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Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring — also known as Jatoba — is one of the most sought-after exotic hardwoods for homeowners looking to make a bold and timeless statement. Known for its rich reddish-brown tones, high durability, and striking grain patterns, Brazilian Cherry brings warmth and elegance to any space. Whether you're renovating a classic Toronto home or upgrading a modern condo, this hardwood species offers both performance and visual impact.
At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we’ve installed Brazilian Cherry hardwood across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for over a decade. From engineered to solid planks, and from prefinished to unfinished styles, we offer tailored solutions based on your home’s needs, subfloor conditions, and design preferences.
If you're looking for a hardwood that combines exotic beauty with long-lasting strength, Brazilian Cherry might be the perfect fit.

Why Choose Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring?

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) is more than just beautiful — it’s one of the hardest and most resilient hardwoods available on the market today. Here’s why Toronto homeowners and contractors continue to choose it:

🪵 Unmatched Hardness and Durability
With a Janka hardness rating of 2,350, Brazilian Cherry is significantly harder than oak or maple. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, busy households, and even light commercial spaces.

🎨 Rich, Evolving Colour Tones
​The wood starts with deep red and golden-brown hues, and over time it darkens into a rich, luxurious reddish-burgundy — a natural patina that adds character and warmth. If you're after a floor that matures beautifully, this is it.

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🌀 Distinctive Grain Pattern
Brazilian Cherry features a unique, interlocking grain with natural variations and depth. This gives each plank a bold and exotic look, perfect for adding visual interest to wide-open spaces.

🌎 Ideal for Toronto’s Climate
​Its density and stability make it well-suited to the seasonal humidity changes we experience in Toronto. Whether solid or engineered, Brazilian Cherry can handle the shift from dry winters to humid summers when properly installed.

🏠 Versatile Applications 
Perfect for:

• Open-concept living areas
• Luxury kitchens
• Dining rooms
• Condos (especially engineered version)

Whether you want to make a grand impression or simply enjoy a floor that holds up for decades, Brazilian Cherry is a high-performance hardwood with exotic charm.

Solid vs Engineered Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring​

When choosing Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring, one of the first decisions to make is whether to go with solid or engineered planks. Both options offer the same rich, exotic appearance, but they differ in structure, performance, and installation requirements.
🪵 Solid Brazilian Cherry Hardwood
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of Brazilian Cherry wood and is typically ¾ inch thick.
Benefits:

• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
• Offers exceptional durability and lifespan
• Ideal for homes with plywood subfloors or where nail-down installation is preferred

Considerations:

• Not recommended for concrete subfloors or basements
• More susceptible to expansion/contraction from humidity
• May require acclimation time before installation

🏗️ Engineered Brazilian Cherry Hardwood
​Engineered hardwood features a top layer of real Brazilian Cherry bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This cross-layer construction adds stability.
Benefits:

• More resistant to moisture and humidity changes
• Can be installed over concrete, radiant heat, or in basements
• Available in click-lock or glue-down systems
• Still refinishable (depending on top layer thickness)

Best For:

• Toronto condos
• Basement suites
• Areas with fluctuating temperatures

💡 Which One Should You Choose?

• For above-grade installations and homeowners wanting maximum longevity: solid is ideal.
• For condos, basements, or concrete slabs: engineered is the smarter choice.

Need help deciding? Our team offers free on-site consultations in Toronto to evaluate your space and recommend the best Brazilian Cherry option for your needs.

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Prefinished vs Unfinished Brazilian Cherry Flooring

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Another important decision when choosing Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring is whether to go with prefinished or unfinished planks. Both have their benefits depending on the level of customization, timeline, and finish you’re looking for.

✅ Prefinished Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring
Prefinished flooring comes factory-sanded, stained, and sealed, ready for installation right out of the box.
Advantages:

• Faster installation – no sanding or staining required on-site
• Less mess – ideal for homes that are already occupied
• Durable factory finish – often cured with aluminum oxide for extra resistance
• Consistent appearance – color and sheen are uniform across planks

Ideal for: Quick renovations, condos, and homeowners who want a smooth, dust-free process.

