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Amendoim (Ybyraro)
Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Exotic Species
Scientific Name:
Pterogyne nitens
Other Common Names and Related Species:
- Brazilian Oak
- Guiaro
- Ibiraro
- Pau Fava
- Viraro
- Ybyraro
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Origin:
Amendoim (or Ybyraro) is distributed throughout South America, including Argentina, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil.
Janka Hardness: 1912
Amendoim is 100% harder than American Walnut, 50% harder than Red Oak, 40% harder than White Oak, and 30% harder than hard Maple.
Grades of Amendoim Flooring:
Clear grade Amendoim flooring is color-sorted for a rich pink color similar to that of Red Birch. #1 Common Amendoim flooring is occasionally available, but the Clear grade is most prevalent and popular.
Amendoim Flooring Dimension Specifications:
All Amendoim flooring is milled in South America because it is more cost-effective to ship finished material than raw lumber. Lengths of the Amendoim flooring bundles are 7 feet so they can easily fit into 8-foot-wide steel shipping containers. All pre-milled products are tongue-&-groove and end-matched (tongue-&-grooved on the ends of the boards). Moisture content ranges from 6% to 8% for quick acclimation. The average length of the flooring pieces is usually about 3 feet and ranges from 1 to 7 feet. Almost all imported flooring that is found is in 7-foot bundles, with widths available from 2¼″ to 5″. Typically, if a long or wide plank floor is desired, raw lumber must be obtained and the flooring milled here in the United States. Typically, the lengths can develop up to 12 feet. However, the cost can be double that of the pre-milled stock because of waste and labor costs in the United States. Also, raw lumber is relatively expensive because it is taxed more heavily than finished products to support local economies in South America. Amendoim lumber is virtually impossible to find in the U.S., limiting the flooring lengths to the standards of pre-milled products.
Flooring Availability:
Amendoim is available prefinished and unfinished solid for nail-down applications on a wood subfloor and in engineered form with a veneer top layer for installation on concrete. Amendoim is fairly scarce in comparison with many Brazilian species such as Brazilian Cherry. There is a moderate amount of Amendoim in South America, and it is not endangered. However, less logging, stricter regulations, and a slower American economy have slightly limited commodities and caused slightly higher prices of this product in this country.
Finished Floor Appearance:
A Clear grade floor will have an even pinkish red appearance. Amendoim flooring is one of the few South American species that does not darken dramatically with sunlight. Another is Tauari, or Brazilian Oak. Amendoim is also called “Brazilian Oak,” which can be confusing. The two are different in appearance.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
Amendoim flooring is durable and resists denting and traffic wear well. It is harder than North American Red Oak because of its density and is relatively stable. Amendoim flooring is very heavy, weighing about 3 pounds per square foot.
Workability of Amendoim Flooring:
Although extremely hard and tough, Amendoim works with limited difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the Amendoim flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers can be used. It holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It can be somewhat difficult to sand with flooring equipment because of its hardness. Oil-based finishes allow Amendoim to age to a deeper red color. Lacquer or de-waxed shellac can first be applied to help preserve the distinctive red color of the wood; it will also help with drying time. Water-based finishes will preserve the natural color longer. Professional sanding and finishing is recommended. This wood is very resistant to decay and insects; these resistant properties may contribute to a possible allergic response to the dust. To avoid a possible allergic reaction to the material, wear a dust mask and long-sleeve shirt when working with Amendoim.
Principal Uses of Amendoim Flooring:
Amendoim flooring is used in medium- and high-end residential and commercial applications for a dramatically elegant floor. It is also used as a durable alternative to Red Birch because of its similar color and grain. Often Red Birch is used for trim, as Amendoim lumber is difficult to obtain.
