Exotic hardwood flooring, species verification & stair planning

It is a broad market term, not one construction or performance class. Verify the exact species, source and product documentation rather than relying on the label alone.

Not always. Names such as Brazilian walnut, Brazilian oak or Brazilian koa can be used inconsistently, so confirm the botanical species and origin for the exact product.

No. Ipe is often marketed under that name, but the phrase can refer to other woods. Treat Ipe or any botanical identity as verified only when the product documentation says so.

Jatoba is widely sold as Brazilian cherry, but a sales label is not enough to identify every product. Confirm the species in the current manufacturer documentation.

It often refers to Cumaru, but trade names vary. Confirm the exact species, legal sourcing, finish and installation requirements for the product being considered.

Those names may overlap in the market, but usage is not perfectly consistent. Verify the botanical species, source and current product documents.

Choose from verified products based on construction, room and subfloor conditions, installation method, refinishing expectations and manufacturer guidance—not the species name alone.

Neither is universally better. Compare the exact factory- or site-finished system, sheen, texture, maintenance, schedule and warranty implications for your project.

Measure the wood, subfloor and jobsite conditions, then follow the current manufacturer instructions. Dense tropical species may need extra planning, but there is no universal time.

Use the exact carton coverage and include waste, preparation, installation, trims, delivery and stair components. Do not compare a carton price or board size in isolation.

Sometimes, but verify the exact tread, riser, nosing and trim options for the chosen floor. Keep the stair plan visible from sampling through the final quote.