Floor Refinish or Replace? Anyone have experience with Brazilian Cherry?

13 years ago

We recently purchased a house (we haven't yet taken possession) that has newly installed brazilian cherry hardwood (Mountain Grade, which gives it the distinctive colour variations in the picture). We don't like the colour variation in the planks and have not found any reliable resource to comment on the feasibility of re-staining/re-finishing to obtain a much more uniform dark (espresso or black) colour. I've seen some pictures online which are somewhat similar, but none as orange and these floors. Before we purchase a new floor and remove these, we want to ensure we've explored all options. Jatoba or Brazilian Cherry is a good quality hardwood and it seems a shame to remove these.

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bbarick

13 years ago

I have a floor very similar to this one, mine is Brazilian teak with extreme color variations. It was installed while we were away on vacation upon returning it looked way too shockingly busy. But now that we have the furniture and rugs back on it, it looks much more subdued and actually very nice. I personally think the problem with the kitchen is the red wall...perhaps if you repainted a nice warm light beige or ivory the whole picture would blend better together.

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Comments (9)

charleee
13 years ago
OH, no, I LOVE your floor! But if you don't like it, is it possible to maybe use some throw rugs to save you the trouble of refinishing?
Cassandra Osborn
Original Author
13 years ago
I know, it's such a personal taste! There is 650 sq.ft. of the floor... and the previous owners had a large throw rug in the living room. We find it just too busy for a large open space.
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charleee
13 years ago
Wow, 650 sq ft....I doubt this was inexpensive. The previous owners should have gone with something more neutral.

Well, I don't know where you live, but if you Google your zip code and the words "floor refinishers" you should be able to get someone to come out and give you a quote.

I would like to caution you agains espresso floors. I had these in my last place. I guarantee you, no matter how often you sweep, vacuum or mop, they will always look dusty and dirty. That is something I will NEVER do again!
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ct design studio
13 years ago
Given the high amount of variation these boards have naturally, I don't know how well they will take a dark, more consistent stain. My experience would say they will not. I actually think you would be more successful darkening your cabinets. Have some professionals take a look and even better see if the previous owners left any extra flooring behind for a refinisher to experiment with.
AMN
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Great idea, ct (bringing extra flooring to refinishers). This is a toughie, but I am 100% with you on wanting to change it. It would drive me nuts.

I would try very hard to see if you can find a talented refinisher who is willing to try getting this floor as dark as possible. If you're willing to approach the espresso tones, then it sounds like you're prepared for a very dark finish -- which is probably what is necessary in order to tone down the variegation. Good luck!
User
13 years ago
I have brazilian cherry but it is uniform dark reddish brown all over. I would never have a dark floor again - too hard to keep clean and shows every little streak.
Your floor is beyond saving at least in the picture shown. Maybe you could remove it from the kitchen and use tile instead. Having less of it and covering with the largest sisal carpet you can fit in your rooms might make it livable.
charleee
13 years ago
I think we should all say a final fairwell to dark floors. Amen.
uhoh_busted
13 years ago
I agree about repainting (oh, it will be "fun" to paint over red, even with the new types of paint that "make it easier") and suggest that you live with the floor a bit longer to get used to it. One advantage to the various tones in the floor, is that it won't show dust and stuff as quickly. We have oak floors that were stained "black cherry" by the previous owners. They look gorgeous when clean and polished...for about three days. You need to sweep and dust EVERYTHING pretty nearly every day to keep it looking good.