Triangulo Hardwood Floors is a Brazilian manufacturer that has been producing exotic hardwood flooring since 1991. Their products — Brazilian cherry, Amendoim, Tigerwood, and other South American species — offer hardness levels and visual drama that domestic species simply cannot match. This review covers what makes Triangulo stand out, where it excels, and what Michigan homeowners should know before choosing an exotic hardwood.

Triangulo Brand Overview

Triangulo is headquartered in Curitiba, Brazil, and operates its own manufacturing facilities in the Brazilian state of Parana. Unlike importers who source from multiple mills, Triangulo controls the entire process from forest to finish — which shows in their consistency. All Triangulo products are FSC-certified, meaning the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Their product line focuses on solid prefinished hardwood in exotic Brazilian species, with plank widths from 3" to 5" and lengths up to 7 feet.

Triangulo Species: What's Available

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) — 2350 Janka

The flagship Triangulo species. Brazilian cherry is nearly twice as hard as red oak and features a dramatic grain pattern with interlocked fibers that create a distinctive visual texture. The color transformation is the defining characteristic: it starts as a salmon-pink and deepens to a rich reddish-mahogany over 6–12 months of UV exposure.

Best for: High-traffic areas, homes with large dogs, formal dining rooms. Anyone who wants a floor that will genuinely last generations.

Consider carefully: The color change is dramatic and irreversible. Area rugs will leave lighter patches if moved after the floor has darkened. Furniture placement should be considered permanent.

Amendoim (Brazilian Oak) — 1912 Janka

Amendoim offers a more subtle exotic look than Brazilian cherry — warm golden-brown tones with a straight to slightly interlocked grain. It's significantly harder than domestic oak but doesn't undergo the dramatic color change of Jatoba. A good choice for homeowners who want exotic hardness without the color transformation concern.

Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) — 1850 Janka

Tigerwood earns its name from dramatic dark streaks running through a golden-orange base. The contrast is striking and makes a bold design statement. Like Brazilian cherry, it will darken with UV exposure, though less dramatically.

Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) — 3680 Janka

The hardest commercially available flooring species. Brazilian walnut (Ipe) is used for outdoor decking because of its extreme density and natural oil content. As flooring, it's virtually indestructible — but that same density makes it difficult to nail and sand. Professional installation is non-negotiable.

Triangulo Finish Quality

All Triangulo prefinished products use an aluminum oxide finish applied in multiple coats under UV curing. The result is a finish that's harder than most site-applied finishes and comes with a 25-year residential warranty. The finish is available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss sheens.

One important note: exotic species like Brazilian cherry are naturally oily, which can interfere with finish adhesion if the floor is ever refinished. Always use a professional who has experience with exotic species for any future refinishing work.

Triangulo vs. Domestic Hardwood: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between Triangulo exotic hardwood and domestic species like white oak or maple comes down to three factors:

• Hardness: If maximum durability is the priority, Brazilian species win decisively. Brazilian cherry at 2350 Janka vs. white oak at 1360 is not a close comparison.
• Aesthetics: Domestic species offer more neutral, versatile looks that work with a wider range of interior styles. Exotic species make a bold statement that not every home can accommodate.
• Refinishability: Domestic species are easier to refinish. Exotic species require specialized equipment and expertise, and some (like Ipe) are difficult to refinish at all.

Installation Considerations for Michigan

Exotic hardwoods require the same acclimation process as domestic species — 3–7 days in the installation environment. However, the dense, oily nature of Brazilian species means they're more sensitive to moisture changes. Michigan's humidity swings from 20% in winter to 80% in summer can cause more movement in exotic species than in domestic oak.

We recommend engineered construction for exotic species in Michigan basements or over radiant heat. Triangulo offers engineered versions of their most popular species for these applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Triangulo flooring available in Michigan?

Yes. Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries Triangulo products at our Rochester Hills showroom. Contact us at (248) 601-0200 for current availability and pricing.

How does Triangulo compare to domestic hardwood for Michigan homes?

Triangulo exotic species are significantly harder than domestic oak and maple, making them excellent for high-traffic areas. The trade-off is more dramatic color change over time and more complex refinishing requirements. For most Michigan homes, domestic white oak or engineered hardwood is the more practical choice; exotic species are best for homeowners who specifically want the dramatic look and extreme hardness.