🛠️ Unfinished Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished planks are raw wood that are finished on-site after installation. This allows full control over the final look.
Advantages:

• Fully customizable – choose your exact stain color and sheen
• Seamless look – sanding after installation creates a perfectly flat surface
• Best for matching existing hardwood or achieving a unique tone

Ideal for: Full renovations, custom homes, or those blending new floors with existing ones.

🧠 Which Is Better for You?

• Choose prefinished if you value speed, convenience, and minimal disruption.
• Choose unfinished if you want complete control over the final look and don’t mind a slightly longer project timeline.

Not sure which finish is right for your Toronto home? We offer expert guidance and side-by-side samples to help you make the perfect choice.

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring Installation in Toronto

Installing Brazilian Cherry hardwood requires experience, precision, and the right conditions — especially in Toronto’s climate. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we specialize in professional installation of both solid and engineered Brazilian Cherry floors, ensuring every plank is placed with care and expertise.

🔨 Installation Methods We UseDepending on your subfloor and flooring type, we offer:

• Nail-down installation (ideal for solid hardwood over plywood)
• Glue-down installation (perfect for engineered wood over concrete or radiant heat)
• Floating/click-lock installation (available with select engineered options)

🧱 Subfloor Preparation is KeyBefore we install, we ensure:

• Subfloor is clean, flat, and dry
• Moisture barriers are added where needed
• Acclimation time is given for solid wood to adjust to Toronto’s indoor climate

This preparation prevents future issues like cupping, gapping, or buckling — especially with exotic woods like Brazilian Cherry.

💨 Our Dustless ProcessWorried about mess? We use dust-control equipment to reduce airborne particles during prep or refinishing. This keeps your home cleaner and safer throughout the process.

📅 How Long Does Installation Take?

• Engineered prefinished: ~1–2 days (depending on size)
• Solid unfinished: 3–5+ days (includes staining & curing time)

We work efficiently without cutting corners, and keep you informed at every step.

🛠️ Post-Installation Care TipsAfter installation, we recommend:

• Avoiding furniture placement for 24 hours (48 if glued down)
• Using felt pads on furniture legs
• Maintaining humidity between 35–55% to protect exotic hardwoods

Thinking of installing Brazilian Cherry flooring in Toronto? Contact us today for a free quote and consultation — we’ll help you plan the perfect installation from start to finish.

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Cost of Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring in Toronto

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Brazilian Cherry is a premium exotic hardwood, and its pricing reflects both its luxurious appearance and exceptional durability. However, with proper guidance and the right installer, you can ensure every dollar is well spent.

💲 Material Costs (Per Square Foot)

• Prefinished Brazilian Cherry: $8.00 – $12.00
• Unfinished Solid Brazilian Cherry: $7.00 – $10.00
• Engineered Brazilian Cherry: $8.00 – $12.00

Prices vary depending on:

• Width of the planks (e.g., 5” wide plank = higher cost)
• Finish type (matte vs glossy, aluminum oxide coating)
• Grade and country of origin

🛠️ Installation Costs (Per Square Foot)

• Nail-down or glue-down installation: $3.50 - $4.50
• Old floor removal, depends on how installed (if needed): $0.50 – $3.00
• Sanding & staining (for unfinished): $5.00 – $6.00

If your subfloor needs leveling or moisture protection, there may be additional costs.

🔢 Estimated Full Project Cost
For a 500 sq. ft. area:

• Engineered Prefinished: ~$6,500 – $9,500 (material + install)
• Solid Unfinished + Sanding/Staining: ~$7,500 – $11,000

These are estimates, and exact costs depend on:

• Site conditions
• Whether the flooring is prefinished or unfinished
• Staircases or detailed transitions

🤝 How to Get an Accurate Quote
At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we offer:

• Free on-site consultations across Toronto & the GTA
• Honest advice on product selection to match your budget
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

Let us help you plan your Brazilian Cherry flooring project with confidence and clarity.

