Reader Question - Brazilian Cherry April 29, 2008
Question:
Does Brazilian Cherry get darker with age? If I have a dark cherry floor and need to refinish a large area, should I stain the newly refinished area the original color and let it darken over time to blend with the existing floor
Response:
Brazilian Cherry definitely gets darker with age. In my experience, it is not good to try to “match” the portion of the floor that has already aged because it will age, too. (and it rarely works out where it is a good match – it usually looks like you tried to match it and you missed by a shade) Eventually, the new stained floor will be darker than the original and the original can never “catch up” because it doesn’t have stain on it. It does take time, but if there is no stain on the original floor, it is best to wait for the natural aging process to take place. The only consideration I would make for staining to match is if the new area gets NO sunlight and you have an extremely experienced refinisher.
Have you had a similar experience? Tell us your story!
FAQ’s about Brazilian Cherry
- Brazilian Cherry is the most popular hardwood flooring import from Brazil
- Known in South America as Jatoba
- It’s known for it’s hardness and durability
- Opened grained like oak flooring
- Harder than oak flooring
- It’s a great choice for homes and commercial applications
- Sold in solid form as well as engineered
- Sold in multiple widths including 3″ and 5″
- Ranges in color are expected and are considered part of the beauty of the product
- Features dark brown and black stripes with an orange or redish body
- Brazilian cherry floors that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified are available
Very good points. Other items to consider with Brazilian Chery could include how many are mislead into how fast the color change takes place. Some reports have shown less than a few months, but in reality expect the change to continue for at least five years.
I wish I had known this color change would take
place. Should I remove the area rugs and let it
all change in color? I have blinds and sheers on the
windows except for the skylight.
Will the discoloration continue longer than 5 yrs?
Any care products with sunblock in them?
Laurie