“We’re” getting ready to install a new floor in a bedroom we’re renovating- I want to put in hardwood (decided against laminate after reading some of the posts here- even though some of the comments were positive), the room is on the 2nd flr, about 200 sq ft total. The subfloor is new 3/4″ t&g plywood over sleepers 16″oc. A flooring store that we visited this weekend had a display of what they called “exotic beech.” When I asked the salesperson what that was, he stated that name was a marketing thing; the wood was actually hevea brasiliensis, aka Rubberwood. He claims its as hard as red oak and a bit more stable. This selection was 3/4″ x 3 1/4″ wide, prefinished w/ 25 yr wrnty, natural grade for $4/sq ft. I really liked the lighter color and the lighter graining of the wood. I’m more insterested in knowing if anyone has experience with this particular type of hardwood and can comment on its performance or any installation tips? Thanks.
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I put pre-finished Hevea down in my living room, it was nice to work with. It planed nicely with the handplane for adjusting edges, it cut well with both the Japanese pull saws and the circular saw, and it has been very stable. It was installed on a cement slab as well so the lack of movement has been nice. Only bad thing about the installation has been the poly or whatever precoating was used has been scratched up somewhat badly by the pet's claws. In the right light you can see the scratches very easily even after just a few months of it being in place.
-Ray
Thanks, Ray. I've decided to give it a try. Will let you know how it works out- I'm hoping to at least start it this weekend- the wood has acclimated for about a week.