Hardwood flooring brings a sense of elegance, durability, and warmth to any space. When it comes to adding rich, natural hues to your home, naturally red hardwoods stand out for their striking color and timeless beauty. If you’re considering red hardwood for your floors, this guide will explore the various naturally red wood species available, their unique characteristics, and how they can enhance your home’s aesthetic.
What makes hardwood naturally red?
The rich red hues found in certain hardwood species come from the natural pigments present in the wood. These pigments can range from deep burgundy to lighter, reddish-brown tones, offering homeowners a wide array of choices. Over time, these woods may deepen in color due to exposure to sunlight and air, adding to their charm and appeal.
Natural red hardwoods are an excellent choice for creating warm, inviting spaces, whether in traditional, modern, or rustic homes. They bring a unique sense of style and sophistication that sets them apart from more common wood tones like oak or maple.
Popular naturally red hardwood species
Several hardwood species offer naturally red tones that can transform the look and feel of any room. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Mahogany
Mahogany is one of the most renowned and sought-after hardwood species, known for its rich, deep reddish-brown hue. This exotic wood has long been favored for high-end furniture, cabinets, and flooring due to its fine grain, durability, and natural luster. Over time, mahogany develops an even richer red tone, making it a popular choice for those looking to create a luxurious atmosphere.
Benefits of mahogany
- Durability: Mahogany is incredibly strong and resistant to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Workability: It’s relatively easy to work with, allowing for intricate designs and custom finishes.
- Color longevity: Mahogany's deep red tones grow richer with age, adding value and beauty over time.
Brazilian cherry (Jatoba)
Brazilian cherry, also known as Jatoba, is a hardwood prized for its vibrant red hue and exceptional hardness. It features a range of tones, from lighter reddish-brown to deeper red or burgundy shades. This hardwood is popular in flooring because of its durability and its ability to take on a beautiful shine when finished.
Benefits of Brazilian cherry
- Hardness: Brazilian cherry is one of the hardest woods available, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
- Color depth: The red color of Brazilian cherry deepens and becomes more vibrant with exposure to light, creating a dynamic and evolving look.
- Exotic appeal: Its striking, exotic appearance adds a bold statement to any room.
Santos Mahogany
Another striking red hardwood option is Santos Mahogany. Originating from Central and South America, this wood has a rich reddish-brown color and is slightly darker than its African counterpart. Its fine grain and excellent hardness make it a popular choice for flooring that combines beauty and resilience.
Benefits of Santos mahogany
- Superior hardness: Santos mahogany is even harder than traditional mahogany, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
- Consistent grain: Its smooth, consistent grain pattern adds elegance to any space, while its rich color brings warmth.
- Versatile use: This wood is suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways, providing long-lasting beauty.
Bloodwood
As the name suggests, Bloodwood is a bright, naturally red hardwood that brings a bold and vibrant aesthetic to any room. Native to South America, this wood has a fine, smooth texture with a striking red color that remains consistent over time. Its bold appearance makes it a great choice for accent floors or areas where you want to make a dramatic statement.
Benefits of bloodwood
- Vibrant color: Bloodwood is known for its intense red color, which remains vibrant and does not darken as much with age.
- Durability: It’s highly durable and can withstand daily wear, making it a great option for busy households.
- Unique look: Its bold, consistent color and fine texture set it apart from other red hardwoods.
Red oak
While not as vibrantly red as species like Bloodwood or Brazilian cherry, Red Oak is a popular domestic hardwood with a subtle reddish undertone. This wood is widely available in North America and offers a more understated red hue, making it a versatile choice for homeowners who want a touch of red without overwhelming the space.
Benefits of red oak
- Availability: As a domestic hardwood, Red Oak is readily available and often more affordable than exotic species.
- Durability: Red Oak is strong and resilient, perfect for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
- Finishing flexibility: Its natural red undertones can be highlighted or muted depending on the finish, giving you flexibility in how much red you want to emphasize.
How to care for red hardwood floors
Once you’ve selected a naturally red hardwood for your floors, proper care is essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. Here are some tips to help you care for your red hardwood floors:
Regular cleaning
Naturally red hardwood floors can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can dull their vibrant colors. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps prevent dirt from scratching the surface. For a deeper clean, use a hardwood floor cleaner designed for the specific wood species you’ve chosen.
Protect from sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause naturally red hardwoods to darken or fade over time. To prevent this, consider using window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, to block out harsh UV rays. Rotating area rugs and furniture can also help distribute sunlight exposure more evenly across the floor.
Prevent scratches
To protect your floors from scratches, place furniture pads on the bottom of chairs, tables, and other heavy furniture. Additionally, use area rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear.
Red hardwood floors: A bold and beautiful choice
Choosing a naturally red hardwood for your flooring is an excellent way to bring warmth, elegance, and a bold touch of color to your home. Whether you opt for the deep richness of mahogany, the exotic appeal of Brazilian cherry, or the vibrant tones of Bloodwood, there is a red hardwood species to suit any style and need.
If you're ready to transform your space with the beauty of naturally red hardwood floors, visit Alliance Floor Source in Concord, ON, or explore their website for expert advice and a wide selection of flooring options. The team at Alliance Floor Source can help you find the perfect red hardwood to suit your home’s aesthetic and needs.
