- Due to the density and strength of this South American hardwood, special tools are required when working with Brazilian Teak. Carbide-tipped saw blades and tapered, hardened steel or diamond drill bits are the only cutting option, as regular blades simply cannot handle the job. Planing also is difficult due to its tightly interlocked grain.
- As Brazilian Teak flooring has a tendency to split during the nailing process, pre-drilling and hand-nailing are the preferred techniques for installation. Nail the wood at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees to keep it from splitting. When installed in this manner, Brazilian Teak shows good holding ability.
- The best option is to purchase Brazilian Teak flooring already pre-finished. Extra care and precautions must be taken when finishing Brazilian Teak hardwood flooring. Dust from sanding may cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis. Always wear a mask and gloves when working with this type of hardwood. Scratches are also easily seen, so each consecutive sanding must carefully remove the scratches from the previous cut or sanding marks will be visible in the final finish.
Due to the oiliness of the wood, oil-based stains may not dry well when applied to Brazilian Teak flooring. Polyurethane, conversion varnishes and waterborne finishes are generally the most successful choices for finishing the floor. Check with your hardwood retailer for suggested finishes for your surface.
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