Article Written By: billmanning
Mahogany refers to numerous varieties of dark coloured hardwood trees. The timber obtained from the tree has an auburn appearance that darkens over time, and exhibits a reddish brown sheen when polished. It has great workability and is very resilient in nature. Santos mahogany is a dark coloured type that is native to Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil and other Central American countries. It is dense and durable and is used for both commercial and residential floor requirements. The warm tones associated with this type of wood together with the grain patterns can add depth to the floor of any building. Benefits: A major advantage of Santos mahogany flooring is the resilience of the wood. It is rot resistant and can be installed in homes or warehouses with high levels of humidity or dampness. The flooring is also recommended for basement flooring purposes. Its warm appearance and compact grain structure makes it suitable for home entryways, living rooms and dining areas. Basically, you can install Santos mahogany flooring in any part of your home as long as it matches with the rooms interior design. The appearance of the wood makes it apt for a rustic theme. It can spice up the look of old colonial houses especially when it ages. Potential Disadvantages:You will have to consider the individual characteristics when choosing complimentary items and colours to match it. It darkens gradually especially in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. It is therefore not strange to find some areas of the floor much darker than the rest of the house. This disparity of tones can be worrying and must be taken care of to prevent embarrassment. This problem can be counteracted by putting up fluffy rugs in areas that receive direct sunlight. This includes the floor area near windows and doors. How to Maintain: In essence, any timber associated with mahogany possesses the auburn colour which darkens with age. The timber also has an even grain structure which become more apparent when polished. Normally, direct sunlight and exposure to high levels of moisture contributes to deepening of the colour. Regular polishing is also vital to spruce up the wood grain and highlight its auburn appearance. Likewise, when painting the Santos Mahogany flooring, it is recommended you select a colour that will age well with the wood. Some colours may appear less appealing as the wood begins to age.Installation:Homeowners are always advised to request for several samples of mahogany woodwork in order to make comparisons. This will enable you to make an informed choice about complimentary furniture that will age at the same rate as your floor. For instance, you want the mahogany cabinets and drawers in your kitchen to look the same as the Santos Mahogany flooring even after many years. This will require you to select the type of mahogany that not only looks the same, but also ages and darkens at the same rate as your floor. Price:The price of Santos Mahogany varies depending on several factors but is almost similar in most stores. Depending on the type of finishing given to the material, price ranges between $3 and $6 per square foot in many hardware stores.
This Article Has Been Published on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 and Read 269 Times