Exotic Species Grading Scale

What Makes a Species Exotic?

Exotic species are species not native to north America. The term Exotic is typically used to describe Brazilian and African hardwood materials, but can also include imported woods from Asia or Australia. Some examples include Tigerwood, Ipe (Brazilian walnut), Brazilian Cherry, Limbali, Dabema and Brazilian Oak to name a few. 

There is presently no governing body like the NWFA that oversees grading of Exotic wood materials. Manufacturers still grade their own materials and they mostly follow the same rules, with some tweaks to naming conventions. 

There has also traditionally been some confusion around Brazilian names for certain species and their English-ized names we more readily recognize. Reach out to us to help you decipher these and reduce confusion. Some common examples are Tigerwood (Koa), Teak (Cumaru), Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), just to name a few.

Exotic Grades:

Clear / Mixed - Highest available grade, minimal character and discoloration, though most exotic species just as a nature of their existence show plenty of color variation and mineral streaking. Think of Brazilian Tigerwood with its streaky appearance.

Selects Grade (not to be confused with American domestic Select & Better) - More variation in color and some cathedral graining. Shorter average lengths than Clear/Mixed Grade. This can be thought of as a Character Grade. 

Shorts and/or Rustic - Large knots, some small open knots, short boards, and defects. Plan on 20-25% waste factor with this grade.