Why is my new floor changing color?

Jatoba shifts from salmon-pink to deep reddish-brown in 3-6 months. Normal and expected.

Yes, 3-6 months. Rugs block UV causing uneven lighter patches.

Is jatoba really Brazilian cherry?

Marketing name only. Not related to true cherry. Much harder, different grain.

Flooring

stair treads

furniture

turning stock

heavy-use commercial floors

How to Finish Jatoba: Complete Staining & Sealing Guide (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Finishing Team

|Last updated June 8, 2026

Jatoba, commonly marketed as Brazilian cherry, is one of the hardest commercially available flooring woods. Its rich reddish-brown color deepens dramatically with light exposure, developing a warm, cherry-like patina.

Key Takeaways

Jatoba, commonly marketed as Brazilian cherry, is one of the hardest commercially available flooring woods.
Its rich reddish-brown color deepens dramatically with light exposure, developing a warm, cherry-like patina.
Oil-based poly for warm enhancement of red tones; water-based poly to slow color change; hardwax oil for natural look; aluminum oxide finish for high-traffic commercial floors.
Interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture.
Diffuse-porous with medium pores.

Wood Characteristics

Interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture. Diffuse-porous with medium pores. 2350 Janka, extremely hard. Salmon-pink to orange-brown when fresh, darkening to deep reddish-brown. Moderate tannin.

Recommended Finishes

Oil-based poly for warm enhancement of red tones; water-based poly to slow color change; hardwax oil for natural look; aluminum oxide finish for high-traffic commercial floors.

Preparation Steps

Sand through 80, 100, 120, 150 grit using aggressive abrasives. Dulls sandpaper quickly. Stop at 150 for floors, 180 for furniture. No conditioner needed.

Application Steps

1. Sand smooth with quality abrasives. 2. Clean thoroughly. 3. Apply finish thinly with grain. 4. Allow proper dry time, density slows drying. 5. Sand 220-320 between coats. 6. Apply 3 coats floors, 2-3 furniture. 7. Cure 72+ hours before rugs or furniture.

Maintenance Schedule

Poly floors: screen and recoat every 5-7 years. Extreme hardness resists wear well. Oil: refresh annually. Full refinish every 15-20 years. Color darkens 6-12 months after installation.

Common Mistakes

Not expecting dramatic color change from salmon to deep red; placing rugs immediately creating uneven color; using dull sandpaper that burnishes; not allowing extra cure time.

Interior vs Exterior

Interior: Outstanding for flooring. Don't place rugs for first 3-6 months for even color development. Exterior: Moderate outdoor durability but not commonly used for decking. Better options exist.