Exotic Woods

The sheer range of colors, patterns, textures, and even scents that exotic woods provide are unlike any other. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why species such as redwoods, teak, curly maple, cedar, cocobolo, and many others are all so incredibly popular. However, you don’t have to be a millionaire to be able to install quality exotic woods in your home. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay within your budget.

It may seem obvious, but keeping your goal in mind while browsing different species of exotic woods will help significantly in narrowing down your search. For example, if you’re on a lower budget, you may not want to consider an extremely rare wood such as cocobolo for your hardwood floors or countertops. However, if you are creating something smaller, such as a jewelry box or a musical instrument, you may be able to afford to indulge in rarer woods.

It’s also important to study the traits each species of tree possesses. Learn which types of wood work well outdoors and which are better suited for indoor locations. You may even learn a few advantages about the wood that you never would have found out otherwise! Take cedar, for instance. It is famous for its gorgeous array of colors as well as its resistance toward fading and fatigue. However, you may not know that the scent of cedar is part of what makes it resistant toward insects.

You can save money on exotic woods by ordering them rough cut. This means that the lumberyard has not dried, finished, or treated the wood in any way. There are lots of advantages to doing this yourself. Not only do you save a lot of money, but you can ensure that your wood is stronger and more beautiful by keeping a close eye on it during the drying process and selecting just the right finish or stain.

Another way to spend less on exotic woods is to purchase thin planks of exotic wood rather than entire slabs of it. Once you’ve made your purchase, you can glue these slabs over the original wood, plywood, or particleboard surface. This process is known as veneering. It is a popular decorative technique because it’s considerably less expensive than larger exotic lumber purchases. It also allows you to experiment with many types of exotic woods at once.

By following these suggestions, you will find that your search for the perfect exotic hardwood isn’t as impossible as it seems. Discover for yourself today how exotic woods can bring style and elegance to your home.