Pros and Cons of Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) is a popular exotic hardwood known for its bold appearance and exceptional strength — but like any material, it comes with both advantages and tradeoffs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Toronto home:

✅ Pros
1. Extremely Durable
With a Janka hardness rating over 2,300, Brazilian Cherry is significantly tougher than oak or maple — making it highly resistant to dents and wear.
2. Rich, Luxurious Appearance
Its signature reddish-brown tones deepen over time, creating a warm and elegant aesthetic that makes a statement in any room.
3. Long Lifespan
When properly installed and maintained, Brazilian Cherry floors can last decades. Solid versions can also be sanded and refinished multiple times.
4. Exotic Appeal
The grain and coloring are unique to Jatoba, giving your floor a one-of-a-kind look that stands apart from domestic woods.
5. Compatible with Various Finishes
Works well with matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes — prefinished or custom on-site.

❌ Cons
1. Darkens Over Time
Brazilian Cherry naturally oxidizes and becomes darker with exposure to light — which may affect interior color schemes or furniture pairing.
2. Can Be Pricey
As an imported exotic hardwood, it’s generally more expensive than oak, birch, or maple — both in material and installation costs.
3. Harder to Match with Light Interiors
Its bold color can overwhelm spaces designed with minimalist or pale-toned aesthetics.
4. Can Be Difficult to Re-Stain
Because of its dense grain and natural oils, refinishing Brazilian Cherry requires expertise for even color distribution.
5. Not Ideal for DIY
Its hardness makes cutting and installing more labor-intensive — best handled by professionals with the right tools and adhesives.

🧠 Is Brazilian Cherry Right for You?
If you want flooring that turns heads, lasts decades, and adds real value to your home — Brazilian Cherry is a standout. However, if you prefer a light-toned or budget-friendly option, you may want to consider alternatives like white oak or red oak.
Still unsure? Our team can bring real samples to your home and guide you through the decision.

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Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring Reviews From Our Customers

I really enjoy my new laminate floors in our commercial space. Emil suggested very good material. I am impressed by how nice these floors look. Also going with new high baseboards finished of the high end look. Im grateful for the work that they did!

Trav Vo - Google Reviews

Parqueteam went above and beyond all my expectations. Parqueteam was very fast, efficient, professional and extremely helpful throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend their services.
​
David Mosleh - Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring in Toronto

❓ Is Brazilian Cherry good for flooring?
Yes — Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) is one of the most durable hardwoods available, with a Janka hardness rating over 2,300. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, offering both strength and visual impact.

❓ Is Brazilian Cherry hardwood expensive?
Compared to domestic woods like oak or maple, Brazilian Cherry is more expensive due to its imported nature and exotic characteristics. However, its longevity and striking appearance make it a worthwhile investment for many Toronto homeowners.

❓ Do Brazilian Cherry floors scratch easily?
Due to its hardness, Brazilian Cherry is resistant to surface scratches and dents. However, no hardwood is scratch-proof — proper care, furniture pads, and area rugs are recommended.

❓ Does Brazilian Cherry hardwood darken over time?
Yes. Brazilian Cherry will naturally darken with exposure to light, developing deeper red and burgundy tones over several months. This is a normal aging process that many homeowners love.

❓ Can Brazilian Cherry hardwood be refinished?
Absolutely. Solid Brazilian Cherry can be refinished multiple times. Even engineered versions can often handle at least one refinishing, depending on the wear layer thickness.

❓ Is Brazilian Cherry harder than oak?
Yes — much harder. Oak has a Janka rating of ~1,300, while Brazilian Cherry sits around 2,350, making it nearly twice as hard.

❓ How much does Brazilian Cherry hardwood cost in Toronto?
Expect to pay around:

• $8.00 – $12.00 per sq. ft. for material
• $3.50 - $4.50 per sq. ft. for installation
  The total cost depends on whether it’s solid or engineered, prefinished or unfinished, and the condition of your subfloor.

❓ Is Brazilian Cherry flooring outdated?
​Not at all. While trends come and go, Brazilian Cherry remains a timeless choice for those who appreciate bold, elegant wood tones. Its deepening color only adds to its charm over time.