For people who like oak flooring but find the grain lackluster there is a great product called tigerwood . Also known as zebrawood, tigerwood is found from southern Mexico to South America. It can grow as high as 90 to 120 ft and have a diameter of up to 5 ft, with the trunk being smooth for as far as 50 ft or more.
Stripes: One of the most endearing qualities of tigerwood is the color which varies from a dark yellow to a more neutral brown. However the capping achievement of the wood is the pattern that rides on the color. Dark brown and black stripes resemble the stripes of a tiger or zebra. With random planks this makes and amazing pattern which will deepen during the maturing process.
Hard: Tigerwood has a Janka hardness rating of 1260 which makes it 170% harder than Red Oak and harder than all the North American species. However, even if there are dents or scratches over the lifetime of the floor they will be hidden because of the unique pattern. The planks usually come quartersawn for an alternating color pattern and straight grain.
Decking: Tigerwood is also a great decking because it is almost impervious to water and rot.
For a flooring different from the ordinary tigerwood will fill the bill.
