Choosing the perfect wood flooring isn’t just about finding something durable and functional; it’s about making a bold statement of luxury and sophistication. Imagine stepping into a world where rare materials and meticulous craftsmanship come together to create something truly exclusive. We’re talking about the most extravagant wood floors on the planet—these aren’t just floors; they’re a reflection of unparalleled elegance and refined taste.
Think of exotic species and custom designs that turn any space into a stunning masterpiece. It’s like walking on a piece of art!
In this guide, we’ll dive into the 7 most luxurious wood flooring options available, uncovering what makes each one so special and how they can transform your space into something extraordinary.
1) Macassar Ebony Hardwood Floors ($90/ board foot)
Macassar Ebony is the prime choice for luxurious interiors, with its complex grain and dramatic colors adding visual interest and depth. This wood exudes luxury and style, making any home feel grand. Its toughness ensures it won’t shrink or disfigure over time, making it ideal for those who want elegance without overspending. High-end decorators swear by it, and it’s easy to see why. For spaces where grandeur is essential, Macassar Ebony is the ultimate choice!
Pros:
– Consistent appearance; always looks stunning.
– Ideal for small items like carvings, piano keys, and instrument parts.
– Resistant to rot and pests.
– Smooth, beautiful texture with a natural, shiny finish.
– Can be safely bent using steam for versatile use.
Cons:
– Very dense, making it difficult to work with and dull tools.
– Can fade in changing weather conditions.
– Can cause allergic reactions, requiring protective gloves.
– Hard to glue due to its natural oils.
2) Bocote Hardwood Floors ($39.99/ board foot)
According to Spolia Magazine, Bocote costs $39.99 per board foot and lies in the less expensive woods category, favored for its beautiful grain pattern and rich brown hue, which creates an elegant, natural aesthetic. It’s especially popular among the wealthy, who appreciate its refined appearance. Bocote offers strength and durability along with its stunning look, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both elegance and quality in their home.
Pros:
– Attractive grain pattern and rich color.
– Strong and durable, ideal for long-lasting use.
– Versatile: can be used for furniture, musical instruments, boat siding, and wall paneling.
– Enhances the beauty of any object, like bowls or bookends, making them seem like works of art.
– Gluing is generally easy, despite the wood’s oily nature.
Cons:
– Darkens with age, which may not suit all preferences.
– High silica content quickly dulls cutting tools.
– Some species may harbor bugs.
– Can cause sensitivity in some people working with it.
3) Wenge Hardwood Floor $23/boardfoot
The first thing one notices about Wenge wood is its color: a rich, dark brown, nearly black, which immediately makes it attractive to homeowners looking for something distinctive and classy. Wenge is very heavy, compact, and durable. This is a type of wood originating from Central Africa, and though is not regarded as an endangered type of wood, its rarity renders it incredibly expensive. Find out how much average hardwood flooring would cost in this guide.
Pros
– Stunning deep brown, almost black color
– Highly durable and resistant to wear
– Dense and hard, ideal for high-traffic areas
– Exotic and rare, adding a unique touch to interiors
Cons
– Difficult to work with due to its stiffness
– Limited availability can make sourcing difficult
– May darken further over time with exposure to sunlight
4) Bubinga Hardwood Floors ($22/ board foot)
Bubinga is a highly sought-after wood for luxury interiors, known for its deep reddish hue that can transform any space into a regal setting. The sturdiness makes it last longer, and it provides warmth as well as richness to any living space. One of the most appreciated features of Bubinga that appeal to clients is the material’s ability to complement interior décor while adding rich exotic appeal.
Pros:
– It comes in various shades of color, from the lightest straw color to the reddish brown color intensity.
– Big trees offer lots of lumber for different purposes, such as on tables, furniture, and paneling as well as veneer, turnings, and carvings.
– Incredibly durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal care.
– Resistant to insects and features diverse grain patterns and streaks.
Cons:
– Interlocking grain can cause difficulties with heavy carvings.
– Dense, oily nature makes it challenging to glue and can dull tools.
– Unpleasant odor when wet.
– Some users report skin irritation after handling.
5) Brazilian Cherry ($10-11.5/ board foot)
Among exotic woods meant for top-quality floors, Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, counts for one of the best. It has a very rich reddish-brown color, and gives a pronounced grain that makes it different from other kinds of wood. Coupled with scarcity and the particular method of harvesting, makes it a premium choice for expensive wood flooring.
This species is often used for luxury hardwood flooring because it possesses outstanding characteristics. There is great emphasis on the durability of the material and how effectively it withstands wear. Its dark shades and refined ornaments make it suitable for adding some flair to any room.
Pros:
– Exceptional stiffness, making it highly resistant to dents and scratches
– Excellent stability, with minimal expansion and contraction under changing humidity and temperature
– Durability, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic over time
Cons:
– Can darken over time with exposure to light
– Needs regular maintenance to retain its luxurious appearance
6) Walnut ($11-$13.5/ per board foot)
Walnut has a rich, dark brown shade of color which serves well the traditional and mid-century designs. Walnut is a bit more soft compared to oak or hickory but it serves well in any part of the home. This species falls among the most expensive types of hardwood floors owing to the rarity of the species.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Elegant, warm tone
Cons:
- Less common
7) Mahogany ($13-$14/ foot)
Mahogany is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful hardwood flooring choices. It has an appealing deep hue with a subtle ring pattern that is perfect for more formal, traditional settings. This wood is highly durable and even offers some water resistance, though it tends to be more expensive.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Resistant to moisture
- Distinctive grain and deep color
Cons:
- Prone to scratching over time
- Limited availability in certain areas