stars!

— Kyle Jenkins
Jenkins Custom Hardwood LLC
  
 
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   Roger Coville 
 September 11, 2026
 
 
  Attia was super helpful when I stopped in to ask about wood finishes for a chair I’m making. Explained the options for “one” coat finishes they stock. Highly recommend this shop.
  
 
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   Elaine Reid 
 September 11, 2026
 
 
  Jordan and Ian did a great job, very professional and considerate!
  
 
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   Juliette Savitscus 
 September 9, 2026
 
 
  Everyone there has been great.  From our sales person, Herman, to our delivery people, Ian and Jordan.  Pleasant and professional.  They wanted to make sure everything was right and we were satisfied.  Would highly recommend!

FAQs

What woods are considered exotic hardwood flooring?

“Exotic” covers a lot of ground, which is exactly why shoppers ask. Exotic hardwood flooring refers to species imported from tropical regions rather than domestic North American woods, including Brazilian cherry (jatoba), Brazilian teak (cumaru), tigerwood, Santos mahogany, Brazilian chestnut, and ipe. They are sought after for dramatic color, bold grain, and, in many cases, exceptional hardness that domestic species cannot match.

Are exotic hardwood floors harder than domestic species?

Most are, often by a wide margin. Many exotics carry Janka hardness ratings well above oak, with species like Brazilian walnut (ipe) and cumaru ranking among the hardest flooring woods sold. That density makes them highly dent- and wear-resistant for high-traffic and commercial use, though it also means they are tougher to cut and fasten, so sharp blades and the right nailer matter.

Do exotic floors fade or change color in sunlight?

Many do, and it is worth setting expectations up front. Several exotics, Brazilian cherry especially, are photosensitive and deepen or shift in color over the first months of light exposure. Rotating rugs and furniture early on lets the floor mature evenly and avoids leaving lighter patches where the light was blocked.

Can exotic species be refinished and do they take stain well?

Solid exotic floors can be sanded and refinished, but their density and natural oils can make staining less predictable, which is why most are sold prefinished or kept in their natural color sealed with a clear finish. When refinishing, a flooring professional will adjust sanding and finish products to the specific species rather than treating it like oak.

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Exotic Hardwood Collections: Rare Beauty from Around the Globe

Exotic Species Guide

Brazilian Classics

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Brazilian Chestnut (Sucupira)

Brazilian Oak (Tauari)

Brazilian Teak (Cumaru)

Brazilian Walnut (Ipe)

Brazilian Pecan (Brazilian Hickory)

Smooth & Sophisticated

Red Cumaru (Red Teak)

Santos Mahogany (Cabrueva)

Amendoim

Rare Exotics

Tigerwood (Gonçalo Alves)

Golden Tamboril (Canarywood)

Hardness Ratings: Domestic vs Exotic

Hardness Ratings: Domestic vs Exotic

Find Hardwood Flooring For Sale at Panel Town & Floors

What our customers are saying:

FAQs

What woods are considered exotic hardwood flooring?

Are exotic hardwood floors harder than domestic species?

Do exotic floors fade or change color in sunlight?

Can exotic species be refinished and do they take stain well?

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