When considering hardwood flooring options, Brazilian Cherry (also known as Jatoba) often stands out for its rich, warm tones and striking grain. But one question frequently arises: Is Brazilian Cherry wood expensive?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on how you evaluate cost, quality, and long-term value. Let’s look at why Brazilian Cherry is often seen as a premium choice and why its price tag might be more justified than you think.
The Durability Factor: Brazilian Cherry’s Janka Hardness
Brazilian Cherry is renowned for its exceptional durability, thanks to its high Janka hardness rating of around 2,690 lbf (pounds-force). This measurement indicates how resistant a wood species is to dents, scratches, and wear.
To put it in perspective, Brazilian Cherry is significantly harder than many other popular hardwoods, like oak (around 1,200 lbf) or maple (around 1,450 lbf). This incredible hardness means Brazilian Cherry floors can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, and even the occasional dropped object without showing significant damage. In fact, with proper care, a Brazilian Cherry floor can last a lifetime.
You Get What You Pay For
While it’s true that you can find cheaper hardwood flooring options, the old saying “you get what you pay for” rings especially true in this case. Less expensive hardwood floors are often made from softer woods, which are more prone to dents, gouges, and scratches.
Over time, these imperfections accumulate, leaving the floor’s finish looking rough and worn. Dents and gouges can even cause the finish to chip away, exposing the raw wood and accelerating wear.
When it comes time to refinish softer hardwood floors, the process can be more intensive. To remove deep dents and gouges, you may need to sand down the floor significantly—sometimes removing up to a quarter-inch of the top wear layer. Since the wear layer of most hardwood floors is only so thick, excessive sanding can drastically reduce the number of times a floor can be refinished, ultimately shortening its lifespan.
In contrast, Brazilian Cherry’s superior hardness makes it highly resistant to dents and gouges. When refinishing a Brazilian Cherry floor, you typically only need to remove the old finish and a minimal amount of wood—often as little as 1/16 of an inch.
This preserves the thickness of the wear layer, allowing the floor to be refinished multiple times over the years. The result? A Brazilian Cherry floor often outlasts softer, cheaper hardwood floors by decades, making it a smart long-term investment.
The Cost of Brazilian Cherry: Why It Seems Expensive
At first glance, Brazilian Cherry flooring may appear more expensive than other hardwood options, but there’s a reason for this. Many local flooring stores purchase Brazilian Cherry through second- or third-hand suppliers, each adding their own markup to the price.
This inflated cost can make Brazilian Cherry seem prohibitively expensive. However, savvy buyers can bypass these markups by purchasing directly from a trusted importer like AdvantageLumber.com. As a direct importer, AdvantageLumber.com cuts out the middleman, offering Brazilian Cherry flooring at a significantly lower price and shipping it directly to your home. For large flooring projects, this direct-to-consumer approach can save you thousands of dollars.
The Bottom Line: Is Brazilian Cherry Worth It?
While Brazilian Cherry may carry a higher upfront cost than some other hardwoods, its durability, longevity, and low maintenance make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Its high Janka hardness ensures it resists dents and gouges better than most hardwoods, preserving its beauty and extending its lifespan. When you factor in the reduced need for frequent refinishing and the potential savings from buying direct, Brazilian Cherry becomes an investment that pays dividends over time.
If you’re considering Brazilian Cherry for your next flooring project, skip the middleman and explore direct importers like AdvantageLumber.com. Not only will you get a premium, lifetime-lasting floor, but you’ll also save significantly on your investment. So, is Brazilian Cherry wood expensive? It might seem so at first, but when you consider its durability and long-term value, it’s clear that Brazilian Cherry is a flooring choice that’s worth every penny.